Where to Stay in Mai Khao Beach for Families
Mai Khao Beach stretches for 11 kilometres along Phuket’s northern coast, making it the longest beach on the island. Most of it sits within Sirinat National Park, which means no beach vendors, no jet skis, and no development beyond the handful of resorts at the southern end. The beach is genuinely pristine in a way that’s increasingly rare in Phuket.
The main reason families choose Mai Khao is proximity to Phuket International Airport. Every hotel on this list is 7-20 minutes from the terminal, which makes a real difference when travelling with tired children on late flights. The trade-off is isolation. There’s almost nothing outside the resorts, so you’ll eat at your hotel and won’t be exploring local villages or night markets.
Six hotels on this list have supervised kids clubs. Two more offer excellent family accommodation without dedicated childcare. The standout feature here is Splash Jungle Water Park at Splash Beach Resort, though recent reviews suggest checking its operational status before booking.
Hotels with Kids Clubs
These six hotels have supervised kids’ clubs where trained staff look after your children.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
| On The Beach |
JW Marriott is a 5-star resort with 265 rooms positioned directly on Mai Khao Beach, just 45 metres from the sand. The property is 16-17 minutes from the airport, making it ideal for late arrivals or early departures. This is consistently rated as having one of the best kids clubs in Phuket, with recent guests calling it “the best we’ve ever been to.”
The resort underwent recent renovations, including a reimagined kids club and new M Beach Club. The grounds are extensive with three large pools totalling 2,810 square metres. Staff receive universal praise for friendliness and going above and beyond for families. One family travelling with elderly parents and a toddler described the service as “beyond exceptional” and “flawless.”
What’s Great For Kids
Kids Club takes children aged 4 and above with full supervision. Under 4s can attend with a parent or babysitter. The recently redesigned facility has an indoor playground witha pool table and bright, inspiring spaces. Daily scheduled activities include pool games, outdoor movies after dinner, marine-related activities, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences.
Three large swimming pools totalling 2,810 sqm. Kids’ pool with waterslides. Pools open 9 am to 6 pm.
Room options include deluxe rooms, suites, pool suites, and villas. Family rooms and triple rooms are available. Specific sizes are not detailed, but the variety accommodates different family configurations.
Six restaurants: Siam Deli, Ginja Taste, Benihana (Japanese teppanyaki), JW Cafe, Andaman Grill, and Cucina (Italian). Movie nights, cooking classes, and themed dinners available. Watersports on-site, including snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and windsurfing. Tennis courts, playground, and game room. Beach yoga, walking tours, and bicycle rentals.
Good for: Families wanting the best-rated kids club in Mai Khao with luxury beachfront facilities and excellent dining options.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach |
| Beach | Direct beachfront, 45 metres from Mai Khao Beach. 11 km of pristine sand within Sirinat National Park. |
| Hotel | 5-star resort, 265 rooms. Deluxe rooms, suites, pool suites, and villas available. |
| Facilities | 3 pools (2,810 sqm total), kids pool with waterslides, kids club, 6 restaurants, M Beach Club, spa, tennis, watersports. |
| What’s Around? | 16-17 minutes from airport. Isolated location with limited dining outside resort. Turtle Village shopping nearby. |
| Who is it for? | Families wanting top-rated kids club and luxury beachfront. Not for those wanting walkable restaurants or nightlife. |
| Worth Noticing | Recently renovated kids club. 6 restaurants means dining variety without leaving resort. Staff consistently praised. |
| Price | Luxury |
Check the rates
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
| On The Beach |
Renaissance is a 5-star resort with 201 rooms on Mai Khao Beach, about 15 minutes from the airport. The Kids World facility receives exceptional reviews, with staff members Neena, Sea, Pang, Sun, and Ning consistently praised by name. One family noted their daughter “especially loved playing with Pang every day.” A bear mascot visits breakfast to hand out chocolate, which children remember.
