After a 13 hour flight to Beijing and another 6 hour flight to Phuket, I worried that Athena would be a nightmare to be around today. Actually, if I’m being completely honest, I worried that I would be a nightmare to be around today and then I’d have to deal with a cranky child on top of that. Once again, Athena has shocked me with her positive attitude and ability to cope with long flights and changing time zones. Today was our first day at Renaissance Phuket, Thailand and it was magical. We walked on the beach, swam in our own private pool and the resort pools, played at the kids club and tasted Thai food. It’s only the first day and we’re jet-legged, but I’m already in love with Renaissance Phuket.
We arrived at Renaissance Phuket at 2:30 am. Too excited and over-tired to sleep, we ate bananas, oranges, apples and pears from the welcome fruit tray. I was grateful when I walked into the villa and saw snacks and drinks provided complimentary. It was a late arrival and no restaurants were open. We ate with the villa doors open and our feet dipped into the pool. It was like being in a movie. I never thought I’d actually experience such luxury myself.
We woke up at 7:00 am and went for a swim in our pool before breakfast. Athena can swim now so she stayed in longer while I relaxed in the pool chair next to the pool. She’s at such a fun age. She still needs Mommy’s help but she’s independent enough to play on her own. She learned to swim a few months ago and it changed everything. Gone are the days of sitting on the pool stairs for hours without being able to swim and play comfortably in the pool. Now, we race, dive, jump and “canyon ball” into the pool like two children rather than an adult and a child.
After breakfast, we went for a walk on the beach. I was pleasantly surprised that we were the only ones there. We didn’t swim. Instead, we just walked and played in the sand. Athena practiced her handstands and cartwheels and I couldn’t avoid participating. Sand found its way into my hair, my clothes and my finger nails but it was worth seeing the smile on Athena’s face.
We made our way back to the resort and found the kids club. It has three rooms with movies, games, books and toys. During the day, there are free activities and crafts for kids. Athena made a bracelet and we read several books. Between the kids club and the kiddie pool, we could have stayed in that area all day. The pool has a water slide and a waterfall and three different depths for swimming. We played mermaid games and enjoyed the pool until I was too wrinkly to stand it. Athena would never get out unless I asked her. We love that she’s a fish. It’s one of the major reasons we want to live in California.
The sun already set before we had dinner at Loca Vore. I ordered the rice, chicken and pineapple dish and I’m still licking my lips. I might even order it again before we leave. I enjoy trying new dishes but when I find something as delicious as this, it’s hard to move on.
We’re back at our villa at it’s already 9:00 pm. It didn’t rain all day but the sky is alive with lightening right now. Surrounded by windows, we’re comfortably in bed watching the night show. I’ve been dreaming about visiting Thailand for over a decade. We want to leave the property and explore as much of the area as possible, but we’re here until early December so another day at the resort won’t hurt. Sometimes it’s nice to relax and enjoy the moment.
Bucket List Publications 
It looks like you are having a great time! I am glad neither of you were cranky and got out and enjoyed all the wonderful things at the resort and the great walk on the beach. 🙂
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Thank you, Arlene. Darren will be joining us in a couple days. We’ll be refreshed and ready to explore more when he arrives.
Have you been to Thailand?
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I went over the northern border to Canada when we lived in Montana at the age of 4 or 5.That is the extent of my globetrotting. lol
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It looks very cozy and relaxing. I hope you guys had a great time.
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I am so jealous… Thailand cuisine. Yum…!!! Now I’m going to make chicken rice for dinner. You’ve change my whole dinner plan with your photograph! Delicious 🙂
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Athena doesn’t normally eat spicy food so I have to taste her meals before she eats. Oh the woos of being a mother 😉
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So very beautiful!! Can’t wait to read more about your trip my friends. XOXO – Bacon
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Today was beautiful and there’s more to come. Tomorrow I have a massage and we’re going to plan a few day trips. It’s so exciting; I can’t sleep.
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I wouldn’t be able to sleep either my friend!! It sounds so beautiful – so exotic and so beautiful. Have fun, take plenty of pictures and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures. XOXO – Bacon
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What a beautiful place. I can’t say the food looked very appetizing, but the fruit looked good. I’m not one to experiment with food, but if it doesn’t look or smell to weird, I might try it.
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I love trying new foods, but I draw the line at anything alive or bugs. Do you like Thai food? Maybe I can find something you’d like today. Give me some tips and I’ll post a photo of something for you 😉
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I assume you can recommend the Renaissance? That is where I plan to stay when I visit Phuket.
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I stay at resorts more than I’m home and this is one of the nicest properties I’ve ever visited. I can’t recommend it enough. I’d be happy to answer any questions if you think of something. Feel free to reach out here or through email – lesleycarter @ live.com
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What a fantastic and beautiful place. So glad Athena was up to it. Little kids like adventure. She is lucky to be going on these adventures with you!!! Have fun!
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I’m grateful that she is so easy to travel with, but I am writing this at 5:52 am and we’ve been up for over an hour 😉
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Absolutely beautiful – sounds and looks like you’re having a wonderful time! I love Thailand, but I haven’t been in years. Some of the most beautiful scuba diving in the world out there, not to mention some of the most amazing and delicious street food ever!
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Which areas of Thailand have you visited?
I always hear about the amazing street food. When Darren arrives in a couple days, we’ll get off the resort and explore the area more. I don’t want him to miss too many adventures.
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What a nice sitting place Athena! Blessings Always, Mtetar
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not at all jealous that my sister is flying to Thailand in two weeks. A few more years before I can take my daughter – she is only two 😦 I shall keep these lovely picture in my head until then. Enjoy
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Is it only age that worries you about traveling with your daughter? Athena has been traveling with me since her first week of life. If you have any questions about traveling with her, I’d love to try and help.
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I would love to hear some of your tips for long haul flights. I travel with my daughter. She is 16 months. We live in Korea and we haven’t traveled home to the U.S. since she was a few months old. As an infant, it was a breeze flying with her. As a toddler, I’m am concerned about the long flight home. But wish to visit in the new year. On our most recent flights here in Asia, the best flights have been red-eyes and those not full because she sleeps. And other flights, it was stressful because she doesn’t understand she has to remain seated. One of our four hour flights seem like forever. Besides flying, she is the best travel partner. We have been having a blast.
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The photos look so stunning, like this post 🙂
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very well composed post and lot of information for a new traveler to Thailand. Pictures are also great ! Hope you had a good time.
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