A family retreat offers a lot of Phuket fun

Guests staying at the recently upgraded Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas in Phuket get two resorts for the price of one. 

Just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport, 300 metres from the beach and directly opposite the Turtle Village shopping centre, Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket is seriously good choice for travellers with children. 

There is a huge range of activities for young ones, along with a kid's club that offers child-minding while Mum and Dad enjoy some "alone" time.

Guests can also utilise all the facilities at sister property Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a beachfront luxury resort with its own chic Anantara Spa - where you can enjoy a decidedly adult cannabis spa treatment among other treats.

Avani + guests can also dine at the Anantara restaurants and bars, which range from Fire, Sea, Salt to the funky Mojito Truck (below).

That is in addition to a range of Avani + on-site dining options ranging from some excellent seafood at Claws & Co (below) to tasty al fresco Asian beer garden fare at Chop Chop.   

Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas is described as "a tropical island setting" with suites, pool suites and pool villas ideal for family groups and a large pool, kids’ club and playground at the centre of activities. 

In addition to a very chilled vibe, there are plenty of activities on offer from early-morning bike rides (apologies to the French couple I nearly bowled over), to a tennis court, gym. climbing wall and plenty of walk options. The more adventurous might like to try their hands at Muay Thai boxing. 

To get a true taste of Phuket, I'd recommend the Asian Trails Jai Yen Yean Rum Factory tour, which visits a local distillery, a cashew nut factory and the island's imposing Big Buddha. 

Back at resort, all of the bright 100 suites, pool suites and pool villas come equipped with a kitchenette and laundry.  

The pool villas are private oases for couples (try to book one with its own private plunge pool). 

There is a concierge team for organising off-site excursions, and transportation can be easily organised by the front desk, manned by a team of very amenable and helpful people. 

All Accommodation features a large balcony or terrace, big living and dining spaces,  kitchens with utensils, washing machines and dryers, en-suite bathrooms with double basins, rain shower and oversized bathtubs, LED TVs with international channels in living areas and all bedrooms, a coffee machine/plunger, hair dryer, in-room safe and complimentary wifi. 

Buffet breakfasts are served at Talad restaurant, or you might want to opt for an in-villa floating breakfast (above), which will delight kids of all ages.

Here is the link to some special deals: www.avanihotels.com/en/mai-khao-phuket/offers/summer-beach-holidays 

Jetstar has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/