Club Med Phuket might just be able to call itself the property that sparked Phuket’s rise as an international beach destination. Opened in 1985, the all-inclusive hotel’s construction led to Thai Air’s decision to open a daily flight route between Bangkok and the beach town, bringing more beachgoers than ever before. Being the first also has its perks: It’s ideally located on Kata Beach, widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Phuket.

Designed by Harvard-educated architect Mom Luang Tri Devakul (a.k.a. Mom Tri), Club Med’s Phuket property takes inspiration from traditional Thai longhouses and design. The 62-acre property features lush gardens dotted by colonial-style, silk-hung guest bungalows (many rooms face out onto them) and tropical plants like hibiscus. However, the resort is showing its, with dated decor in the guest rooms and worn furnishings throughout the property.

Most travelers who come here are families, thanks to the budget-friendly all-inclusive rates, excellent array of kid-friendly activities and entertainment, and free kids’ club for children ages 4 and above. While the main ocean-view outdoor pool with its kiddy pool and activities such as aqua fitness has a lively vibe, couples and peace-seeking adults can find respite at the adults-only pool or spa.

Club Med Phuket is located on gorgeous and public Kata Beach in the larger Karon resort town on Phuket’s southwestern coast. It’s a 15-minute walk north of Karon Beach, and a 15-minute drive south of the bustling, bar-filled Patong Beach area. The Wat Chalong Buddhist temple is a 12-minute drive from the resort, while the huge Big Buddha Phuket statue takes about 24 minutes to reach by taxi. Phuket International Airport is at least a 45-minute drive north of the hotel, though it can be much longer in traffic.

Guests looking to get off property will have plenty to do just outside the resort’s gates. The Kata Beach area of Phuket is packed with massage parlors, restaurants, shops, and bars – many of which can be reached in less than a five-minute. There’s also the Kata Night Market that’s just a seven-minute walk away.

The 305 rooms and suites at Club Med Phuket are located in three- and four-story bungalows. Rooms are minimally but comfortably furnished across all room types, though decor could use a modern update. Expect wood or tile floors, simple wood furniture, vibrant Thai silk hangings and bed runners, and bright-yellow accent walls.

Entry-level Superior rooms have empty mini-fridges and are located on the ground or second floors, overlooking the garden. Club Med Phuket Deluxe Rooms are a step up, offering a bit more space, stocked mini-fridges (no alcohol), and either patios or balconies. Suites are more upscale, offering living spaces, separate kids’ rooms, walk-in closets, and large bathrooms with bathtubs and separate showers.

Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, small safes, sitting areas, kettles for coffee- and tea-making, fridges, irons and ironing boards, and flat-screen TV. Also standard are anti-mosquito plugs, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Lower-category rooms have bathrooms with only showers, while Suites add separate tubs.

Accessible and interconnected rooms are also available; cribs must be pre-booked.

All-inclusive dining at Club Med Phuket includes two largely well-reviewed restaurants, though that means options are limited. The Mamuang is the larger buffet-style restaurant serving international cuisines for all three meals. It has an air-conditioned indoor dining room, an outdoor terrace, and a “Baby Corner” for parents to prepare their kids’ meals. The other dining option is the a la carte Thai restaurant, The Chu-Da, which has a more atmospheric setting with hanging lanterns. Traditional and contemporary Thai dishes are served here for late lunches and dinners. It also has an air-conditioning indoor space and outdoor terrace.

Guests can grab drinks at the poolside Sanook bar, which also serves morning coffees and stays open late for dancing. There’s also The Zen Bar at the adults-only pool.

The Club Med Phuket’s all-inclusive package is comprehensive and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, as well as all-day snacks. Drinks, including branded liquors, wines, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, are part of the package, though some travelers have complained of the liquor being low-quality. Guests can pay to upgrade to premium alcohol. The resort’s wide range of entertainment, shows, performances, and activities, from Club Med’s typical flying trapeze lessons to Thai boxing, as well as sports facilities, are also covered. Also, there are no water sports here aside from snorkeling.

Kids’ activities are also included, but not for kids younger than 4.

Travelers who don’t want to stay overnight (or don’t have time), but want to experience the facilities can purchase a Club Med Phuket day pass for under $100. Kids 4 and under are free and other under-18s get discounts set by age. It includes all the perks of the all-inclusive experience sans the room, from dining and booze to access to the beach and pools.

The hotel’s two outdoor pools are expansive and attractive, consisting of a main family-friendly pool close to the beach, and a quiet pool that’s for adults only. The main pool is where daily activities such as aqua aerobics take place, and it has a shallow section for children. Ample loungers are available at both, though guests tend to save places with towels early in the morning. There are also bars at both pools providing refreshments and snacks.

Club Med Phuket is located on the public Kata Beach, widely regarded as one of the top beaches in the area, though guests need to cross a road to access it (crossing guards are there to help). While there are no loungers on the beach as it’s public, the hotel does have umbrellas and mats for guests, plus guests can rent chairs from vendors. Towels for the beach are provided for each guest in their rooms.

Babies are welcome at this property (just be sure to pre-book a crib), and Baby Club Med is made just for babies 4 to 23 months old -- you’ll want to book a spot for them in advance, however, and it comes at an extra charge. The resort also offers a special “baby welcome” that includes bottle warmers and changing tables for hotel rooms. Toddlers at Petit Club Med (also available for an additional fee) can check out the baby gym, where they can refine motor skills with the obstacle course, create and rehearse shows, and explore nature on a walk. There’s also a saltwater paddling pool and nap room decorated with elephant murals.

Little ones from age 4 and up have plenty to do during their Club Med stay too, with a Mini Club Med just for them that’s included in the rate. Kids hanging out there can try some of the activities their parents try too, like Thai boxing, archery, and circus skills, or take tennis and golf lessons. Teens have similar programming at Club Med Passworld, as well as the addition of group fitness lessons and an area for video games. Families can join up for activities together with the hotel’s Amazing Family! Program, featuring activities across a variety of themes, such as giant Jenga and cooking classes.

Club Med is known for having a full slate of activities for active guests organized by their staff known as G.Os (Gentils Organisateurs), and their Phuket property is no different. The hotel has plenty of activities for guests of all ages, from Thai boxing classes and flying trapeze lessons to cooking lessons featuring the national cuisine. There’s also a full slate of entertainment, like traditional Thai dance performances, circus acts, live music, and nightly theme parties. Usually there’s some sort of themed Club Med Phuket dress code for the evening entertainment, but it’s completely optional.

The hotel also offers an above-par selection of standard sports and fitness classes, like yoga, archery, mini-football (and regular football), snorkeling, and aqua fitness classes. A small spa is also available for massages and other wellness treatments, though it’s more expensive than the massage parlors found throughout Phuket.

Wi-Fi and self-parking are both free.