The property has a more intimate feel than the larger JW Marriott next door. The Dino Pool with waterslide and splash zones is a hit with children. Evening movie nights from 7 to 9 pm give parents extra free time. The resort balances family facilities with a refined atmosphere that couples also appreciate.
What’s Great For Kids
Kids World takes children aged 4-12 from 9 am to 6 pm daily with full supervision. Under 4s can attend with a parent. The facility has fish-painted walls, a TV area, wooden tables for arts and crafts, shelves filled with toys and games, and large spheres with soft seating for reading. Evening movie nights run from 7 to 9 pm in a dedicated screening room.
Activities include puppet making, sand art, painting, interactive games, and hands-on crafts. Marshmallow grilling on the beach lawn runs daily from 5 to 6 pm. Staff organise morning and afternoon craft and play sessions designed to help children socialise and make friends.
Large outdoor pool plus the Dino Pool (kids pool) with waterslide and splash zones. The Dino Pool sits adjacent to Kids World for easy access.
Room options include deluxe rooms, suites, and villas with private swimming pools. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms. Luxury bathrooms with separate bathtub and walk-in shower.
Five restaurants including Doppio coffee house, Loca Vore for breakfast buffet, Sand Box, Takieng for Thai food, and The Lounge. DVD rentals available overnight from kids club to play on in-room DVD players. Nanny hire available for children under 4 at additional charge. Kids spa treatments available. Free bicycle rentals with jogging and biking trails.
Good for: Families wanting excellent kids club with evening movie nights and a dinosaur-themed pool that children love.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach |
| Beach | Beachfront, 244 metres from beach centre. Private beach surrounded by gardens. |
| Hotel | 5-star resort, 201 rooms. Deluxe rooms, suites, and private pool villas. |
| Facilities | Large pool plus Dino Pool with waterslide, Kids World 9 am – 6 pm + movies 7-9 pm, 5 restaurants, spa, arcade. |
| What’s Around? | 15 minutes from airport. Limited dining outside resort. Adjacent to JW Marriott. |
| Who is it for? | Families wanting excellent kids club with evening hours. Good balance of family and refined atmosphere. |
| Worth Noticing | Kids club staff praised by name. Evening movies 7-9 pm. Bear mascot at breakfast. Daily beach marshmallow grilling. |
| Price | Luxury |
Check the rates
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach
| On The Beach |
Phuket Marriott Nai Yang is a 5-star resort with 180 rooms on Nai Yang Beach, adjacent to the Mai Khao area. It’s the closest resort to the airport at just 10 minutes drive, making it perfect for families with late flights or early departures. The kids club takes all ages including teens, which is unusual.
The property has an underwater theme throughout the kids facilities, with blue and white fish-painted walls. The beach is more private than most hotel beaches in Phuket, though significant low tides mean the water retreats far from the resort in the afternoons. Two pools including a lazy river and separate kids pool compensate when the tide is out.
What’s Great For Kids
Kid’s Club takes all ages including teenagers from 9 am to 6 pm daily, 7 days a week. The underwater-themed facility has air-conditioned indoor space, a TV area, children-sized tables and chairs for arts and crafts, shelves overflowing with games and toys, and plush bean bags designed as underwater creatures.
Activities include arts and crafts, cultural activities, outdoor games, and supervised splash games in the kids pool on hot days. The daily schedule changes regularly, mixing organised activities with free play time. A pirate-themed outdoor playground provides climbing and play opportunities.
Two outdoor pools plus a children’s pool. Lazy river. Free cabanas and sun loungers. Well-maintained pools for all ages.
Room options include rooms with direct pool access, beach view rooms, suites with living spaces and sofas, and villas with impressive outdoor terraces and plunge pools. All rooms have sleek showers and separate bathtubs.
Three restaurants: Andaman Kitchen for all-day Thai and international, Big Fish for poolside seafood, and Mama’s Kitchen for casual international. Two bars including The Lounge. Quan Spa offers kid-specific therapies alongside adult treatments. Kayaks and paddleboards available during high tide. Children under 12 stay free using existing beds.
