So, you want to take your family on holiday to Thailand but you’ve never heard of Anantara? Is it a good hotel brand for a couple with kids? What does it offer in Thailand itself? To help answer these questions, we’re going to look at three distinctly unique hotels in three distinctly unique parts of Thailand and we’re convinced there’ll be something perfect for you and your tribe.
Bophut
Bophut, a Koh Samui northern coast village famous for tranquil and pristine beaches is one of the few places with the island’s original Thai-Chinese atmosphere intact. Charming Fisherman’s Village, the traditional core of Bophut, is just a walk from Anantara Bophut on the beach’s east side and offers restaurants for all the family.
Anantara Bophut
Anantara Bophut, 15 minutes by shuttle from the airport, was a resort highly commended by several families for its friendly and helpful staff, relaxing spa and Baan Ling Noi kids club, with its plethora of activities including beach soccer, coconut painting and treasure hunts. It’s conveniently open daily from 09.00-18.00 (not that you want rid of the little angels for that long, right?).
Plentiful dining options include classic Italian dishes in romantic candlelit settings or meals by the beach, in the gardens or in the spa Sala. Speaking of the spa, there’s even a special treatment menu for children here. There are water sports lessons for over 12s and onsite tennis courts, ping pong facilities and a DVD library. The restaurant offers breakfasts plentiful enough to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters in addition to a kids menu and colouring books. The accommodation’s blackout blinds are a thoughtful touch, especially for very young ones and their jet-lagged parents.
It feels really awkward when you need something but don’t want to come across as a nuisance. Well rest at ease because from the moment you enter to the moment you leave the staff cannot do enough, especially for the children. Rooms and suites are close to the beach with space for 2 adults and 2 children. This place is perfect for relaxing away from the bustling town, but with the option for yoga, sports or the occasional cookery or cocktail class.
The Golden Triangle
Asia’s Golden Triangle region spans the mountainous borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand but most explore from the Thai side starting at Chiang Rai. A wildlife and adventure enthusiasts delight, the jungle hills are intersected by the Mekong River and other waterways. An area once home to thousands of elephants, today these majestic animals rely on places like Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Elephant Camp for safe territory to feed and reproduce.
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Elephant Camp
This is so much more than a resort with its accompanying sanctuary rehabilitating abused and depressed elephants while offering guests mahout training and elephant trekking. The youngest adventurers easily walk the few steps from the resort to the camp to help bathe elephants and picnic with them (though I hear they may be messy eaters) and don’t ask about elephant yoga as we’re as curious as you. Children also love the baby elephant who they feed with fruit and other goodies from the staff at breakfast each morning.
This all-inclusive resort includes restaurant meals, in-room dining and one daily family activity. The exquisite Thai architecture harmoniously fuses with nature while select suites offer space for 2 adults and 2 children. Cots and highchairs are provided but be aware that the terrain is unsuitable for strollers. There’s no official kids club but the staff are extremely friendly and thoughtful, tailor-making excursions to meet all your family’s needs whether that be a longtail boat trip or a visit to three countries in a day.
Learn to cook Thai style at Spice Spoons Cookery School, discover the local area on mountain bikes, plant native trees or simply relax in the infinity edged pool overlooking the Mekong River (which also has a separate bubble area children love). All in all, this is a perfect family holiday destination especially if you’re seeking an outdoor experience with a luxurious base to return to.
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and most populous city, is easy to explore via the skytrain or underground system. It gets pretty hot but plentiful air-conditioned playgrounds and rides keep kids enthused. There’s also bowling, ice skating, go karts, a butterfly enclosure and much more while Bangkok’s people are as warm and friendly as the hotel you’re about to discover.
Anantara Siam
This Thai design, flagship family property enjoys a central position close to Ratchadamri skytrain station and in the middle of one of the city’s most renowned shopping malls. Alongside its modern amenities and contemporary feel, it presents traditional architecture, original Thai art and elaborate works such as hand-painted silk ceilings. There’s an outdoor pool, a health club and wellness facility and if you’ve children, you’ll find a warm welcome with the concierge happy to suggest family friendly places and activities.
Space for 2 adults and 2 children is offered in rooms and suites with soundproofing of accommodations a great relief for parents when their offspring tend towards crescendos. Amenities for youngsters include bathrobes, toiletries, bedtime milk and cookies. There’s a playground and babysitting while children’s menus feature in all restaurants. If a family of four, the Junior Suite (below) comes highly recommended.
We offer eight more Anantara Thailand properties, most good for families but selected the three in this article because they’re at the top of the tree when it comes to a fantastic family friendly Thailand trip. It’s so important for children to get an educational and cultural experience fused with fun like bathing and feeding elephants. We believe they deserve as much of a first class service as their parents and whether it’s a kids club, babysitting or another staff led activity, parents sometimes need a break from their little treasures (even if that’s in a ridiculously indulgent spa).
