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