Looking at taking the family to Thailand for a few weeks in winter. That includes an 8 year old and 70 year old mom who is in pretty good shape.
I love the look of some of the resorts around Phuket but they seem isolated. At least one of us in the group will go crazy if he/she can't get off the grounds and wander around.
Also, is transportation easy to get to/from resorts? I don't want to wait forever for buses but I don't want to be taking overpriced taxis everywhere.
And since I have your attention, I'm thinking of the Ren in Bangkok for several days why we do some day trips. I'm assuming I'll be delighted.
Any advice is appreciated.
I don't know much about Phuket (except that almost everyone mispronounces the name; it's not a dirty word).
The Renaissance in BKK is very nicely located. It's a new property and I haven't stayed there but I have stayed in the neighborhood. Less than 5 minute walk to the Central World Mall, 15 minute walk (better off in a taxi, actually) from Pratunam (clothes, watches, bags, etc.) and Panthip Plaza (IT everything you can think of). Also there's an elevated walkway that will take you beyond Central up to Siam Paragon Mall.
The walkway also connects you to BTS (elevated commuter train) which can get you to a lot of interesting places in the city.