What beach or area of Phuket would you recommend for a family vacation, 4 adults and 2 small children? Looking for something very nice, upscale. Any specific hotels or resorts you could recommend, maybe something with a villa that would work for everyone?
Thanks.

Take a look at the Kata Thani on Kata Noi Beach.

You do not say what time of the year you are going to Phuket. There are times of the year when the red flags are up, which means that swimming in the sea is not very safe... dangerous currents.

Kata Thani is a very nice resort. I stayed there in a junior suite, in September 2006. I don't recall there being an villas. But there are at least 2-3 very nice large swimming pools along with restaurants, breakfast buffet, and beach-front bars.

Carol

also take a look at le meridien....

Thanks. I plan to go in mid-June. Does that change things??

I was in Phuket one time in July and saw red flags at the beach... not sure about June. We also had red flags at Kata Thani in September. We had rain in July and also in September, but it didn't last long! We also had really gorgeous days as well!

If you are lucky with the weather, my favorite for a good and quiet beach as well as an upscale place would be JW Marriott at Mai Khao beach.

Le Meridian on Tri-Trang beach (close to Patong would be a great family location as there will be heaps for the kids to do. If they are really small, there is a kids club but if they are over, say 7 ,they would be able to use the table tennis, golf driving range, rock climbing wall etc. Also, the beach is more sheltered than Kata and they have there own life guards so swimming would be possible at any time of year. It can be a little rough but safe at that time of year. The only problem is there is very little local infrastructure within a short walk of the resort so you will need to catch the resort shuttle or Taxi's alot. The Tukk-tuks will cahrge about 200 baht each way or 150 if it is a slow day. You will fit all 6 of you into one of these but will struggle with the taxi's. The Restaraunts at the resort are very nice but also a lot more expensive than a local restaraunt in Patong or Kata/Karon and I would much rather give my money to a local rather the resort as they are already getting enough from the room charge.