Michelle Jones-White straps on a wristband and checks into Club Med's all-inclusive resort in Phuket, Thailand. My husband has long regaled me with anecdotes of his childhood Butlin's holiday camp adventures in the UK. To today's sophisticated traveller it seems almost inconceivable people once thought such getaways a "marvellous" holiday experience. And his tales have certainly made me wary of "all-inclusive" holidays - apart from one crazy week in the Caribbean, where I'm sure some things were definitely not supposed to be included. Thankfully, Club Med has upped the all-inclusive ante. But you do need to be careful which destination you choose, as some resorts are still more suited to families or singles, rather than couples in search of a romantic escape. Club Med Kani in the Maldives has recently reopened after an extensive renovation, and with no available kid's programme it still welcomes children but is more suited for couples. Meanwhile, Club Med Cherating Beach, Bintan and Phuket are definitely geared towards families. So if you want the kids kept occupied while you spend time alone with your other half lazing on the beach, or enjoying fitness activities and spa, then get ready to strap on that all-inclusive wristband... But if you prefer to get active there's plenty for grown-ups to do too. Gym junkies will appreciate the comprehensive schedule of fitness classes including outdoor yoga, long power-walks, plus toning Bodypump classes and aerobic sessions - which take place in an exercise studio filled with natural light. There's also a wide range of resistance and cardio equipment located in a separate fitness studio. Each morning you can join the free snorkelling trip, or if you prefer to venture further into the deep, SCUBA lessons and dives are also available - albeit at an additional cost. You can also take bicycles out to explore the nearby markets and countryside, receive free golf instruction at the resort's nine-hole course, or venture outside for premium golf facilities, island-hopping or adventure kayaking. WINE & DINE STAY WHEN TO GO GETTING THERE
Overlooking picturesque Kata beach, Club Med in Phuket is close enough to Patong to have a buzz, but for those who've long tired of Phuket's party scene it's thankfully just that little bit further away. The resort is separated by a narrow esplanade from the public beach where the majority of tourists pay up to 200 baht a day to secure a sunbed and umbrella. Club Med guests however, can relax in a private area already furnished with these facilities. And relaxation is certainly the order of the day on the golden sands of Kata. Calm, incredibly clean waters shift from aqua and turquoise to jade in colour, while people of all shapes and sizes bask in the sun wearing the teeniest of essentials. Soak up some rays, hire a jet-ski, go for a banana boat ride or soar into the sky with a parasail for aerial views of Phuket. The one-and-a-half kilometre beach is perfect for an afternoon stroll to watch locals and tourists meet at sundown for a game of soccer or volleyball, while their children splash together in the sea.
Kids - and parents - will love Mini Club Med, offering a huge range of activities for children from four years of age. Activities in age-appropriate groups are designed to keep littlies entertained from sunup to long past sundown, if necessary. Not only do children have the chance to meet new friends, they'll also learn new skills with a fun programme including trapeze, Bungy bounce, archery, beach trips, art and crafts, soccer and tennis. Children are also invited to participate in the evening show at the resort and are introduced to various elements of the performing arts. Trained staff from throughout the world will certainly keep your littlies entertained, while you relax with your partner and a good book on the beach.
Wind down at the end of a scorching day with a pampering session at the Club Med spa. Individual treatment rooms are nestled within lush gardens surrounding an oversized Jacuzzi. Experienced therapists provide traditional Thai and European-style treatments using aromatherapy oils and natural ingredients in tandem with Jurlique products from Australia. I sampled the aromatherapy facial treatment and Asian blend massage; both were excellent. But if you've had a little too much sun then the sun-lovers recovery wrap is a must. This complete all-over moisturising body mask uses the calming and healing properties of cucumber, aloe vera and lavender to rehydrate and soothe skin while calming the mind.
Mealtime is certainly where Club Med's all-inclusive allure is a money-saver for families. The extensive buffet presents a variety of western, Japanese and South-East Asian options - but sadly, nothing Thai. In fact, because of Club Med's practise of hiring staff from throughout the world there's a distinct international flavour at the resort, but local influences seem limited to the architecture, service staff and spa facilities. If you're hankering for a good tom kah gai, reserve a beachside table at Mom Tri's Boathouse Wine & Grill (+66 76 330 015, http://www.theboathousephuket.com/). Serving a mix of French and Thai cuisine, it's located just a little further along the beach and is well worth ditching the wristband for. Alternatively, Club Med offers a la carte dining for an additional charge.
The resort has three types of rooms: standard, deluxe and suite. Although some standard rooms have been updated they could ideally do with a complete overhaul. If you can't get a renovated standard room I recommend staying in the deluxe category. The deluxe rooms located on the ground floor were totally refurbished after the tsunami and each is fresh and contemporary in style with tiled flooring, whitewashed wooden furniture, a flat-screen TV and an outdoor terrace area. The upstairs deluxe rooms seem to have been given a facelift and offer outdoor balconies. Still, if you're after a bathtub rather than a shower you'll have to plump for a suite.
Phuket's rainy season is from May to October but there are many sunny days and showers usually only last for two to three hours. The hot season is from November through to April with the best months from November through to February. September is usually the wettest month. The year-round average is 21°C to 34°C.
Club Med packages are inclusive of flights so they'll arrange all the details for you, flying you to Phuket with Silk Air. For details on current packages and specials visit their website, current offers include three days and two nights from $645 for adults and $443 for children aged four to 11 years. Tel: 1800 258 2633, Web: www.clubmed.com.sg.
Posted Apr 06
