Thailand Hotels: 5 Top Family-Friendly Escapes

There’s more to Thailand hotels than just Bangkok and Phuket, mama! Here are five amazingly family-friendly resorts ranging from beach to jungle

If you’re looking for a trip that will create lasting memories for the family, then some of the world’s most exciting natural environments can make for the perfect adventure playground. And bonus: Thailand is right on our doorstep! Family travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have handpicked five family-friendly stays that are just a hop, skip and a jump away. From snorkelling and trekking, to villas equipped with playrooms and slides, each of these escapes will keep young and old entertained for days…

With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy a best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.

Inspired by the island’s tin-mining heritage, The Slate is a boutique hotel that delights in its industrial-inclined décor. There are activities for everyone, from a family-friendly pool, Thai cooking classes, private windsurfing lessons and even Muay Thai boxing lessons. Don’t forget to check out the award-winning Coqoon Spa, where you can book yourself into a private treatment room called the Nest, tucked into the branches of a centuries-old banyan tree.

The two-bedroom Pearl Shell Suites and Private Pool Villas are perfect for families, offering spacious luxury with private saunas, Jacuzzis and their own spa treatment areas.

Smith extra: Complimentary return airport transfers

The heart of Aava is the dark-blue-tiled pool overlooking the beach and the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by huge white loungers, salas and beanbags. And, apart from the eye-bogglingly beautiful beach and dandy Scandi styling, families will love all the exciting activities at this luxurious hideaway.

The kids’ club is designed for children of all age groups, and there are toys and games to entertain your young throughout all day. For a particularly unusual excursion, head to the island’s natural mountain-river spa, where fish are only too happy to nibble the dead skin from your feet. Or head out in a longtail boat with a local fisherman and keep your eyes peeled for baby-pink fins – a sure sign you’ve just spotted one of the island’s famed pink dolphins.

Smith extra: A fruit basket, homemade chocolate balls from Aava Bakery and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Just a hop from the Night Bazaar, sleekly stylish Anantara Chiang Mai hotel is one for shopping fiends as well as modern design fans. High, bamboo-clad walls hide a seductive luxury resort, with river-view rooms and a pool, and fine dining in the former British consulate-turned-restaurant. Guest bikes are available for children to explore the local area, while cooking classes, elephant treks and whitewater rafting will appeal to older ones. Don’t forget to book the soothing signature treatment, Jade Massage, at the luxurious spa, and end the day by chilling out on the rooftop deck.

Smith extra: For BlackSmiths, a 20-minute foot massage; for SilverSmiths, a bottle of wine; for GoldSmiths, a bottle of sparkling wine.

Beach breaks are elevated at Samujana in Koh Samui – its 25 luxurious villas sit atop a lushly landscaped hill overlooking a coral bay. Each has clean, minimalist styling throughout, plus a private saltwater infinity pool which seems to flow into the picturesque blue bay.

Villas 9, 12, 22 and 24 are the best for families – they consist of playrooms with tabletop games, consoles or slides. The villa host can even tailor an activity programme to your little ones, such as Muay Thai boxing, yoga sessions and mini cookery classes.

Smith extra: A Thai cooking class with lunch.

Boutique hotel Six Senses Yao Noi can’t help but appeal to your inner child. Built from local teak and topped with a palm-leaf roof, the villas have the feel of a luxurious treehouse – except these treehouses have private jade-hued pools for soul-soothing dips. Much of the resort’s allure lies in its remoteness: some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling sites are just a short skim away across mirror-smooth waters.

When you tire of underwater realms, climb to the hilltop infinity pool for dramatic views of the limestone islands of Phan Nga Bay. This is a rustic, cosy escape in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, and fantastic fun for all the family.

Smith extra: A Smith-tailored 30-minute foot massage or back, neck and shoulder massage for two people.