Turns out, the secret to a stress-free family trip is just… not leaving the hotel 

On our last day in Phuket, my 3.5 year-old asked - for the third time that day - if we could go back to the hotel room. We had activities planned. He didn’t care. And to be fair, he didn’t need to see much of Patong, because the M Social Hotel Phuket gave him everything he wanted. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned travelling with young kids, it’s that the hotel isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where the holiday actually happens. That’s exactly what Millennium Hotels and Resorts seems to have understood with its newly launched MyMillennium Kids programme. 

What is MyMillennium Kids? 

Think of it as a rewards programme, but for kids. Available to qualifying direct bookings of at least two consecutive nights, with the accompanying adult registered as a MyMillennium member, MyMillennium Kids allow children aged five to 10 collect stickers with each stay and exchange them for rewards. There are also side missions they can complete for bonus stickers. 

That’s not all. For an extra special touch of vacation magic, parents can choose from a selection of Mini Magical Surprises that is sure to delight. Take, for instance, a personalised note from the programme’s mascot Muriel the Cow, saying that she’s left them a surprise gift. Or a craft kit that allows children to personalise their own “Do Not Disturb” signs. 

Not a MyMillennium member yet? Sign up before your stay here (membership is free!).

What are the rewards?

3 stickers = Complimentary kids’ dessert (e.g. ice cream and fruit platter) 
6 stickers = a plush toy of the programme’s mascot, Muriel the Cow 
9 stickers = complimentary room upgrade on the next stay 
12 stickers = MyMillennium Kids merchandise, “Junior World Explorer” certificates, and giveaway entry

Which Millennium properties offer the MyMillennium Kids programme?

In Singapore, it’s available at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, Orchard Hotel Singapore, and M Hotel Singapore City Centre. Elsewhere in Asia Pacific, the programme runs at M Social Resort Penang, M Social Hotel Phuket, and M Social Hotel Suzhou.

It will expand to Europe and the US next year, rolling out at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa London, M Social Hotel Paris, M Social Hotel New York Downtown, M Social Hotel New York Times Square, and The Biltmore Los Angeles.

Our stay at M Social Hotel Phuket 

At check-in, my kids were each handed a little passport, ready to be filled with stickers, along with a few pages of activities, like colouring, to keep little hands busy.

But the real fun began when we opened the doors to our connecting rooms. The kids’ side was completely decked out: towel animals wearing colourful party hats perched on the bed, a tent tucked to the side, and snacks almost too cute to eat. It was a touch of whimsy that won my children over instantly. They spent the next hour exploring every corner of the room, while my husband and I unpacked and unwound with a snack tray of our own next door.

There’s something quietly luxurious about heading out for the day and returning to a room that’s been tidied to perfection. Turndown service here was especially stellar. My kids (and if I’m honest, me too) were always a little thrilled to see what sweet treat awaited us each evening.

A quick tip: the hotel is split across two wings, Sunkissed and Afterglow. I’d recommend the former for families as it leans more resort, less city hotel. The two wings are an easy walk apart, but you can also request a van, a buggy, or - my son’s favourite - a Vespa transfer, complete with a sidecar for children. This was, without question, the highlight of his trip. He asked for the Vespa every single time we moved between buildings, and the staff obliged without fail.

Speaking of which, kudos to the M Social Hotel Phuket team. You can tell they genuinely love having kids around. They were endlessly accommodating, and often stopped to chat with my son, who lapped up the attention.

What to do around M Social Hotel Phuket with kids 

Of course, there’s the requisite pool. At the Sunkissed wing, where we stayed, it comes with sweeping mountain views. The gym sits just beside it for anyone chasing a workout, and a little further along is Let’s Relax, a spa offering Thai massages from 600 THB (about $23) for a 45-minute foot massage.

The hotel also connects directly to Jungceylon, one of Phuket’s largest shopping malls. It houses Kidzoona, a sprawling indoor playground that is sure to keep young kids occupied for hours. Have older kids? There’s also a cinema and an arcade. 

Patong Beach is conveniently close by too. It’s about a five-minute drive, or 10-minute walk away. Young animal lovers should also check out Bukit Elephant Park, a well-reviewed, ethical elephant sanctuary that is under an hour’s drive from the property.

Where to eat at M Social Hotel Phuket

One thing I appreciated: the food options on-site were genuinely good. That was never a consideration before kids, but now, having solid dining just downstairs is nothing short of a lifesaver, especially on nights when everyone’s too pooped from the day to head back out.

Beast & Butterflies offers a wide-ranging menu spanning Eastern and Western cuisine. For the adults, I’d highly recommend ordering Thai food. It satisfied every craving I had, without me ever setting foot off the property.

Then there’s Bincho Izakaya, serving sushi, sake, and robatayaki. The loungey, intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot for parents to sneak away for a nightcap once the kids are tucked in. And don’t worry, there’s a solid kids’ menu too. My toddler, for one, was very taken with the tempura.

Will I do a MyMillennium Kids holiday again?

I’ve been told my life shouldn’t revolve around my kids. Fair, to a point. But a family holiday? That should absolutely revolve around the youngest travellers. The giggles over the towel animals. The delight at a room designed just for them. The availability of kids’ toiletries, which came in clutch because I forgot to pack shampoo. And all the other small, thoughtful touches that added up to a smooth, memorable trip.

And when the kids are happy, the parents are happy, relaxed, and dare I say, well-rested. That alone, is reason enough to do it again.

Pre-kids, I’d have been horrified to hear I went to Phuket and barely left the hotel. Now? Those two days in the hotel were the holiday.

For more information on the MyMillennium Kids programme, click here. 

In partnership with MyMillennium Hotels and Resorts.