don't want to keep dipping in your pocket...

I always love an invitation or the opportunity to explore a new destination, but when an invitation to visit Phuket in Thailand and stay at an all inclusive resort, I hesitated. Then curiosity got the better of me. I was going to experience the world renown, Club Med.

We arrive late at night and I'm slightly delirious as my mind and body are aware it's some godly-hour back home. The greeting staff are joyous and of varying nationalities, after a refreshment and quick check-in I'm escorted to my room, where I have a good nights sleep.  The rituals for the next few days entailed gathering for a leisurely breakfast at the alfresco restaurant, this and the meals to follow became...hmmm, what shall I eat today. All meals are served buffet style, offering a good assortment of cuisine. As the day heats up, we chose to dine indoors with air cooling and enhance our conversation of which foods to try, the pursuits of shopping out on the streets and what activities were going to be explored over the day and into the night.

Me, I love an activity and Club Med is not shy on offering them, all are guided by a G.O (Gentil Officer) or two.  Take your pick, there is an activity from 8.30am to 11.30pm ranging from a morning power walk, yoga and fitness sessions, flying circus, a boat ride and snorkelling, intro scuba dive, putting-golf, tennis, aqua aerobics, beach volley ball and the list goes on.  The G.O.'s are an integral part of Club Med. They come from all corners of the world, most are multi-lingual and they enjoy making you feel you are apart of their big Club Med family.

What I found impressive with Club Med was the attention to entertaining and interacting with children, being all-inclusive means children aged 4-10 years (kids club) participate in the organised activities, whilst the parents relaxed (read) by the pool. Children were encouraged to get involved whether it be playing water polo late morning or on the stage at the evening concert, which had young and old laughing and dancing or participating in little pranks.  The kids were happy.

For those who wanted to dodge all the kid activity and noise, which was me! Retreated to the zen pool, the day spa, fitness room or the beach with white sand and clean ocean water - rarely a hawker to hassle you and a Club Med beach boy there to provide you with a mat and little cane pillow, it was a fab place to retreat.  Also to my surprise, as I always look out for a bit of community or environmental consciousness, Club Med had practices in place.

Would I recommend Club Med Phuket? For sure. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely for families and those that like a bit of nightly entertainment. Keep in mind there are eighty Club Med - resorts, chalets, villas or cruises - world wide, so there is something for everyone.

How and why was Club Med conceived? Read on >
To discuss your Club Med reservation phone Travel With A Difference:  03-5254 1279
Discover your Club Med sun holiday offers here >  

"DREAM ON" escape to Bangkok

Destination:   Pathumwan Princess Bangkok, Thailand

Departure date:   Sunday 20 May     Return departure date: Thursday 24 May

Inclusions:  Return Thai Airways economy class airfare Ex Melbourne, Return private airport - hotel transfers, 4 Nights accommodation staying at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in a Deluxe Room, Check out till 6pm, Daily breakfast, Australian departure and airport taxes

Cost per person: $1230.94

NOTE: these packages are limited for sale today only!

Additionals: upgrade to business class, travel insurance, credit card fees may apply.

BOOK NOW: "DREAM ON" reservations or 03-5254 1279 only on sale today or unless sold out!

Remember: at time of booking we need your name as it appears in your passport and a contact phone number!

a group adventure in thailand...

Mary Myer, one of TWAD's delightful consultants recently travelled with a family group to Thailand and now she shares some words of their experiences...

Thailand –what a wonderful destination to travel through with a family, young and old alike will enjoy soaking up the culture and the sun in this friendly country.

I was recently given the opportunity to travel with my family group there in December, and they are still talking about it. One of the many highlights for the children was a visit to the Tiger Temple just out of Bangkok. This tour can be combined with a trip to the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai. Visitors get the chance to pat, bottle feed and play with four month old tiger cubs. A magical experience! A volunteer program is also in place there.

Our 3 busy days in Bangkok included having made to measure suits fitted for the men; then we flew to Chiang Mai, a beautiful place in the North. Here we were fortunate to spend a full day with “Eddie’s Elephant Camp” learning the commands used to ride and train an elephant. We began with instruction on some basic Thai language before we were welcomed into in a local, private home where a delicious lunch was provided.



Go Mary...

 Everyone had a turn at “driving” the elephant which was hilarious.
Chiang Mai is famous for it’s silk and has some gorgeous handicrafts for sale; ladies if you want any outfits made, here is the place to have it done.

We stayed in 2 and 3 bedroom apartment style accommodation and the highlight was the JW Marriott at Mai Khao Beach, one hour North of Patong Beach in Phuket. The children/teens club offers many varied activities including Thai kickboxing, boot camp and sunset cycling tours into the local village were popular. This resort was family friendly but also catered well for parents wanting a quiet drink at one of the bars at sunset or a romantic dinner.
We spent a full day with John Grays sea kayaking adventure and for me this was the most memorable day of our whole trip. In the afternoon we learnt to make flower arrangements to be given up as offerings to the gods in the limestone caves at dusk. Our cave had about a dozen floating offerings alight with fragrant incense and candles. It was one of those AHA moments in life for me!
Our group enjoyed shopping for bargains in Patong Beach and the many restaurants which were clean and cheap.

An adventure holiday such as this has created priceless memories.

Phone Mary today to discuss and book your Thailand or group holiday: 0416 798 495