Phuket often gets a reputation for being busy—and yes, it absolutely can be. Lively beach towns, buzzing nightlife, and packed streets are part of its appeal for some travellers. But when you’re travelling with a toddler, the key to enjoying Phuket is simple - choose the right resort location.

Do that well, and Phuket becomes a wonderfully easy, sunny and memorable family destination. Get it wrong, and it can feel overwhelming very quickly.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and that means variety. While areas like Patong are famous for their energy, there are also peaceful stretches of coastline where life slows right down. These quieter areas are ideal for families, offering calm beaches, gentle seas, and resorts designed with space and comfort in mind.

We always recommend looking at Phuket’s quieter northwest coast or secluded bays away from the main tourist centres. These areas offer more peaceful beachfront settings, resorts with large gardens and often private beach access as well as a shorter airport transfer. Traffic in Phuket can be very hectic especially in peak hours and no one needs unnecessary stress on a holiday!

You still have easy access to Phuket Old Town, markets and boat trips—but you return at the end of the day to somewhere calm and restorative.

On our recent trip, we stayed in two carefully chosen resorts that showed us just how family-friendly Phuket can be when you base yourself in the right areas.

First, we stayed at SAii Laguna Phuket and it ticked so many boxes for travelling with a toddler. It makes an immediate impression from the moment you arrive. The open, light-filled lobby has a real wow factor with sweeping views across the sea.

One of the biggest highlights is the location. SAii Laguna sits right on Bang Tao Beach, which is wide, sandy, and very child-friendly. Bang Tao offers a rare combination in Phuket: a beautiful, wide beach, walkable restaurants, stylish beach clubs and a relaxed atmosphere that still feels connected.

The grounds are expansive and immaculately maintained, offering plenty of space to stroll, relax or let little ones play safely. The lagoon system that winds through the resort not only adds to the scenery but also allows guests to use the charming lagoon shuttle boats. It’s such a fun and relaxing way to get around—and our toddler absolutely loved it. A commute that absolutely doubles as an activity! We particularly liked out visit to the Canal village - a selection of restaurants and boutique shops right by the water!

This is genuinely a fantastic family resort. Their ground-floor rooms offer direct access to grassy areas or the beach—perfect for letting kids roam and burn off energy. The beach is calm and safe, making paddling and sand play easy and stress-free. The pool water slide was an absolute hit! Our toddler wanted to go again and again and it quickly became the highlight of every day.

The staff were consistently kind, attentive, and genuinely welcoming to families. Breakfast was another standout—an impressive selection with plenty of choice for both adults and little ones.

For the second part of our Phuket stay, we chose The Slate—and it could not have been a more perfect contrast. Located near Nai Yang Beach, just minutes from the airport yet feeling wonderfully secluded, The Slate offers a rare sense of calm in an otherwise lively island.

This is a resort we confidently recommend to clients seeking something truly distinctive: a place where design, nature and tranquillity come together beautifully.

What makes The Slate unique is its bold, industrial-meets-nature design, inspired by Phuket’s tin-mining heritage. The resort feels like a living art gallery, with fascinating details around every corner.

What we liked the the most is its lush, natural setting that feels calm and immersive, atmospheric fire pits lit in the evenings and thoughtfully designed suites and villas that feel private and serene. 

Resort villas deserve a special mention. They are truly exceptional and easily among the most spacious I have seen at any resort worldwide. Designed as private sanctuaries, each villa offers an extraordinary sense of space and seclusion, with a large private swimming pool, generous garden and beautifully designed outdoor areas. What truly sets them apart is the inclusion of a private spa within the villa itself, complete with space for two massage beds, a sauna and a steam room—an indulgent feature rarely found even in the world’s finest resorts. With separate living and bedroom pavilions, the villas provide both privacy and flexibility, making them ideal for guests who value space, comfort and understated luxury. Surprisingly, the cost was very affordable too!

Our Pearl suite was excellent also—spacious, beautifully designed and incredibly peaceful with its private outdoor space . It felt like a sanctuary, and after busy days in Phuket, returning to such a calm environment was priceless.

The breakfast here was, once again, outstanding—easily among the best we experienced on the trip. The staff were warm, friendly and genuinely welcoming.

