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Written by Helena Melton
Perched on five kilometres of white sand on Karon Beach in Phuket, Centara Grand Beach Resort really is the ultimate family escape: shimmering pools, mouth-watering dining venues and an action-packed waterpark that will make your kids the envy of the schoolyard. Here are six reasons why you should add Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket onto your Thailand itinerary.
1. Every room or suite is luxurious yet functional
Inspired by Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese heritage, the rooms and suites at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket feel elevated and effortlessly luxurious, with cherry wood and pastel accents, and vibrant terrazzo marble bathrooms. Each room is built for families who want space without sacrificing comfort: private balconies or terraces look out over tropical gardens or the Andaman Sea and interconnecting configurations mean the kids can have their own space without the family being split across separate floors. Freestanding bathtubs are perfect for washing up after a trip to the beach, or for those wanting an extra touch of luxury, private pool suites and villas add the cherry on top.
2. It’s got a quieter beach without sacrificing access
Sandy, serene and spacious: Karon Beach is the place to be for those seeking a quieter experience in Phuket. Sitting between the well-known chaos of Patong Beach and the manicured calm of Kata Beach, Karon Beach is often overlooked by travellers seeking a coastal escape in Phuket, which is good news for you. The whole family can spread out for a day of fun in the sun without fighting for space (essential for a large group of restless little ones eager to jump straight into the water). With direct beach access from the resort, you can dive right into the water and be back sipping cocktails poolside in no time.
3. You’ll make a splash with four pools and a full waterpark
Four sparkling freeform swimming pools (including an adults-only retreat for those in the mood for a quieter swim) sit alongside an incredible waterpark complete with lazy river, waterslides and waterfalls. It’s a setup that keeps everyone happy: the kids and teens are occupied, and the adults are kicking back relaxing in style. The two swim-up bars mean there’s a reason to stay in the water long after the waterpark novelty has worn off. The hardest part? Deciding which pool to dive into first.
4. You’ll experience luxury at SPA Cenvaree
With the kids away at the kids’ club, that adults will play! A mainstay of the Centara brand, SPA Cenvaree at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket does not disappoint: think nine treatment rooms with a private jacuzzi, herbal sauna and steam room, a separate reflexology area and an outdoor relaxation zone. With an mix of massage techniques from Thailand, India and beyond, as well as an onsite beauty salon, consider your worries a thing of the past. A ritual not to miss is Shirodhara, a Ayurvedic treatment that involves the continuous pouring of soothing herbal oils onto one pressure point on your forehead to achieve a sense of total calm and serenity.
5. These dining haunts are worth leaving the pool for
The Cove is the ideal spot to retreat to after a long day in paradise, serving up fragrant tom kha soup, succulent squid and oodles of local specialties from dawn ‘til dusk. The fine dining doesn’t have to stop when you hit the beach: COAST Beach Club & Bistro boasts sweeping Andaman Sea views, fresh seafood (keep an eye out for their signature Belgium mussels) and fire-cooked steaks that will leave you wanting more. Both eateries have a kids’ menu with a wide selection of dishes to keep even the pickiest eater satisfied.
6. It’s got facilities and activities galore
If there is one place where you’ll keep even the pickiest kid or child happy, it’s here. Drop the little ones off at the fun-filled kids’ club and children’s playground, so you can take full advantage of the resort. Explore the big blue Andaman Sea at the onsite PADI dive centre, where you’ll be fully trained and diving into a multi-coloured coral world in no time. There’s also a tennis court and games room, plus golf courses within easy reach of the resort for those who want to extend their days beyond the beach.
