Our favourite eating spot was at a place called Preeda Kitchen not too far down the beach from the hotel. Modest in appearance, they boasted a family-friendly atmosphere complete with their own children running around and a handy "crib" where you could confine your rambunctious toddler for a few minutes of peaceful eating. The food was substantial in quantity and very delicious, with the added bonus of being about 1/2 the price of the hotel cafes. My husband actually had some meetings for our first few days in Phuket (our legitimate reason for going, but we extended our stay for some relaxation) but once those were over and everyone we knew had cleared out, our family fell into a glorious routine of waking up late, having a big breakfast at the buffet, moving to the pool, taking turns watching the kids so the other could go for a massage, having a nap, going to the beach, and then eating dinner on the beach.

Our biggest regret was discovering this mango drink too close to our departure day:

I didn't drink nearly enough of these glasses of goodness.

Traditionally, if a restaurant is good and wants to honour its patrons, they serve fresh fruit at the end of the meal, free of charge. (Again, don't talk to me about how the cost of the fruit is actually hidden in the cost of the meals. I don't want to hear it. I got something that I like without having to ask for it and there isn't an extra line item on my bill. I'm happy in my delusion. Leave me there.)

One of my favourite things in the world is to read menus written in English by someone who doesn't always get everything exactly right. There was a time when it really bugged me and I wanted to offer my services to edit and correct menu mistakes, but I've since matured and grown to love the errors. My time in Phuket just wouldn't have been the same if this menu item had been stated any differently: