If they gave out a long service award to Club Med holidaymakers, we’d be collecting our 25-year Club Med T-shirts this year. Our journey began all those moons ago, when our family relocated from Belgium to Australia, pausing for an unforgettable family vacation at Club Med Ria Bintan — an island paradise off the coast of Singapore. Arriving at Club Med Phuket, we couldn’t help but reflect on the memories and experiences from a quarter-century ago and can’t wait to see what adventures they can offer us now!
Club Med for Family Holidays
The good things never change. The variety of activities, Kids Club, and an all-inclusive package, made for a memorable family holiday for young and old. Back in the day, our children then aged 7, 5, and 3 years old ran around the coconut palms, enjoying the sunshine and endless activities including swinging from a massive trapeze in the gardens. Club Med Ria Bintan always comes up when we talk about our best family holidays!
Club Med Phuket for Couples
Nowadays we’re not only empty nesters, my husband has just retired! There is a potential for us to feel so horribly past our use-by dates here at Club Med Phuket! We know Club Med is fabulous for families, but what would it be like as a couples holiday?
In a word Brilliant! We had come full circle, it was our ultimate dream getaway. Let me tell you more. But first, indulge me whilst I explain why Club Med Phuket is dear to my heart.
Why I wanted to stay at Club Med Phuket
‘Kata Beach, you were my home in 2021, your white sands and waves were my sanity, and your skies were my hope for international arrivals to return’. Little Wandering Wren
As Thailand Expats, we’d remained Thailand-based throughout the pandemic. In December 2020, we arrived for Christmas in Phuket, a carefully planned short break escape from city life. However, a new Thailand Government directive ‘Do not Travel, stay working from home‘, kept us in Phuket for ten months.
A Kata Beach villa offered peace and solace in a crazy world. Our days were filled with views of an empty Kata beach, where a Leatherback turtle nested for the first time in 30 years, on the sands in front of a boarded-up Club Med resort. Kata Beach was one of the quietest areas on the island during the pandemic, it was eerie.
Upon Phuket’s cautious reopening with an island-wide quarantine scheme in July 2021, Club Med was noticeably absent. Our hotel staycations supporting an Island bereft of much-needed tourism took me to 52 Phuket hotels & resorts. Club Med Phuket was NOT one of them.
Club Med Phuket’s closure lasted two years and a few days. Its final reopening was a beacon of light, signifying Phuket’s return as one of Thailand’s most prominent tourism destinations and one that often features in the World’s Best Places.
Our Club Med Phuket stay
Our invitation and return to Kata Beach for a three-night stay in one of Club Med Phuket’s newly renovated rooms was both exciting and a tad emotional. We loved seeing not only the returned vibrancy of Kata Beach, and it was exciting to return to Club Med which had so many fun memories for us, at an earlier stage of our lives!
We found that we were not alone, there were plenty of other couples, and plenty probably older than us. The Club Med staff, called GOs (Gentle Organizers) are masters of encouraging everyone to join the party. No one is left out, young or old!
Every day was as full, or relaxing, as we wanted. We were excited to spend time enjoying our interests, yoga for me, and golf for Mr Wren. We were happy and busy and at every meal time, there was always something fun to talk about!
Each night we joined various themed evenings and cocktail parties. We dressed up, joined in, and left with new memories.
The Resort
The resort is set within 25 hectares of lush, tropical greenery, which makes it very private. I had never been inside. So arriving at the stunning reception and gorgeous pool area was a ‘pinch me’ I’m happy to be here moment! Club Med Phuket has impressive grounds and facilities.
Renovations
Those recent renovations are fabUlous! Following the first round of renovations in 2022, Club Med Phuket debuted a redesigned pool and lounge area, a newly renovated restaurant and main bar area and three brand new meeting rooms, elevating the resort’s offering to the next level for guests.
The second stage of renovations completed in early 2023 saw both superior and deluxe rooms upgraded alongside the introduction of superior plus rooms, ideal for couples in need of added relaxation.
I had no idea, they could offer over 300 rooms and suites tucked away in these vast grounds.
Ambiance, Greeting and Check-in
Check-in takes place in the open-air reception area, and we are greeted by Aviana. The GO staff are easily recognisable, dressed in their cheery Club Med t-shirt of the day, today is yellow. There is an Immediate buzz to the place with a high-energy feeling of a lot going on, although next to us fish calmly swim around their pond alongside the main swimming pool. I knew immediately that I too could become quite a Zen Wren here.