Good for: Families wanting the closest resort to the airport with an all-ages kids club and lazy river.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Nai Yang Beach (adjacent to Mai Khao) |
| Beach | Beachfront on Nai Yang Beach. More private than most Phuket beaches. Low tides affect afternoon swimming. |
| Hotel | 5-star resort, 180 rooms. Pool access rooms, beach view rooms, suites, and villas with plunge pools. |
| Facilities | 2 pools + kids pool, lazy river, kids club 9 am – 6 pm (all ages), pirate playground, 3 restaurants, Quan Spa. |
| What’s Around? | 10 minutes from airport (closest resort). Nai Yang village has some local restaurants. Quieter than Mai Khao resorts. |
| Who is it for? | Families wanting closest airport proximity. Good for teens (kids club takes all ages). Quiet relaxation seekers. |
| Worth Noticing | Low tides mean ocean far from resort after noon. Kids club accepts all ages including teens. Kids spa treatments available. |
| Price | Luxury |
Check the rates
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
| On The Beach |
Anantara Mai Khao is a 5-star all-villa resort with 83 private pool villas ranging from 186-389 sqm. Every villa has its own 34 sqm private swimming pool. The property sits on beachfront Mai Khao Beach bordered by Sirinat National Park, just 15 minutes from the airport. This is the most luxurious family option in Mai Khao.
The resort was featured in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3. Design resembles a traditional southern Thai village with indigenous gardens around a beautiful lagoon. Recent reviews consistently rate it 10/10, with one family stating “This resort had everything — bikes, tennis courts, beach, kids and teen clubs. Wish we could stay for 6 months.”
What’s Great For Kids
Kids Club takes children aged 4-12 with supervision. Under 4s can participate with parental supervision. The facility has toys, games, and an indoor slide. Activities include calming arts and crafts, spirited Muay Thai classes, outdoor playground time, and splash pool activities. A separate Teen Zone has PlayStation and football.
Resort beachfront infinity pool plus splash pool for younger children. Rock-climbing wall welcomes all family members. All 83 villas have private 34 sqm swimming pools with outdoor sundeck, loungers, sun umbrellas, and outdoor living sala.
Villa configurations for families:
Two Bedroom Family Pool Villa: 199 sqm with one king bedroom plus one twin bedroom, one spacious bathroom with rain shower, private pool. Maximum 4 adults plus 1 child.
Two Bedroom Connecting Double Pool Villa: 372 sqm with two interconnected pool villas. Maximum 4 adults plus 1 child.
Two Bedroom Pool Pavilion: 265 sqm with private pool. Maximum 4 adults plus 2 children.
Three Bedroom Connecting Double Pool Pavilion: 460 sqm. Maximum 6 adults plus 3 children.
Four Bedroom Connecting Double Pool Pavilion: 530 sqm with Villa Host service. Maximum 8 adults plus 4 children.
Five dining options including award-winning Tree House and beachside Sea.Fire.Salt restaurant. Muay Thai ring for training. Two professional tennis courts. Yoga and Pilates studio. Award-winning Anantara Spa. Bicycle tours and private yacht cruises available.
Good for: Families wanting the ultimate luxury with private pool villas, excellent kids and teen facilities, and space for multi-generational travel.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach |
| Beach | Beachfront on Mai Khao Beach, bordered by Sirinat National Park. Described as “one of the best beaches hands down.” |
| Hotel | 5-star all-villa resort, 83 villas. Every villa has private 34 sqm pool. Sizes 186-530 sqm. |
| Facilities | Private pools in all villas, resort infinity pool, splash pool, kids club, teen zone, rock climbing, 5 restaurants, spa, tennis, Muay Thai ring. |
| What’s Around? | 15 minutes from airport. Isolated within national park. Limited dining outside resort. |
| Who is it for? | Luxury families wanting private pool villas. Multi-generational groups. Not for budget travellers. |
| Worth Noticing | Featured in The White Lotus Season 3. All villas have private pools. 4-bedroom pavilions sleep 8 adults + 4 children. |
| Price | Very High |
Check the rates
Splash Beach Resort Mai Khao
| Distance to Beach: 900 m walk |
Splash Beach Resort is a 5-star property with 455 rooms spread across 47 acres of landscaped gardens. The headline feature is free unlimited access to Splash Jungle Water Park, Phuket’s largest water park with over 6,400 sqm of slides, pools, and attractions. For water park-obsessed families, this is the obvious choice in Phuket.
