Rainy Day Perfection for Leonardo at Club Wyndham Asia, Kalim Bay

Sometimes, the best travel memories are not made in perfect sunshine but in the moments when a great resort proves its worth despite the weather. Our 48 hours at the Club Wyndham Asia resort at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay were exactly that kind of experience.

Arriving with my wife and our son Leonardo—a seasoned little traveler who has logged more miles than many adults—the day did not start well. As we pulled into the resort perched on the cliffs of Kalim Bay, the skies opened. And I mean pouring. The rain came down in thick sheets over the Andaman Sea, and it kept coming, on and off, for the entire two days we were there.

So how do you truly enjoy a luxury two-bedroom villa with a private pool when there is no sun? You discover that a well-designed family resort offers everything you need indoors.

A Villa That Feels Like Home (Only Better)

Our two-bedroom pool villa was a sanctuary. The moment we stepped inside, any frustration about the weather melted away. The first thing that caught our eye was a beautiful welcome composition of fresh flowers arranged on the bed—a lovely, personal touch that set the tone for our stay.

The layout was perfect for a family of three. Leonardo had his own bedroom, which meant after he went to sleep, my wife and I could enjoy the spacious living room without tiptoeing around like thieves. The villa featured luxury design touches throughout: textured wallpaper, high-end carpets, top-quality furniture, and impeccable construction that felt both solid and elegant.

The well-appointed kitchen came stocked with great coffee and drinks—essential for parents needing that morning boost. And the huge LED smart TV became our best friend during the rainy hours, keeping Leonardo entertained while we relaxed.

But the real showstopper? The private pool started right where the bedroom sliding door opened. The view over the beach below in Kalim Bay was absolutely amazing. From our villa, we felt like we could reach out and touch the water. At the same time, the resort is built on a steep hill, which means nearly all accommodations have both a pool and a sea view. Ours looked out over Patong Beach, surrounded by an incredible, manicured tropical landscape with massive old trees that mingle beautifully with the hotel structures.

Leonardo’s highlight was undoubtedly the giant swan-shaped pink floater he commandeered for the entire trip. Rain or no rain, that pool was in use.

A Romantic Evening at Latitude 98

Despite traveling with a child, we managed to carve out a genuinely special evening. The resort’s signature restaurant, Latitude 98, set up a romantic dinner for two—a private table with flowers and a red carpet laid out in the middle of the restaurant.

The three-course meal was exceptional. We started with great Thai starters that burst with authentic flavors. Then came the squid ink spaghetti with clams, perfectly al dente, followed by seared salmon that was cooked just right. All accompanied by a good wine and served by the warmest, most genuinely smiling waitresses we have encountered in Phuket. It was a reminder that even on a family trip, parents need those moments of connection.

Lazy Days and Floating Breakfasts

The second day was wonderfully lazy. We were awakened by the doorbell—we had completely forgotten about our 8am floating breakfast. The staff delivered a basket shaped like a heart, filled with morning goodies: fresh coffee, bread, jams, eggs, and bacon. We were lucky enough to enjoy this feast in our private pool during one of the rare hours when the rain actually stopped. Leonardo splashing nearby, my wife and I soaking in the warm water with coffee in hand—this was the vacation we had hoped for.

Later, we took a short drive into Patong for a simple pizza lunch, then returned to the resort for some true relaxation. While Leonardo enjoyed more pool time (that pink swan again), my wife and I indulged in a fantastic massage at Zana Spa. The therapists were highly capable, professional, and worked out all the travel tension from our shoulders. Zana Spa offers the full range: massages, facials, a steam room, and a sauna.

A Club Worth Joining?

Leonardo had such a happy time. My wife felt pampered and loved. And I found myself thinking: if all Club Wyndham Asia resorts maintain this high level of quality, service, and attention to detail, then this points-based vacation and lifestyle club is genuinely worth considering for regular traveling families like ours.

We were at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay not just as tourists but specifically to test the Club Wyndham Asia structure and see if it could apply to us. The verdict? It absolutely suits families who travel consistently.

What is Club Wyndham Asia? (A Traveler’s Guide)

For readers unfamiliar with the concept, here is a straightforward breakdown of Club Wyndham Asia, a points-based vacation and lifestyle club designed for travelers seeking high-end accommodations while safeguarding against rising accommodation costs. It is managed by the international division of Travel + Leisure Co.

Key Features

• Points-Based System: Members purchase an annual allocation of points used as “travel currency” to book stays. The same number of points you buy when you first join is redeposited into your account every year until 2040.
• Term Until 2040: The club has a membership term of 20 years—shorter than other clubs that can run 40+ years. At the end of the club term, members share in any net proceeds from property sales.
• Global Resort Network: Members can access 40+ resorts across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and more through the club, plus additional properties through resort networks and partnerships.
• Membership Tiers: Benefits scale across four tiers—Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—based on the number of points owned.
• Wyndham Rewards & RCI: Members are automatically enrolled in Wyndham Rewards (60,000+ hotels) and receive a 3-year RCI membership for global vacation exchanges.

Primary Benefits for Families

• Inflation-Proofing: By prepaying for future vacations today, members “lock in” accommodation prices for the next 15+ years. The points required to stay at today’s Club apartments remain the same throughout the life of the Club.
• Financial Return Potential: When the club ends in 2040, eligible members may receive a share of net proceeds from the sale of club properties.
• Flexi-Levy: This unique feature allows members to waive annual fees in any year they choose not to travel—rare among vacation clubs.
• Travel Wallet and Cash: Earn “Travel Cash” through referrals or reviews to pay for annual levies or membership installments.
• Flexibility: Members can “bank” unused points for the next year or “borrow” from future allocations to fund larger trips.
• Member-Only Activities: Access to Thai cooking classes, pool parties, fire shows, members’ socials, and complimentary hire of resort equipment (surfboards, tennis racquets, fishing rods).

Final Verdict

Could we have enjoyed Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay more if the sun had shone? Perhaps. But the mark of a truly great family resort is how it handles the unexpected. From the private plunge pool accessible right off the bedroom to the spacious two-bedroom villa that gave everyone their own space, from the romantic dinner at Latitude 98 to the ridiculous joy of a heart-shaped floating breakfast, Club Wyndham Asia delivered.

Leonardo is already asking when we can go back. My wife is researching membership tiers. And I am sitting here, writing this review, still dreaming about that view over Kalim Bay. For families who travel regularly and value space, quality, and genuine service, Club Wyndham Asia deserves a serious look.

Thomas Gennaro is the founder of Asian Itinerary. He traveled to Phuket with his wife and son Leonardo as a guest of Club Wyndham Asia. All opinions, as always, are his own.