Sofitel Krabi’s new Le Petit Prince Kids Club: A family holiday with a literary twist

KRABI, Thailand – At first glance, French literary classic Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) might seem far removed from Krabi. The tropical resort destination two hours from Singapore is better known for limestone cliffs and long stretches of beach than philosophical reflections on childhood.

Yet, Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s 1943 fable, with its emphasis on curiosity, responsibility and seeing the world through a child’s eyes, finds an unexpected parallel in the Le Petit Prince Kids Club. It opened in December 2025 at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

As a parent of two girls aged 12 and seven, I am familiar with how family holidays become exercises in logistics: planning activities that work across age groups, keeping the kids occupied and even managing screen time.

At Sofitel Krabi, the kids club allows children to be meaningfully occupied while parents take a step back. Here are four reasons why the resort works particularly well for families with young children.

1. Imagination over random play

The Le Petit Prince Kids Club in Krabi is the first Sofitel worldwide to debut the brand’s new-generation concept shaped around deeper storytelling and design.

Covering 175 sq m, the space is organised into distinct zones inspired by the book’s settings – planetary landscapes, desert imagery and aviation motifs – rather than a single open-play area.

There is a Creative Area for arts, crafts and storytelling; a Move Area for climbing and active play; a Rest Area for reading and quiet games; and an Immersive Area that incorporates Thai culture and extends into the outdoors via beach walks and nature hikes.

Like all good playgrounds, the design incorporates non-toxic materials, eco-friendly equipment and ample natural light. Familiar elements from the book, such as the Rose, Fox and red aeroplane appear throughout the area.

What I like is that the club does not attempt to overwhelm children with colour or constant stimulation, unlike other indoor playgrounds that tire children out without really engaging them.

2. Activities feel purposeful, not just busy

The hotel has a variety of physical programmes for children.

The activity schedule is inspired by planets from Le Petit Prince, each built around a theme such as responsibility, friendship, leadership and curiosity.

A morning-to-afternoon programme centred on Planet B612, named after the Prince’s home, features beach games, garden games and creative workshops with an emphasis on self-care, love and responsibility.

On another day, kids can explore the Fox’s planet through marine conservation activities led by a resident marine biologist.

The range of indoor activities includes bag painting, Lego play, a mini cinema and PlayStation games.

Outdoors, children can get tennis, golf and pickleball lessons from certified coaches, explore the beach, as well as go on a rock pool walk and guided nature hikes.

3. Safety and flexibility for parents

It is natural for parents to wonder if it is safe to leave their children for hours in a kids club. At Sofitel Krabi, the club has controlled access points and sign-in policies for supervised programmes.

The capacity is managed to ensure that staff have proper oversight, especially during peak periods. The club can take about 30 children, with at least one staff member for every five kids.

There are one-, three- and five-day options available for day camps that run from 9am to 1pm.

And for parents who want some spa time, a romantic dinner or some quiet time, there are also afternoon and evening activities for the kids, including games under the stars guided by activity leaders and cultural performances.

I like that the activities are organised by age group, which ensures that younger children are not overwhelmed and older ones remain engaged.

4. A resort that remembers adults, too

Sofitel Krabi has refreshed its Signature Rooms that blend colonial-era elegance with contemporary comfort, part of a wider enhancement plan set for completion in 2026.

Parents will be happy to know that besides the main king or twin bed, there is also a sofa that converts into another bed. Extra beds and baby cribs are available upon request. The spacious bathroom has two sinks so that multiple people can get ready simultaneously.

Dining options include buffet breakfasts at Maya, which includes a Le Petit Prince corner where children can enjoy themed activities; authentic Thai food at White Lotus; Italian fare at Venezia; and drinks at the Explorer Bar.

Stretching 400m and covering 7,000 sq m, the resort’s lagoon-style pool, said to be the largest in Thailand, has a children’s corner, a swim-up bar and activities such as aqua yoga and paddle-boarding.

The hotel also has its own luxury speedboat where, from 22,000 baht++ (S$905++) for the Sofitel Private Signature Tour for a group of up to eight, guests can explore the Andaman Sea via full- or half-day trips to iconic islands like Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, Hong Island or the Four Islands. The trips include snorkelling gear, picnic lunch and a crew to tend to your needs.

Like its name suggests, the resort has an international-standard nine-hole golf course with tropical greenery and sea views, a tennis court and a padel court.

And what is a Thai resort holiday without a visit to the spa?

The 12-room Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane, set within the resort’s gardens just steps from the beach, offers Thai massage, body treatments and facials using products from the French brand.

Room rates start from 12,850 baht a night for a Superior Room for one adult during the peak season, which in Krabi is typically from around November to March.

• The writer was hosted by Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.