We arrived at Renaissance Phuket in Thailand is it’s the kind of property where I’m proud to visit with Athena. She’s only three years old but we try to instill in her an appreciation for the beach and our relaxed way of life. I’m comfortable in flip flops, a casual beach dress or shorts and a ponytail in my hair. It’s a lifestyle that I’ve become accustom to living in southern California and when I travel, I like to continue with that laid-back attitude. It’s suppose to be vacation, right? Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is a Marriott luxury and lifestyle hotel. It is the ultimate retreat with the beauty of Thailand in every direction. We have breathtaking beach views, lush greenery everywhere, our own private plunge pool and several restaurants to choose from to satisfy our appetite. Even with all of that luxury at our fingertips, we can still relax on the beach with messy hair, go to the restaurant in our bathing suits or tie our hair up in a casual ponytail for dinner. It’s the kind of relaxed luxury that I look for around the world but rarely find.
Opening the patio door is all I need to do to hop into our own private plunge pool. Clothing is optional since we have complete privacy, which takes casual to a whole new level. Athena and I still wear our bathing suits while swimming together during the day but I’ve admittedly gone commando in the darkness of night. In the morning, we jump in before having breakfast. The birds are still chirping in the trees, fresh with morning due. It’s rained every night since we arrived but never during the day.
We’ve taken several walks along the beach since we arrived. It seems endless and it’s never packed. Usually, we’re the only people strolling along in the sand. Athena likes to practice her cartwheels and handstands and I’m right next to her like another big kid. Covered in sand and bare feet, there’s no one around to criticize or judge. I can be childish and free, making both Athena and I happy.
If we’re not in our pool or on the beach, we’re usually playing mermaid games in the kiddie pool. There are two main pools – the Mai Khao Beach main pool and the children’s pool. The Mai Khao Beach pool is beautiful and children are welcome, but it’s the children’s pool that has the most appeal for families. There is a small water slide and a waterfall. I’m sure you guessed by now that I go to the kiddie pool for the water slide. It’s big enough to have fun but not too big to stress Athena. The lush trees that surround the pool give it an intimate feel. I can be silly and play games with Athena without being on display.
Our favorite restaurant, although they all accept casual, is the Sand Box Restaurant and Bar. Serving a light lunch and transforming into a contemporary bar and barbeque each night, we love beach dining where shoes are optional. Today we ate pizza in our bathing suits and left our shoes at the villa. Actually, the only time we put shoes on our feet today was for dinner this evening. Even the kids club is a shoe-free zone.
There is a sign at the door of the kids club to remove your shoes. It works well for Athena and I since we don’t have them on to begin with. The staff of the kids club are easy-going and you’re allowed to come and go as you please. There are three rooms filled with books, movies, games, toys and puzzles. Athena learned to make origami stars and she made a bracelet. Scheduled kid’s crafts are complimentary and happen several times throughout the day.
From the villas to the restaurants, from the pools to the beach, Renaissance Phuket offers endless luxurious amenities but you don’t have to be stuffy to enjoy them. I’m a big kid. Regardless if I was a billionaire or 100 years old, that wouldn’t change. I’m always going to enjoy acting silly, dancing and singing. I’m always going to feel most comfortable in casual clothes and I don’t even own make-up or a curling iron. Who doesn’t like finer things like a private pool villa or a first-class spa, but you don’t have to hand in your flip flops to enjoy them at Renaissance Phuket.
Great place, wow. The plunge pool looks awesome, I’d stay in it all day ha.
If it was just Darren and I here, we might stay in our pool all day but Athena likes to interact with other kids at the kiddie pool and I like the water slide 😉
You are really traveling a lot this year, Lesley. Weren’t you just in Canada and Mexico? It’s nice to see Athena joining you on this trip. You always seem to have the most fun when she’s with you.
Peg
I went to see polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba last week, Peg and great white sharks in Mexico the week before. Both were amazing, but I’m really happy to be here with Athena and Darren will join us in a few days. I would travel full time if it was realistic for our family. I love exploring new countries and cultures.
You’re raising her right! And this place looks amazing. We were planning on staying at the JW Marriott but we might change our booking to here instead. It looks like a good fit for our family too.
Beth
Thanks, Beth! I want to show her the world but I don’t want her to feel like she’s entitled. We try to show her a mix of experiences and cultures.
This property is one of my favorites of all time. We’re going to hang out here for one more day before getting out and exploring Phuket. I visit JW Marriott on the 20th. Stay tuned for tons of photos and posts. Maybe you’ll have more info to choose what’s best for your family.
🙂
We are staying here in the new year. I can’t wait to swim at that beach.
Let me know if you have any questions, Mike. I love this place.
Phuket is on my travel list – it looks like a serene an relaxing place to be in! I love the photos – and I noted the recommendations. It looks like you are enjoying your time there!
Sounds like a fabulous property for families. I’ll admit though I would absolutely head here with just my husband for a bit of a romantic retreat – you had me at private plunge pool!!
Sweet! Renaissance Phuket sounds like my kind of place. You guys had fun huh? Certainly sounds like it.
Looks like you and your familiy really enjoyed the vaccation! The Hotel sounds lovely, I like the mixture of luxury and relaxed atmosphere. I think it’s good to know that you don’t have to be styled from head to toe if you want to go to the restaurant.
Anywhere shoes are not required is my kind of place! Athena is so cute! It’s wonderful that you are instilling a love of adventure and travel in her from a young age. These experiences will surely shape her views and broaden her mind 🙂
I always love staying at Marriott Resorts but this one looks so laid back and relaxing. A nice change from the usual. Athena is adorable.
Good on you! Luxury is not stiffness and restrictions but the ability to be who you are anytime
How do I get there NOW? It really looks like the kind of place I would enjoy!
Did someone say private plunge pool? Sold! haha But seriously, this place sounds fantastic for both couples, families or friends. Love the photos too!
Oh I miss Thailand so much, want to go back there, I hope next Autumn. I was really short in Phuket area, but maybe will be opportunity to spend there more time 🙂 (maybe not in the city but somewhere near the calm beach like on your photos 🙂 )