Aviana gives us a virtual tour by iPad of what to expect in the days ahead. Luckily it is all found on the Club Med App, otherwise, I might have struggled to take it all in, such is the range of activities on offer. We are given a smart bracelet. This is our key to everything. It cleverly unlocks our door, so no more searching for a misplaced key card, and identifies us as a guest for our all-inclusive stay.
Accommodation
We are walked to our room, which is unusual in Thailand, where normally you are whisked off through any large resort in a golf buggy. The first thought I had was I’d better concentrate so as not to get lost in future! The second thought as we walked past the Pool, Gym, and Spa and saw signs to the adults-only Zen Pool, was ‘Blimey that’s a long walk back to brekkie.‘ You certainly do get a lot of incidental steps wandering around here!
Our room was in Q block at the opposite end of the grounds to the tennis and golf activities. However as we were heading in the direction of the newly renovated rooms, I’m not about to say I want to be near the sports facilities!
Interconnecting renovated Superior Room with Terrace Q2118
There are three choices of room types, Deluxe, Superior, or a Suite room. All rooms have a maximum occupancy of 4 – 2 adults with 2 children under 12 years on a sofa bed or rollaway bed.
We were shown to an interconnecting Superior Room with an outdoor terrace. Outside it’s like a botanical garden and we enjoy the views of tropical palms and frangipani trees. Inside our room feels calm. It’s all wood with soothing colours, more a Scandi than Thai style.
I’m slightly surprised I’m hard-pressed to find the Asian influences here, except perhaps some wood art outside the bathroom. Normally a lack of Thai room styling would bother me. I like to feel at home or at least have a nod to the country I’m in, but strangely this doesn’t phase me here!
We turned the telly on, like you do on arrival but it wasn’t tuned in properly. ‘Must get that sorted’, we said and never did. We never had a moment in our room wanting to watch the TV, there was too much to do elsewhere.
Check out my Room Tour here on Little Wandering Wren’s Instagram page.
Wren’s tip! Book a newly renovated room!
Pool or Beach?
It’s a hard choice whether to spend your days relaxing at one of the two swimming pools surrounded by all the facilities or to head to the beach. Although I suspect with Club Med’s all-inclusive package, most guests stay close to the unlimited cocktails!
Kata Beach
Club Med Phuket does boast the prime spot on what I consider to be Phuket’s best beach. I doubt unless you are a local you would fully realise what a fabulous and fortunate location this is.
A daily early morning wander along Kata Beach is my perfect way to start the day. The beach has a lovely bay and a gradually sloping shoreline. It is generally a safe and easy spot for swimming, although caution is advised regarding jellyfish, as indicated by warning signs.
If you walk outside the beach exit of Club Med to the left along the street you will find beach shacks with a plethora of shopping opportunities from sunhats, sarongs, and shorts to street food.
Swimming pools
Club Med Phuket offers two choices of pool areas, the main pool offers a family-friendly hangout and the Zen adults-only pool which is a secluded, away from it all, smaller pool retreat.
Main Swimming pool
This is your best choice for those who have FOMO, and do not want to miss a thing! This is the lively epicenter of activities. The pool is surrounded by sun loungers and seating, offering both inward-facing views of the pool and outward-facing options with day beds overlooking the beach.
Next to this social hub are the theater area, a rock climbing wall, and various activity zones, some open-air and others enclosed with air conditioning. You might find a kid’s activity group making dream catchers, a pool aerobics class, or find it utterly irresistible to join in with the kids’ foam party that bubbles up from nowhere to the delight of all! Everywhere you turn, there’s a form of entertainment if you want it.
The Sanook is a poolside cafe during the day and a vibrant bar by night, although some of us, used it as a bar all day long. Honestly, there was something so alluring about an open bar and an all-inclusive package!
Adult Zen Pool
The garden Zen pool and bar is in a secluded location. I only made it there once and that was for wine yoga! Oops, there seems to be a bit of a theme coming here! From my vantage point in the garden, it looked like a fabulous hangout. and was surely designed with the likes of us in mind, except we were busy.
This is the beauty of Club Med, it has everything there to suit all sorts of holiday requirements
Club Med Phuket Activities
The resort offers a wide array of sports and recreational activities. This encourages an active and dynamic holiday experience. We took up the challenge of trying out as many of the 28 included activities as possible. No one ever said Club Med was boring!
Come with me and I’ll show you what we got up to!
Fitness
There is such a range of fitness options on offer. For me, the only limiting factor was whether my body could keep up!
From High-intensity Full Body Strength classes to Low-impact training, such as Pilates or Yoga. There is no excuse not to come out fitter than you arrived! Mr Wren and GO Barra do their first-ever pilates class!
