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

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!)

It’s a vital migration highway that follows the Cocos Ridge connecting the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador with Cocos island, Costa Rica. One of our Make Travel Matter charity partners, Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) has been supporting the creation of the proposed Galapagos-Cocos Swimway protected area since 2018, by helping their science partners gather important evidence needed to drive forward the creation of this 240,000 km2 route, which is critical for conserving endangered Galapagos marine species.

Photo credit to Migramar

This May saw the launch of the 2021 Galapagos-Cocos Swimway expedition. It has an expert team of scientists gathering evidence to support the protection of this vital Swimway. They started in Costa Rica, travelled down to Cocos Island National Park and down the Swimway to the Galapagos Islands. Alongside this, GCT are running a virtual Swimway Challenge which is encouraging people to walk, run, swim, cycle or wheelchair the length of the Swimway whilst raising awareness and funds. We are signed up! 700 miles of swimming, (mostly) and cycling + walking. You can give here if you feel inclined!

The Galapagos Islands offer an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see various animals and marine life in their natural habitats. We send clients to the Islands, which were studied by Charles Darwin and inspired him with his Theory of Evolution, as well as visiting Ecuador.  This image below though shows a different story, right?

Photo credit to Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 in 2017 Galapagos National Park

The Galapagos Conservation Trust is one of our charity partners. As part of our Make Travel Matter campaign, we have supported them in various ways. Travel Matters have accepted the challenge and created a team for the Virtual Swimway. I am an avid fan of open water swimming and despite not being able to be in the Galapagos to support this project, I believe we can create more awareness about this crucial passage for the protection of the marine life. You can follow here on our fundraising page and support the team members who are swimming, walking and cycling the equivalent distance of 700 miles. I am making the most of my membership to the UK’s largest outdoor swimming pool - the Tooting Lido. Currently 13 degrees water temperature, you can’t stay in long but I’m totalling up the lengths with my team mates! My other team members are using Brockwell Lido and Charlton Lido - both in London. Please do support us if you can!

Tooting Lido, London - where most of my swimming is taking place.

Tourism is the largest employer on the Galapagos Islands making up over 80% of the economy. In 2019, over 270,000 people visited Galapagos. In 2020, this dropped to 72,000 – a massive 73% decline. Vital scientific research will be severely impacted because of the decline. The Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. The incredible diversity of wildlife found in Galapagos is what makes this volcanic archipelago so very special.

We hope when international travel resumes safely from the UK and when people consider travelling to this breathtaking natural region of the world, that they will enquire about possible ways to support this vital work for generations to come.

And just to remind you, we are supporters of the Future of Tourism coalition, who’s Guiding Principles provide a clear moral and business imperative for building a healthier tourism industry while protecting the places and people on which it depends. Our participation of the Swimway Challenge is one clear demonstration of these principles.

Future of Tourism supporter

Coronavirus, as well as other preventable diseases, is hitting some of the world's poorest countries and most vulnerable people; many who live in crowded conditions, with limited water, sanitation and health care. These people are also often living day to day, without enough savings or food to be able to stop working and stay at home. People are affected by coronavirus financially as all travelling has stopped, bringing economies to a halt. We want to help the millions across the world who do not have access to safe water let alone hand washing facilities or soap. We created a campaign to help the communities we’ve all visited, engaged with and learned from throughout our visits and holidays over the years. We felt the need to do something practical in these challenging times. In response to that need, we decided to set up a donation page, requesting for your generosity.

At Travel Matters we have sent you to places far and wide as well as travelling to many destinations all over the world ourselves. We have seen with our own eyes the communities in deprived areas of the globe. So with the spread of the coronavirus right now, the situation is utterly heart breaking.

I started Travel Matters and the campaign Make Travel Matter because I love travel, I love connecting to people, learning about new cultures and I care about people. The travel & tourism industry inspires us, connects us, creates new opportunities and jobs within communities. When done responsibly, it can be an industry that is beneficial to all.

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone in the world. We are told that hand washing with soap is the first line of defence against the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, yet millions across the world do not have access to safe water let alone hand washing facilities or soap.

We will support the communities we work with, helping to provide safe water, better sanitation, food and hope. Our charity partners are Just a Drop, Empart UK & The Travel Foundation.

Please help to support our beloved communities around  the world. We want to be positive change-makers for the people and the planet and when it is safe again, we can travel with intention and purpose. Click the button below to check out our Just Giving page.