Mandy Sue, Mother of Two

With the newest season of The White Lotus being filmed in Thailand, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on our visit to Phuket last year.

Over the course of ten days, we stayed at two different resorts, each offering unique experiences.  We chose Phuket because we wanted a tropical location but we were traveling with a small child, so we wanted an easily accessible location.  We came for some rest & relaxation after spending 2.5 weeks visiting family in China. There are many direct flights to Phuket from all over Asia.  You can easily use Phuket as a jumping off point to exploring the islands of Thailand further, but it’s also a great way to experience Thailand with less lengthy travel time.

Como Point Yamu

Our first stop was Como Point Yamu, a boutique hotel situated on a secluded peninsula. While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, we found it to be a fantastic choice for our almost two-year-old. Arriving late in the evening, in a car sent by the hotel, we were welcomed with fresh juices and prompt service to ensure we could place a room service order before the kitchen closed.

The buffet-style breakfast was a highlight, offering gourmet selections such as authentic (typical Asian breakfast) noodle soup, whole coconuts and fresh-pressed juice. My favorite was the yellow watermelon. While the on-site restaurant wasn’t our favorite, we thoroughly enjoyed the poolside menu and the fish on the room service menu was authentic and delicious.

We also dined at a local roadside eatery off-site, called Yamu Restaurant. This was where we found the most authentic Thai food during our whole 10-day stay on the island. We ate here three times as we could not get enough of the spicy, fresh flavors. The staff even provided transportation to and from the restaurant. The inexpensive restaurant also offered beautiful views, especially at sunset. Photos of this spot are below.

The standout feature of Como Point Yamu was its expansive pool, conveniently located near all rooms. The central section was shallow enough for our son to play safely, allowing us to relax while taking in the breathtaking hilltop views. The entire property boasted Instagram-worthy scenery.

I also had the pleasure of visiting the spa, which provided a truly professional and luxurious experience. Our room was spacious, featuring a clear separation between the bedroom and the living area, where our son slept comfortably. The full-size crib with soft linens was a thoughtful touch, setting it apart from the typical “pack-n-play”. While we had a private pool in our room, we gravitated towards the main pool for its suitability for our son. Overall, Como Point Yamu provided a serene and stylish stay.

The Village Coconut Island

For the second resort, we stayed at The Village Coconut Island, a more traditional family-friendly resort. Accessible only by boat, the warm breeze truly enhanced the journey to the island, although said-boat did have a bit of engine trouble on one of our journeys. Upon arrival, we were transported from the beach with our luggage via golf cart to check-in and eventually to our room.

Set on a hillside, the resort offered stunning views but required some effort to navigate, especially with a small child in tow. The buffet breakfast was bustling, though the offerings felt less gourmet than at Como Point Yamu. However, the Thai restaurant on-site was quite good. A minor downside to being on an island was the limited dining options; venturing to Phuket required a boat ride followed by a taxi, with only one restaurant conveniently located near the pier (which, fortunately, was quite good and cheap).

The pools at Coconut Island were not as striking, but the variety, including one with two water slides, provided plenty of entertainment.

One of the standout experiences was the daily excursion to a nearby Rang Yai island, included with our stay. This island featured a much bigger beach, a charming little shack restaurant, and options for water activities such as jet ski rentals.

Evening entertainment at Coconut Island included an impressive fire show, adding to the resort’s family-friendly appeal. Our room was comfortable but lacked a partition, making it challenging while our son slept. The bathroom’s clear glass door and inadequate window coverings further impacted nighttime inconvenience.

We did make use of our private pool more often than at Como, likely because the walk to the main pool was farther and the pool itself, less enticing. Service at Coconut Island was less attentive; we often had to make multiple requests for essentials like drinking water—something I especially noticed as I was pregnant at the time.

Final Thoughts

Both resorts offered unique experiences, with Como Point Yamu excelling in luxury, aesthetics, and service, while The Village Coconut Island delivered on family-friendly amenities and adventure. I’d recommend The Village at Coconut Island for slightly older kids as there are definitely more options for their entertainment. Depending on what you’re looking for, either could be a great choice for a Phuket getaway!

Check out my Travel Gear Guide coming soon!