9 am Power walk or should I say more of a mountain hike. Led by the super fit GO Ouzmane from Sudan who skips up those hills towards the towering Big Buddha, leaving a wake of huffing, puffing unfit holidaymakers behind! It was a great way to see life outside the resort as well as get your heart rate going.
Yoga
My favourite class was Nature yoga with Jet in the gardens, such a lovely way to start the day. I love it when I get to try out new things, Indulge in unique activities, and learn new skills while on holiday! With Jet, I learned that I was surprisingly balanced during Wine Yoga! What a great addition to my yoga repertoire! Club Med, your Wine Yoga is inspired!
Relax Yoga
Golf
Mr Wren took himself off to join the Advanced Golf Lesson. He plays golf twice a week, Phuket is a golf lovers’ paradise. Mr Wren says Mr Z gave him the best golf tips on the island, this is high praise indeed from my golf-fanatic husband!
I have been talking about dusting off my Golf Clubs which have not been used in a very long time. Club Med seemed the ideal place for me to try. I join a Beginners Class and I am soon whacking balls into the net with more enthusiasm than I thought possible in this Sweaty Betty climate.
Climbing
Thai Boxing
I’m sad we never got to a Thai Boxing lesson as the facilities looked fabulous. Muay Thai Boxing is often regarded as one of the must-do experiences in Thailand, so do give it a go, if you can!
Archery
Mr Wren heads off to Archery, he’s always fancied himself as a Robin Hood. It’s been a long time since he lifted a bow and arrow it could well have been Club Med Ria Bintan! During his lesson, staff are on hand to teach how to hold a bow and arrow properly. He’s chuffed when he manages to hit the target!
Tennis
There are five tennis courts at Club Med Phuket and it’s no problem to find hitting partners. Mr Wren joined a tennis tournament organised by GO Linda. I was excited by the thought of joining our first-ever Padel Tennis tournament but sadly rain stopped play. Good job too as I’ve only ever played once!
Trapeze and Circus
How extra special is it to have a go on the flying trapeze? I must confess my heart was in my mouth watching everyone enjoying this! I wasn’t sure whether I had the nerve to climb up the trapeze for a swing and a tumble onto the safety nets below. In the end, I’ll never know, as it rained!
Entertainment & Shows
One of the best things about Club Med is how multi-talented each of the GO Staff are. You meet them in one capacity and they turn up in another. Aviana is in the Reception team, she is also a language translator for the evening shows and performs in the circus show (Taiwan) Linda from tennis metamorphises into a butterfly in one of the shows. Sid from the Maldives, the Snorkelling captain appears as Michael Jackson on stage!
Evening Dress code Black & gold
The Black and Gold Party starts with cocktails and canapés at Sanook Bar and continues after dinner with the high-energy, Lion King’esque Savannah Show.
Evening Dress code: All White
By the second evening, we’re well into the Club Med Phuket vibe. The suggested Dress Code is all white, do you think anyone noticed I went in a beach dress hastily purchased from down the road? That is what I loved about Club Med, it feels very relaxed. We turn up for cocktails & canapés in Coconut Grove and are soon chatting away with GO Swann. Dinner is set up around the pool and followed by a Circus show and after-party.
Evening Dress Code: Tropical
Our last evening is a colourful event as we frock up tropical style. The evening show sees the GOs singing and dancing before the pool party. The energy is infectious and somehow I end up in the pool fully frocked up with a pink flamingo, rubber ring. Oh, we did laugh!
Restaurants and Bars
A massive part of any Thailand holiday is the food and with a buffet-style, all-you-can-eat menu, Club Med Phuket does so well both with the quality and variety of food on offer. Food is a highlight.
Mamuang Restaurant
I defy anyone not to be impressed with the selection of foods on offer. The Mamuang Restaurant serves buffet-style Asian and international foods Thai, Korean, Japanese, Indian, and French cuisine (among others). They offer specialty dishes for a taste of Thailand.
They have the option of both indoor dining with air conditioning and outdoor undercover seating. This was our favourite for its views across to Kata Beach.
Whilst there are set times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, they also offer a la carte dining options for a late lunch or a late dinner. You will never be hungry on a Club Med holiday.
The Chuda Restaurant – where Thai tradition meets modern elegance
Their ‘posh’ restaurant, Chuda, is a specialty dining restaurant by reservation only. It is still part of the all-inclusive dining package and it offers full table waiting service.
Geared toward the tourism market the set Thai menu is a crowd-pleaser. The food is not super spicy, which is just fine by me! Highlights were the Tom Kha Gai served in a coconut and my Local Fish Papillote Style. Of course no holiday in Thailand is complete without a mango sticky rice to write home about!
