The Ultimate Kata Beach Family Holiday Guide

When it comes to family-friendly beach destinations in Phuket, Thailand, it's tough to beat Kata Beach.

This 1.5-kilometre stretch of sand is located just 20 minutes from the party-centric tourist hub of Patong Beach. The distance may seem small but the result is a much more laid-back experience that caters to visitors of all ages.

Families love Kata Beach for its amenity-packed resorts, kid-centric entertainment options, casual Thai and international restaurants, and idyllic beaches.

If you're looking for the perfect beach destination for your next getaway, Kata Beach might be just what you're looking for.

Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa is tucked away on a hilltop between Kata Beach and Karon Beach, two of the best beaches for families on the island of Phuket. With its tropical setting, sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, and endless amenities, you'll be in vacation mode the moment you arrive at the resort. 

The best part of staying at a family-friendly resort in Kata Beach is that you'll have everything you could possibly need right on-site.

When you stay at Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa you can start your days by fuelling up at the lavish breakfast buffet, which even has a Kids' Corner to cater to children. You can also enjoy all-day dining at En Vogue Restaurant or grab snacks and comfort food at the Zing pool bar or the Canopy Tree Bar. With the resort's central location, you'll be surrounded by tons of family-friendly Thai and international eateries, which is a nice perk.

At Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa, you'll have three swimming pools to choose from. Adults will love the swim-up bar and whirlpool in the main pool. And your kids won't be able to get enough of the splash pad and sandy play area in the designated kids' and toddlers' pool areas.

When you want to swap the pool for the beach, the sandy shores of Kata Beach are just a five-minute walk away. The resort even offers a free shuttle if you don't feel like walking.

When you get a free moment, you can fit in your daily workout at the 24-hour fitness centre. Or, better yet, head over to the full-service spa and treat yourself to a Thai massage or an aloe cucumber wrap. 

Of course, you are in Thailand, which means you probably want to embark on an adventure or two during your trip. Be sure to consult with the friendly staff, who are experts in arranging island-hopping tours, cooking classes, surfing lessons, and everything in between.

When it comes to kid-friendly activities, Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa goes above and beyond. While the adults get a much-needed break, the little ones will have a blast playing games and making new friends at the Little Ocean Kids Club. 

The trained staff offer a long list of daily activities and events to keep kids entertained all day long. The schedule is always changing, but expect kid-friendly yoga exercises, painting sessions, cooking classes, gardening activities, and so much more.

Another major perk of staying at Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa is that the resort has rooms and amenities that specifically cater to families. Opt for the Family Room and you'll get 47 square metres of space, one king bed and one queen bed, and a rain shower and a standalone bathtub.

If you'd prefer even more space, the Family Suite features a living area for movie and game nights. There's also a handy kitchenette and dining area, which is great for preparing snacks and storing leftovers. 

The family rooms also come with an adorable teepee for little ones to play in, as well as separate toiletries for kids and a little step stool that small children can use. 

While you might be tempted to spend all of your time at the resort, you'll find plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions near Kata Beach.

You'll have easy access to Kata Beach from the base of the resort. Rest assured, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained at the beach.

You can rent cheap beach chairs and umbrellas and set up shop, relax with a beach massage, go parasailing or jet skiing, take a surfing lesson, and wine and dine at one of the local Thai restaurants.

With its gentle waters, beautiful Karon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket for families. You'll find Karon Beach just north of Kata Beach, making it super easy to visit both in one day.

Similar to Kata Beach, you'll find plenty of loungers, water sports, beach bars, and vendors selling fresh fruit and coconuts. As with Kata Beach, the sunsets here are out of this world beautiful. 

Located at the southern end of Kata Beach, Super Surf Kata is a really cool attraction for both surf enthusiasts and wannabe surfers.

This place has an artificial wave machine, so it's a great spot to learn how to surf with the help of their skilled trainers. There is even a "Kids Flow" option that's suitable for kids under 12.

When you're not learning how to "hang ten", you can chill out on the beach club's beachfront sunbeds, grab a bite at the restaurant, or see what fun event is happening at Super Surf Kata that evening.

Dino Park is a 10-minute walk from the resort, making it a convenient stop for an hour of family-friendly fun.

This Jurassic Park-themed mini-golf course is set in a lush rain forest that's teeming with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. The smoke and sounds erupting from the massive volcano just add to the ambience.

After you're done putting your way around the 18-hole course, there's a themed bar and restaurant on-site.

Located a short stroll from Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa, the Kata Night Market takes place every evening from around 4pm to 10pm.

A trip to the night market is always a fun way to sample local cuisine. You'll find vendors selling all the Thai classics here, from pad thai and papaya salad to mango sticky rice and banana pancakes. The Kata Night Market is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts and enjoy live music and performances. 

As you can see, Kata Beach was tailor-made for a family-friendly getaway. From the laid-back vibes of Kata and Karon beaches to the authentic Thai food, unique entertainment options, and the 5-star amenities at your resort, there's something here for every member of the family.

Don’t be surprised if your family ends up turning Kata Beach into a yearly tradition.