Flying Lizard is scheduled to launch at the end of 2024, offering a haven for families in the north of Phuket. With 2,300 square metres of dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas, a gourmet restaurant, a parent-focused co-working space and a dog park, Flying Lizard is purpose-built from the ground up to offer a space for both parents and kids alike. The playground equipment will meet European safety standards and although key pieces will be coming in from Europe, the goal will be to locally produce what is possible, keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goals.
The playground design has been created by Bangkok-based specialists Lekka Studios, who have worked very closely with Flying Lizard’s Co-Founder and International Pre-School teacher, Anna Koczor.
“We wanted to create a space that provides both a fun environment for the kids as well as aiding in their development. We want to strongly encourage kids to put down their screens and enjoy being kids again,” says Anna.
Flying Lizard’s founder, David Ghani, is a Phuket resident who has raised five children on the island over the past 12 years. “Trying to enjoy a meal with my wife without having to run after young kids every 30 seconds is something I’ve always dreamed of. After sharing my challenges with other families, I realised I wasn’t alone and decided to do something about it,” David says.
After the pandemic, there was a sudden growth in remote workers, freelancers and online business owners. Many of these people had young families and struggled to find a balance to manage work and family life. “Our goal is to offer a space where parents can take their kids with them but also get some work done if needed,” adds David. Flying Lizard will have a dedicated co-working space as well as sound proof ‘zoom’ rooms to make conference calls, he explains.
Flying Lizard will have an experienced team of childminders on hand to supervise kids as they play. However, parents will be able to sit in full view of the play spaces so they can still interact with their kids. Each separate playspace will be age-specific so that kids will only interact with other kids in their own age range. A dedicated events space will host birthday parties as well as a daily schedule of events for different ages. Amongst others, this will include Baby Sensory classes, Kids Yoga, Cooking Classes, Arts & Crafts and a variety of different energy releasing classes.
The restaurant will use 100% locally sourced product in its food menu and is under consultancy from Elliot Gould, Operations Director at Marriott International. There will be a dedicated healthy kids menu as well as options for babies. A family focused Sunday Brunch will be a weekly highlight in order to gather families from the community together to socialise.
One of the sustainability goals of the project is to train disadvantaged kids in the restaurant giving them the food and beverage skills required to be ready for the workplace. Flying Lizard will work with a number of local charities on this initiative.
Flying Lizard’s first location will be situated three minutes’ drive from Blue Tree and is planning to not only become the best family hangout in Phuket, but throughout the country. A nationwide rollout is planned spanning 20 outlets in three years.