Important Warning: Recent 2025 reviews report the water park was closed after booking and the hotel refused refunds. Other issues mentioned include dirty beach with rubbish, damaged pool decking causing injuries, and inconsistent service. Contact the hotel directly to verify water park operational status before booking.
What’s Great For Kids
Free children’s club with supervised childcare available for an additional fee.
Splash Jungle Water Park (free for guests) operates 10 am to 5 pm daily. Attractions include:
- Boomerango: 15-metre high tube slide
- Super Bowl: spinning bowl slide
- 6-lane Whizzard Racer slides
- Family Raft Ride suitable for all ages
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Spring Pool (covered, cool)
- Kids playground and splash zones
Multiple lifeguards stationed throughout. Height and weight restrictions on certain rides. Note: approximately 100 steps to reach top-level slides.
Two outdoor pools at the resort: one near hotel rooms and restaurant, one beachfront infinity pool across the golf course. Children’s pool. Swim-up bar.
Room configurations include 2-4 Bedroom Penthouse Pool Suites with private plunge pools and full kitchens. 2-4 Bedroom Pool Villas with private pools and kitchens. All rooms have air conditioning and connecting room options.
Two restaurants: Splash Kitchen Restaurant for family dining and Sunset Breeze Restaurant with ocean views. Splash Beach Club beachfront bar. Free bicycle rentals. Playground. Full-service spa. Babysitting available.
Good for: Families wanting Phuket’s largest water park with free unlimited access, if operational status is confirmed.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach |
| Beach | 900 m (10-minute walk) from Mai Khao Beach. Beachfront infinity pool across golf course. |
| Hotel | 5-star resort, 455 rooms across 47 acres. Penthouse suites and pool villas with kitchens. |
| Facilities | FREE Splash Jungle Water Park access, 2 resort pools, kids pool, kids club, 2 restaurants, spa. |
| What’s Around? | Close to airport. Within Sirinat National Park. Very limited dining outside resort. |
| Who is it for? | Water park-obsessed families. Not for those wanting direct beach access. |
| Worth Noticing | VERIFY WATER PARK STATUS BEFORE BOOKING. 2025 reviews report closures without refunds. Beach 900m walk. Airport noise reported. |
| Price | Mid-range to Luxury |
Check the rates
Family Accommodation (No Kids Club)
This hotel doesn’t have a supervised kids club, but offers excellent rooms and pools for families who look after their own children.
SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
| On The Beach |
SALA Phuket is a 5-star luxury resort with 79 rooms and private pool villas on Mai Khao Beach, about 20 minutes from the airport. There’s no kids club, which is by design. This is a tranquil, upscale property that works best for families with older children who don’t need organised activities.
One family with 3 kids noted “staff super friendly to my children – gave them goggles for swimming, badminton rackets, volleyballs etc. There is no kids club (but that’s not what our family wanted).” The resort has an “impossibly cool vibe that is like a beautiful beach club, but on a lawn without a spec of pretension.” It’s “clearly not a young kids focused property. Families with older kids, couples, and expats all fit in equally well.”
What’s Great For Families
No dedicated kids club. This is a tranquil property focused on relaxation rather than activities.
Three beachfront pools, including a 30-metre lap pool and a shaded kids’ pool. Shaded children’s play areas.