The iconic Black Ginger restaurant, reached by ferry across a lagoon, is an experience in itself and will be a highlight of any stay.

When it comes to location, the resort is ideally positioned in a vibrant yet convenient area, with a wide range of dining, shopping and leisure options right on the doorstep. 

The Slate is one of those rare resorts that leaves a lasting impression. 

Phuket isn’t about avoiding the crowds entirely—it’s about knowing where to stay. A well-chosen resort transforms the experience from overwhelming to effortless.

Maryna and her family travelled to Thailand in November 2024. We specialise in matching families with the right resorts in Thailand. Please email

Or call us on Tel: 0208675 7878 to discuss your perfect stay !

photo credit Marina Shcherbakova, SAii Laguna Phuket, The Slate

Thailand is often celebrated for its buzzing beaches and lively tourist hubs—but when you’re travelling with a toddler, serenity becomes priceless. 

That’s why our recent twin-centre adventure to Koh Lanta and Koh Jum was the perfect blend of peaceful island life, authentic Thai culture, and family-friendly luxury.

These islands remain blissfully untouched compared to Thailand’s more crowded hotspots. Think quiet beaches, friendly locals and a calm pace of life. They’re ideal for families seeking rest, nature, and meaningful experiences.

Our stay began at the award-winning Pimalai Resort, a stunning eco-conscious retreat tucked into lush jungle overlooking a pristine beach. It’s the kind of place where you instantly exhale. It somehow manages to feel both luxurious and super relaxed. How about a sunset happy hour on the beach where the shoes are optional?

We had the chance to experience two room categories. The first one was a Deluxe room - perfect for families with little ones, these rooms are just steps from the beach, restaurants, and pools. Spacious, comfortable, and incredibly convenient—loading up on beach toys or popping back when you’ve forgotten a sun hat for the 17th time was incredibly easy!

Our Hillside One Bedroom Pool villa was nothing short of breathtaking. Perched above the treetops, it offered panoramic views, huge indoor and outdoor space, a private pool and total privacy. The villa’s expansive layout gave us plenty of room to relax once our toddler was asleep—an underrated perk for parents! Resort buggies were readily available and it only took a few minutes getting to the main facilities of the resort. 

The staff were exceptionally warm, attentive, and genuinely kind to our little one. Every restaurant offered something delicious—fresh seafood, Thai favourites, Western dishes as well as wonderful kid-friendly options. Our favourite was Rak Talay Beachfront restaurant - we could eat in peace while our son played in the sand nearby. 

As a certified sustainable resort, Pimalai ensures all this luxury remains eco-friendly.

A small village just outside the resort offers local restaurants, shops, and a chance to experience daily island life.

A highlight of our trip was the resort’s luxury boat tour to Koh Haa, a cluster of islands famous for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. We snorkelled over colourful reefs, spotted tropical fish, and soaked up the tranquillity. The day ended with drinks and canapés on board as the sun dipped into the sea—a magical memory for parents, even if the toddler enjoyed mostly snacks and sea breezes!

Our second experience was the Following Giants tour. This experience was deeply meaningful as this is an ethical no-touch, no-ride elephant sanctuary. We watched rescued elephants roam freely in their natural habitat. Each elephant had its own story and character. Observing these gentle giants simply being themselves—eating, walking, socialising—was incredibly moving and a wonderful way to introduce a child to wildlife conservation.

After Koh Lanta, we boarded a speedboat to Koh Jum, a peaceful, authentic island that feels like stepping back in time. Quiet, rustic, and wonderfully untouched, Koh Jum is perfect for travellers wanting a deep connection with nature and is only 30 min away by speedboat from Koh Lanta. It was the perfect amount of time—not long enough for a toddler meltdown, but long enough for us to feel adventurous.

We stayed at Koh Jum Beach Villas, a true nature-lover’s paradise. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt thoughtful and personal. The resort grows much of its produce in its own vegetable garden, and we were welcomed into our villa with a plate of the freshest papaya, a simple yet lovely touch that immediately set the tone for our stay.

The resort blends seamlessly with the tropical forest, with luxury villas located just steps from the beach.  

