With GCC travellers already looking to plan their next great winter escape, Club Med Phuket is perfectly positioned to capture this momentum, Jayne Houghton discovers first hand
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lub Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, reopened its Phuket resort with redesigned spaces, upgraded facilities and refreshed programming in 2022. Paying tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the island, the property blends authentic Thai experiences and the vibrant Phuket lifestyle under one roof.
Located on Kata Beach, southwest of the island just 45 minutes from the Phuket International Airport, the resort spans a total of 16 hectares, surrounded by 1,200 metres of tropical paradise overlooking the Andaman Sea.
For GCC travellers, with long weekends and festive seasons on the horizon, now is the ideal time to secure an unforgettable family adventure.
TTN sat down with Maxime Debled, Chef de Village at Club Med Phuket, to discuss how the resort's recent enhancements are strategically positioning it as the leading premium all-inclusive destination for families in Asia.
Family fun in the sun
The scale of the renovations is impressive, including the new Family Oasis. These enhancements are a direct response to what modern families are looking for. "With the new Family Oasis rooms and splash park, we are responding directly to the growing demand from families seeking both comfort and engaging experiences for all ages".
This enhancement is part of Club Med’s global 'upscale transformation' and East & South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) strategy, and it's clearly working. By creating these dedicated family spaces, the resort is not only attracting new guests but also "boosting family reservations and reinforcing Phuket’s reputation as a destination where parents can relax while children thrive in a safe, fun, and enriching environment".
The resort has also made sure to have connecting rooms available, a feature that is appreciated by families. The Family Oasis is highlighted as the star amenity, featuring dedicated family rooms and a splash park where children can play safely while parents relax nearby.
Enhanced tech
Beyond the physical enhancements, technology is playing a crucial role in elevating the guest experience. Club Med’s ESAP strategy also places a strong emphasis on 'digital transformation' and 'seamless guest-facing technology'. At Club Med Phuket, this means putting control in the hands of the guest via the Club Med app. Through the app, guests can explore the full schedule of activities, make bookings or requests, and even communicate directly with the reception team.
According to Debled, this creates a "seamless, guest-centric experience" while also improving "operational efficiency by reducing wait times, streamlining communication, and allowing our teams to focus more on delivering meaningful, high-quality interactions".
The green choice
What truly sets Club Med Phuket apart is its commitment to both the environment and the local community. The resort holds the Green Globe Platinum status showcasing its dedication to sustainable operations. Debled highlighted some of the most impactful initiatives, including the elimination of single-use plastics across the resort, a strong emphasis on food waste management, with culinary teams trained to "cook in real time and adjust portions carefully, ensuring freshness while significantly reducing waste". The resort also supports the local economy and reduces its carbon footprint by working with local producers and suppliers wherever possible. This commitment extends to a deep integration of local Thai culture into the holiday experience.
"At Club Med Phuket, we believe that an authentic holiday experience goes hand in hand with discovering the local culture.” Guests can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Thailand through weekly events like the 'Inside Market' and a multicultural night featuring Thai cultural games and local food. There are even Thai boxing demonstrations, offering a glimpse into one of the country's most iconic practices. Local flavours are blended into every aspect of the resort, with architecture and interior design featuring traditional Thai elements. In the restaurants, guests can enjoy Thai cuisine alongside international options, while the spa incorporates local wellness traditions and natural ingredients. These touches allow guests to "connect with the destination while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a premium all-inclusive resort".
Middle East focus
Looking ahead, the Southeast Asia travel market is experiencing strong momentum. Debled confirmed a notable "surge in arrivals from Europe, the Middle East, and Malaysia", with guests seeking premium all-inclusive experiences that offer the perfect blend of relaxation, activities, and cultural discovery. He sees a strong future for these markets, noting that "The Middle East is an increasingly important source market".
The recent renovations, especially the Family Oasis, strengthen the resort’s ability to respond to this growing demand for upscale family travel. The resort's strategy is to "leverage Phuket’s appeal as a year-round destination, while continuing to attract new markets who are looking for seamless, worry-free holidays”.
For travel professionals, Club Med Phuket sees them as essential to their success. The resort works closely with partners through dedicated training programmes, webinars and on-site familiarisation trips to ensure they fully understand the premium all-inclusive concept and unique selling points.
Over the next 12-18 months, the priority is to capitalise on the momentum of the renovations, particularly the Family Oasis, to further strengthen Club Med Phuket’s reputation as the leading premium all-inclusive resort for families in Asia, says Debled.
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