The GO Team
Vincent, the Chief of Village has a great team, the GOs were a delight to be around. Their positive vibe was catchy. The fun of the place is to see staff in different roles attending different activities. We are so impressed by the way they turn up in different guises.
Club Med Spa by Payot
I enjoyed my top-of-the-range Spa signature massage and their cocoon with a steam room and whirlpool bath. Many will never venture into the Spa here when there are a plethora of cheap and cheerful massage places outside the gate. I had a 5-minute complimentary massage by the pool and went for it! A perfect Zen Wren experience.
Excursions
The on-site excursion team offers many tempting trips and tours to enjoy local traditions, cuisine, and activities. Ranging from Connecting with Culture: Elephant Care, Introduction to Buddhism (Big Buddha and Chalong Temples) to the historical Phuket tours. For those interested in island hopping or memorable day trips, check out the tours to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, or Racha Yai island
A popular tour is the half-day Snorkeling at Coral Island run by Club Med Phuket Staff.
Sustainability
Club Med Phuket is the ultimate all-inclusive holiday hub, tempting guests to stay within the resort bubble with included meals and a packed schedule. Yet, what warms my heart is Club Med’s Happy To Care program, striving to create a positive impact on local communities.
This resort isn’t just about fun; it’s serious about sustainability. Since 2021, all Club Med resorts proudly carry the Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and preserving natural beauty.
Here in Phuket, where development is booming, it’s refreshing that buildings cover less than 10% of the total site. Kudos for keeping that environmental footprint minimal!
Last thoughts
Multi-generational appeal
Club Med Phuket has a Multigenerational Appeal. The resort caters to a broad range of demographics, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. Their activities and amenities are designed to appeal to various age groups. We loved our hotels both as a fantastic family holiday and as a carefree couples holiday. Next I want to try them out as a solo traveller!
Consider low-season visits
The rain in November did impact some of our planned activities. However, as a Phuket local, I would urge you not to only think of Phuket in the high season. For me, the island is a delight in low season and the team here are masters at swiftly moving into their wet weather Plan B mode. With so much on offer Club Med is truly a year-round destination.
What to pack for Club Med Phuket
Thank you Club Med Phuket
Big thanks to Club Med, one of the world’s best-known premium all-inclusive hotels and resorts. Phuket, what a stellar choice! We ventured here sans kids, curious about the offerings for a couple. Turns out, plenty!
But, fair warning, it’s not all about laid-back vibes. Before you know it, you might find yourself in Aqua Aerobics or covered in foam, thinking, “I just want my sun lounger!” Sure, you can kick back, no pressure. Yet, the infectious energy at Club Med makes joining in everything irresistible!
I like their motto, which sums it all up
“The purpose of life is to be happy; the time to be happy is now; and the place to be happy is here!”
The Details
Address: 3 Kata Road Karon S-D, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand
Website: Club Med Phuket
Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubmedphuket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClubMedThailand
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Club Med Phuket, all opinions are my own.
You might also enjoy: The Making of a Thailand Staycation Queen and Behold The Leatherback Turtle on Kata Beach
P.S. If you enjoyed this hotel review check out these hotel stays around the world: Worldwide: Little Wandering Wren’s Good Hotel Guide, UK: Corinthia London, Thailand: Outrigger Khao Lak, USA: New York Athletic Club. Australia: Gwinganna
If you haven’t already, I would love you to support my work by following my blog and Instagram!
6 comments
Another awesome getaway and a beautiful resort. Thanks for sharing. Take care, have a great week!
Oh yes Eileen, I feel Thailand is blessed with incredible resorts and getaway destinations. We were so happy to return to Club Med, it was a really fun stay! I have been trying to get Mr Wren into a pilates class for decades, and he the same trying to encourage me back to golf! It was one of those holidays where we laughed and laughed, such a happy, special time.
Thank you for your visit!
Wren x
Wow this resort looks amazing! Normally I am more into the pool but that beach looks fabulous too! And such a spacious room. Also love all the activities they always organise. We learned catamaran sailing at Club Med in Sicily.
Dear fellow Club Med holiday maker Inge,
We would love to enjoy catamaran sailing in Sicily that sounds awesome. We agree and really love all the activities they offer.
It’s seems like who ever chooses Club Med locations does a great job, you won’t get a nicer spot on the island than Club Med here in Phuket for sure.
Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment and happy wanders!
Wren x
What a fun getaway. The clubs motto sounds like it could fit you pretty well too!
Haha Sallie – yes you know me too well! Life is for living for sure and I’m happy as a pig in mud (or at a giant foam party!) to have been able to live a little at Club Med Phuket. What a stay!
Have a great week.
Wren x