Our Pool Villa was spacious and serene. A separate kitchen located in its own standalone building was very convenient, making longer stays especially comfortable.

This villa was ideal for our toddler, who loved splashing and playing in the private pool throughout the day. The pool was a true full-size swimming pool, generous enough for proper laps as well as relaxed family time.

Wellness is another highlight here. I enjoyed an excellent Thai massage for just 800 baht, offering remarkable value and an experience that easily rivals treatments at far more expensive resorts. 

At night, the resort transforms into something truly special. We wandered the pathways with a torch, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and gentle waves in the distance. It felt intimate, immersive, and completely unique.

Sustainability is central to everything they do at Koh Jum Beach Villas. The pools use a sea water chlorinator, which is healthier and more eco-friendly. The resort is deeply committed to environmental protection, making it a fantastic choice for conscious travellers.

Time slowed down here. We spent our days playing on the beach, exploring small villages, and enjoying the simplicity of island life—no crowds, no rush, just pure relaxation. Our time on Koh Jum was a perfect example of why this island is such a special recommendation for clients seeking space, authenticity and relaxed luxury. It is a destination we confidently recommend to clients looking to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy Thailand at its most peaceful.

This trip was the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and child-friendly chaos. 

Maryna travelled to Thailand in November 2025. If you’re dreaming of Thailand but worried it’ll be too busy or too stressful with a little one—let us

help you, Please email or call us on Tel 02086757878 to discuss your perfect Island!

photo credit Marina Shcherbakova, Pimalai Resort and Koh Jum Beach Villas

At the southernmost tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, you’ll find Los Cabos – a destination that manages to be both wild and luxurious. It's the sort of place where you might spot a whale breaching from the infinity pool of your five-star resort or sip a mezcal cocktail while watching pelicans dive-bomb for their dinner. What makes Los Cabos exceptional? While the Yucatan certainly has its charms (and I do love Tulum and Holbox), the beaches in Los Cabos are on another level entirely - pristine, less crowded, and framed by dramatic rock formations that create the most spectacular backdrop to every photo.

Marine Life

Los Cabos is a marine biologist's dream. The waters surrounding the peninsula host approximately 80% of the world's aquatic mammals – a statistic that becomes quite awe-inspiring when you're watching a humpback whale and her calf breach just offshore during breakfast (which I am assured happens regularly during the season).

Whale watching here apparently isn't the squinting-at-distant-splashes you might have experienced elsewhere. During the season (December to April), boat tours are plentiful, but my top tip is to simply watch from shore – particularly from the cliff-side restaurant at Esperanza Resort, where the food somehow manages to live up to the Attenborough moments happening in the waters below.

Beyond the Beach: Mountains, Golf Courses and Adventures

While the sea is the star attraction, Los Cabos offers surprising depth for the adventurous visitor. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains provide waterfalls, off roading and hiking trails with views that rival those from any infinity pool.

For golf enthusiasts, the courses here border on the ridiculous in their beauty. The Pamilla Golf Club features 27 holes, each seemingly competing with the next for the most spectacular view over the Sea of Cortez. Even as someone who considers golf a good walk spoiled, I found myself constantly reaching for my camera as I was shown around the course.

Accommodation: From Treehouses to All-Inclusive Luxury

The accommodation options in Los Cabos range from the luxurious to the fascinatingly unique. Acre stands out in the latter category – a property featuring treehouses, villas and casitas set within an oasis of palm trees. The property operates its own organic farm, supplying the excellent restaurant, and cookery school (where I helped to whip up a lunch of local delicacies including the most amazing ceviche) and also rescues puppies. Yes, actual puppies!!

If, like me, you believe that one pool is never enough, Auberge Resorts Chileno Bay will feel like aquatic heaven. The property features three cascading pools, thoughtfully designed for different demographics: one for children (safely distant from my cocktail), one for families, and one adults-only sanctuary where I spent most of my time.

The afternoon floating margarita bar deserves special mention – serving mini margaritas and Pina coladas. I requested (purely for research purposes) one of each and can confirm that they are perfectly made and easily consumed while floating in the warm water and enjoying the spectacular views.

If I had to choose one resort that captures everything magical about Los Cabos, it would be Montage Los Cabos. This is the rare gem that ticks every single box on your luxury wish list.