Villa configurations:
Deluxe Balcony Rooms: Private balcony with views.
Garden Pool Villas: Private pools and outdoor showers.
Sala Pool Villas: More space with a sun deck.
Two-Bedroom Pool Villa Suites: Living areas, private pools, space for families and groups.
Connecting Pool Villas: Privacy and convenience for families and groups.
Children aged 6-11.99 stay free with parents with complimentary extra beds. Special kids amenities provided. Family Getaway Package requires minimum 5 nights and includes daily breakfast for the whole family, kids stay and dine free from kids menu, roundtrip airport transfers, one-time beachfront family picnic, and 4-hour resort private car.
SALA Beach Restaurant serves fresh seafood, authentic Thai, and global favourites with poolside, indoor, and rooftop seating. Beachfront Bar for sunset drinks. In-villa dining available. SALA Spa. Modern gym. Library and boutique.
Good for: Families with older children wanting tranquil luxury without organised kids activities.
| Hotel Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mai Khao Beach |
| Beach | Beachfront on Mai Khao Beach. Clean beach with soft sand. Quiet location. |
| Hotel | 5-star luxury, 79 rooms and villas. Private pool villas available. Two-bedroom options for families. |
| Facilities | 3 beachfront pools, including a shaded kids pool, children’s play areas, restaurant, and spa. No kids’ club. |
| What’s Around? | 20 minutes from the airport. Very isolated. Almost no dining outside the resort. |
| Who is it for? | Families with older children wanting tranquil luxury. Not for families needing kids club or organised activities. |
| Worth Noticing | No kids club by design. Children 6-11.99 stay free. Family Getaway Package includes picnic and private car. |
| Price | Luxury |
Check the rates
Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Kids Club | Pools | Beach Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott | Yes, 4+ yrs | 3 pools + waterslides | Direct beachfront | Best kids club, 6 restaurants |
| Renaissance | Yes, 4-12 yrs, 9 am – 6 pm + movies | 2 pools + Dino Pool waterslide | Beachfront | Evening movies, dinosaur pool |
| Marriott Nai Yang | Yes, all ages, 9 am – 6 pm | 2 pools + lazy river | Beachfront (low tides) | Closest to airport, teens welcome |
| Anantara Villas | Yes, 4-12 yrs + teen zone | Private pools in all 83 villas | Beachfront | Ultimate luxury, private pools |
| Splash Beach | Yes, free | FREE water park + 2 pools | 900 m walk | Water park (verify status) |
| SALA Phuket | None | 3 pools + kids pool | Beachfront | Tranquil luxury, older children |
Our Recommendations
- Best kids club: JW Marriott Phuket. Recently reimagined facility with exceptional staff. Multiple guests describe it as “the best kids club we’ve ever been to.”
- Best for evening freedom: Renaissance Phuket. Kids World runs until 6 pm with movie nights from 7 to 9 pm, giving parents genuine evening time.
- Best for teens: Phuket Marriott Nai Yang. The only kids club that accepts all ages including teenagers.
- Best luxury option: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. All 83 villas have private pools. Four-bedroom pavilions accommodate 8 adults plus 4 children. Featured in The White Lotus Season 3.
- Best for extended stays: Avani+ Mai Khao. Full kitchens and laundry in all suites. Weekly cinema nights. Access to Anantara facilities next door.
- Best for water parks: Splash Beach Resort offers free unlimited access to Splash Jungle Water Park, but verify operational status before booking due to recent closure reports.
- Best for older children: SALA Phuket. No kids club, but tranquil luxury, beautiful pools, and private pool villas. Works for families who don’t need organised activities.
- Closest to the airport: Phuket Marriott Nai Yang at 10 minutes. JW Marriott and Renaissance are 15-17 minutes.
Disclaimer: Once you’ve chosen your hotel, it’s always a good idea to contact them directly before booking. While we do our best to keep this information accurate, kids club hours, age policies, and facilities can change without notice.
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