If you’re seeking the ultimate getaway, OZO Phuket is the perfect place to sleep, eat and treat yourself.
How much would you pay for a tropical retreat and the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had? £500? £100? Try £50. The new Ozo Hotel Phuket promises simplicity, comfort and attentive service, all for the equivalent of just £50pn. OZO Phuket isn’t your average budget hostel for backpackers gallivanting about the island. There’s no shortage of those types of accommodation in Thailand, but the tone of this place is much more geared towards families and couples looking for a few more home comforts. A good night’s sleep is at the heart of the ethos of OZO Phuket. Its DreamMaster beds, blackout curtains and even daybeds for snoozing are all designed to ensure visitors are well-rested during their stay, enabling you to fully recharge before heading out to explore the island.
Despite offering everything you need to relax on site, from two swimming pools and a games room to a poolside bar and restaurant serving international fare, the hotel encourages guests to get out and enjoy all the island has to offer. The new establishment is set in Kata, a chilled beach resort removed from the uber touristy parts of Phuket. In Kata you’ll find a lively market selling local crafts, a range of massage salons (from traditional open parlours to plush private spas) and – my favourite part of Kata – the Kata walking street featuring a strip of quirky bars and restaurants. Here you’ll get a friendly buzz served up by locals and travellers alike and it’s a great place to meet new people.
One of the best things about the location is the proximity of OZO Phuket to Kata Beach. A secret gate to the back of the hotel takes you to the shore in just a few moments. When we visited in June, during what is usually a wet and windy season (albeit it warm) it was still perfect for a pleasant stroll on the beach. Kata is a popular destination for surfers so if you’re a novice this is a good place to practice. The waves are gentle, but just about choppy enough to get your surf on or try out body-boarding. There are several beach outlets from which you can rent boards or book lessons. Just off the beach, the Boathouse offers cooking classes several times a week, when you can indulge in all the local cuisine and pick up culinary tips to take back home. A little further down the beach and you’ll find Kata Noi, a gorgeous quiet bay perfect for snorkelling and sunning yourself.
If beach bathing and body-boarding aren’t your thing, Phuket offers so much more to see. In OZO Phuket’s central lobby – “The Spot” – the staff will be happy to help you hire a car or arrange an excursion to one of the island’s many spiritual spots, with destinations like Wat Chalong (the Big Buddha temple) or Karon viewpoint, where you can enjoy some of the best sunsets nature has to offer. Do, however, check on the weather for this, as cloudier weather can block the view!
Adventurers should make sure they plan in a trip to Hanuman World, a truly exhilarating Zipline experience through the treetops of Phuket’s elevated tropical landscape. The three-hour adventure will see you flying through the canopy on a 400m Zipline. Here you can get a buffet lunch on site, hike it off on the Sky Walk and, if you’re feeling really brave, try out the Jungle Roller Coaster: a terrifying, twisting high-speed swing through some of the jungle’s toughest terrain. Not for the faint hearted!
The must-see for foodies is definitely Phuket Walking Street, in the heart of Phuket Town. This is surely the most vibrant spot on the island and we could have spent all day there. Lined by rows of colourful buildings and walls splashed with oversized art displays, the avenue buzzes with stalls selling local crafts and scrumptious Thai bites. Sidewalk artists paint the scenes (I couldn’t help but buy a couple of watercolours) while performers fill the street with music.
Here you’ll find the food is fairly safe to eat, although it does pay to be cautious about sanitation with any street stall if you have a delicate disposition. I found myself sampling street eats to my heart’s content but if you’re uncertain, there are plenty of more upmarket establishments worth trying out too. We booked dinner at the famous Tu Kab Khao Restaurant, set in a 120-year-old building on Phang Nga Road. The historical site houses an award-winning restaurant serving over 100 menu items. For dessert, save room for ice cream at Torry’s Ice Cream, a stunningly instagrammable ice cream parlour offering the most delectable desserts. Fashion fans will also enjoy the boutiques and bazaars selling sustainable ranges from local designers. Linen and silks are local specialities. If you have more time you can also have designs tailored made to fit. The Dream.
With so much to see and do in Phuket, it’s definitely worth planning at least a week on the island. Guests at OZO Phuket can currently benefit from 25% discount with the promo code “VACAY”, available until 31 October. It’s the perfect base for making the most of this thriving island and getting the complete sun, sea, sleep and snack package.
A few tips for getting the most out of your trip:
- Using ATMs is expensive, so take cash and change it at the airport. Siam Commercial Bank offers commission-free exchanges.
- In the hot and humid conditions, it’s important to stay hydrated. Carry a refillable bottle with you. Restaurants, hotels and tourist sites will be able to refill these for you to help you cut down on plastic waste.
- Most markets I encountered had fixed price signs. As with any market you can haggle, but in my experience, the street sellers in Phuket aren’t there to rip you off. Prices are extremely reasonable and the saving you’d make haggling is hardly worth the time. Remember that what seems like a few pennies to you makes a significant difference to locals on much lower incomes, so be mindful of this when shopping.
- Take mosquito spray. I can’t stress this enough.
- Carry a shawl/sarong with you and wear appropriate clothing when visiting temples. Modesty is important in these sacred spaces so dress respectfully.
- The road infrastructure is still developing in Phuket, so be sure to leave plenty of time to get about as traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