The food here is nothing short of legendary - think tuna tostadas, jumbo prawns, perfect steaks and of course the most spectacular ocean views. Though what sets Montage apart from many Los Cabos properties is its swimmable beach - a true rarity in this dramatic coastline where most beaches are better admired than entered. Here, you can actually enjoy the gentle waves with your morning coffee or afternoon cocktail.

The rooms are just gorgeous. Each suite feels like your own private sanctuary with interiors that blend contemporary Mexican design with coastal elegance.

For those who prefer their luxury all-inclusive, Grand Velas offers rooms that all face the sea (so no awkward conversations at check-in about "garden views"), and remarkably, includes a Michelin-starred restaurant in the all-inclusive plan. Imagine ordering a Michelin star tasting menu without mentally calculating the damage on your credit card with each course.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culinary exploration or simply the perfect pool-side margarita, Los Cabos delivers with a distinctly Mexican blend of warmth, luxury and natural beauty. Just be prepared for the possibility that, like me, you might find yourself googling "can I run a travel business from Mexico?"

My advice for the perfect trip: A couple of days in Mexico City en route. Even just 24 hours in this vibrant metropolis will be a perfect complement to your beach escape. The contrast between the capital's urban energy and Los Cabos' natural splendour creates a balanced Mexican experience that will leave you understanding why I'm so madly in love with this country.

 If you are planning your trip to Mexico, contact Jacky.

( This blog has been written by Jacky Bowman, Travel Matters Travel Advisor. She visited Mexico in September 2025. For more information and details about your

next holiday, please make an Enquiry today!)

Liguria is a region in northwest Italy and its Mediterranean coastline, known as the Italian Riviera, stretches from Tuscany to the French border.

The Ligurian coastline is simply stunning. There are no beaches to speak about, but each little cove is just so pretty and inviting often with small ladders attached to a rock for direct sea swimming.

Ligurian food is delicious, with lots of seafood and vegetables, the region is famous for its tomatoes, olives, asparagus, peaches and artichokes. Speciality dishes often include pesto – and the pasta we had was served with both tomato sauce and pesto. 

The main reason we came to Liguria was visiting the famous Cinque Terre – five former isolated fishing and agricultural villages that are now the major attraction of the region. Just like Venice, the villages suffer immensely from over-tourism, hence our decision to visit them right after the borders opened post lock-down. 

We could even afford the luxury of driving there – something that is normally discouraged, due to limited parking spaces and narrow hairy roads. The drive is very picturesque but you do need to be a very confident driver. The roads are relatively new, as previously the villages could only be accessed by boat. As a travel agent, I would recommend taking a train instead by purchasing a Cinque Terre pass, allowing you  to take unlimited train journeys between villages and La Spezia as well as using hiking trails. Our favourite village was Manarola and many people specifically come there for a sunset drink.

During our stay we based ourselves in Santa Margherita Ligure, a really lively former fishing village with a great atmosphere and loads of seaside restaurants and boutique shops. 

We really enjoyed our stay at the elegant Grand Hotel Miramare, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World with views to die for. Our room with sea view and balcony was just so beautiful and comfortable. We loved both the sea water pool and the beach club – a real luxury, that not many hotels in the area can boast.

One of the most beautiful places in Italy, Portofino is only a few minutes away by boat or taxi. Or how about taking a scenic 40 min walk like we did?

The second hotel in the area that I  had a chance to visit was Belmond Hotel Splendido, without a doubt the most luxurious and exclusive hotel in the area with the views as splendid as the name suggests. Their rooms and suites exude sophistication and almost all of them have enchanting sea views.

As the hotel is located in an elevated position, there is no beach access, but guests have a chance to rent a private boat and go swimming anywhere they want, be it Cinque Terre or the gorgeous beach of San Fruttuoso. Alternatively there is an option to walk or take a short ride to the beautiful Paraggi beach, walkable from Grand Hotel Miramare also, we really enjoyed our dip in the sea there. 

I am really delighted that I had a chance to visit this beautiful area of Italy and will be definitely recommending it more to our clients. 

Give us a call on 0208 675 7878 to discuss.

Maryna travelled to Italy with her husband in July 2020