Sunwing Kamala Beach

As you enter the large lobby with its cartoonish elephant artwork, bright splashes of orange and red, and easy-to-clean white-tiled floor, it becomes clear that Sunwing Resort was built from the ground up to cater to young children and their parents. During high season, the hotel is mobbed by families who come to take advantage of its seven swimming pools, kids' club, and proximity to the beach. The enthusiastic staff at reception doesn't waste any time – they are sympathetic to the needs of frazzled parents who want nothing more than a swift check-in and clear information about the resort's amenities. Their colleagues throughout the hotel are typically just as efficient and friendly.Although Sunwing Resort bills itself as a four-star establishment, there are none of the luxe flourishes (such as minibars or a concierge) that you'll find at neighbouring hotels –  and the room prices reflect this. Guests traveling without children are welcome, but they may find themselves tiring of the shouts and cries of youngsters, which are audible throughout the common areas and can also be heard from within the rooms.

The hotel backs onto Kamala Beach, a pleasant strip with relatively calm waters. The laidback village of Kamala is within walking distance of the resort and has just enough essentials – a 7/11, several decently priced restaurants – to keep families happy. Also less than fifteen minutes' walk away: Phuket Fantasea theme park, which is a hit with pre-teens as well as younger children.Those craving nightlife or more diverse shopping options will need to make the 10-minute drive to Patong. Phuket Airport is about 30 minutes' drive away.

There's a slightly utilitarian feel to the rooms, with plain white walls, light wood panelling, and large cream tiles on the floor. But what the lodgings lack in character they make up for in space: of the hotel's 289 rooms, the smallest are a generous 475 square feet. Both types of lodging – the Studio and the Suite – feature abundant storage as well as comfortable couches that double as day beds.Families will likely love the Happy Baby Studios, which are located on the ground floor and include cots, high chairs, strollers, and potties, as well as gated garden terraces. Upstairs, the Family Studios cater to slightly older kids, with two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms; they range from 645 square feet to 860 square feet. Grown-ups will appreciate amenities like air-conditioning, relatively modern flat-screen televisions, and kitchenettes (with microwaves and kettles). The bathrooms add a touch of class with black marble countertops and rain showers. Cleanliness and housekeeping are of a high standard, although some rooms are starting to show their age. Fresh flowers are a charming addition in each room.

The resort's primary draw is undoubtedly its collection of swimming pools: seven in all, with two waterslides to keep confident children entertained. The largest pool offers decent swimming for adults, too, and features a swim-up bar for those who wish to imbibe. Out of the pool, kids can burn off energy in the playground or take part in group games and other activities facilitated by the staff. There are also children's aerobics classes, both on dry land and in the water. Adults who want to keep in shape can take advantage of the well-equipped gym, and relax afterwards with decently priced spa treatments such as massages. Theoretically, it is possible to dine in-house for the duration of your stay, but limited menus at both the casual La Tasca restaurant and the more upscale Fino eatery make this a repetitive proposition. Choice at the breakfast buffet is similarly narrow. Free children's meals at La Tasca are a definite plus, though. The on-site convenience store has some food for sale, but prices are double what you'll pay at the 7/11 nearby.