Life is all about balance. And amidst a busy itinerary travelling around Southeast Asia, the idea of a serene retreat was a welcome respite. Balance is something that the Amari Phuket embodies in abundance; a hidden hillside oasis in a secluded part of Patong Beach, overlooking the vibrant and buzzing coastal town just minutes away. With lush greenery and ocean views, you get a sense of peace and grounding within the hotel’s surroundings and it’s the ideal island escape.
“Staying at Amari phuket is much like the feeling of a deep exhale when you didn’t realise you were holding your breath“
Amari Phuket – A Prime Location
Less than an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Amari Phuket is set in a prime location in Patong’s southernmost corner, surrounded by the Andaman Sea. A complimentary shuttle service to Patong Beach will take you just five minutes to feel the sand beneath your toes.
In addition to being a short distance away from Patong Beach, Phuket Town and some of the island’s most popular attractions such as Wat Chalong, are easily accessible from the five-star resort. This makes it the ideal spot for both sightseeing, partying and when you just want to relax.
Stylish living spaces
The one thing that stands out to me during my stay is how every area of the hotel has been positioned to frame the panoramic view of Patong Bay. It’s the first thing I see when I arrive at my One Bedroom Ocean Wing Suite and provides the most stunning backdrop for the duration of my stay.
Nestled within the tropical gardens, the hotel’s 380 rooms and suites are as secluded as the private beach down below. Despite the floor to ceiling windows, there’s no need to worry about privacy as everyone is looking one way – towards those beautiful views.
Inside, the décor is casual, yet classy. Light wooden interiors with matte black trimmings used throughout the bedroom, ensuite, living area, and kitchenette bring a luxurious modern feel to the hotel. First built in 1984 and renovated in 2017, the hotel feels fresh and contemporary, but also as thought it knows what it’s doing. It’s a hotel which defies expectation and attention to detail doesn’t go amiss. As I make my way through the spacious room, a complimentary fruit bowl is placed upon the dining table, and in the bedroom, a towel elephant surrounded by purple orchids welcomes me to Amari.
When staying in an Ocean Suite, guests have access to an exclusive Clubhouse. Benefits at The Clubhouse include complimentary breakfast, all day a la carte dining, and refreshments. It’s a great addition to your stay, enabling you to benefit from these little perks that make you feel that bit more special.
Food and Drinks at Amari Phuket
To begin your day, a buffet breakfast can be found in the Rim Talay restaurant, or at the Coral Lounge for those with Clubhouse access. With those stunning views at both locations, it’s the ideal view to wake up and prepare for the day ahead. After breakfast, the Coral Lounge hosts complimentary tea and coffee, as well as other soft drinks and a choice of cookies and fruit.
We recommend booking into the hotel’s other restaurants for lunch and dinner throughout your stay; serving up the finest flavours, delectable drinks, and of course, the views.
Rim Talay (meaning ‘seaside’ in Thai) offers an authentic Southern Thai and local Phuket menu, focusing on fresh seafood as a nod to Patong’s history as a fishing village. From the first taste of the locally sourced ingredients and flavours inspired by Thai, Chinese, and Malay cultures, it’s not hard to see why Phuket was awarded the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.
Meanwhile, at La Gritta, you can enjoy oceanfront, contemporary, Italian cuisine. Similarly to Rim Talay, quality ingredients are sourced locally, as well as from Italian farms and ocean-to-table producers. This focus on sustainability is what sets Amari apart from the rest.
Elevated and hidden amongst the trees, you can find the eco-friendly TreePods which hug the resort’s coastline with absolute privacy. These uniquely designed pods are ideal for any celebration, whether that be a romantic dinner, family breakfast, birthday surprise, or afternoon tea.
For a more romantic or intimate moment, The Jetty guarantees unforgettable experiences for all occasions. It’s the spot for spectacular sunsets enjoyed alongside curated craft cocktails, wines, whiskeys, and tapas.
Between meals, keep yourself hydrated at the hotel’s dedicated chill space, Samutr Bar, where you can watch the passing boats and be stunned by the magnificent outlook.
Relax and unwind at Amari Phuket
Tranquillity is at the heart of the Amari experience, and you are spoilt for choice in ways to unwind at Amari Phuket. Sit back and relax at two beachfront pools, located next to La Gritta and Rim Talay restaurants for pool-side drinks and snacks, or spend your time unwinding at the hotel’s private beach. If your idea of self-care looks a little more active, the hotel also offers a well-equipped gym with personal trainers available on request. Clubhouse guests can also take advantage of the FIT Centre and infinity pool with a 270-degree view of Patong Bay.
Finally, a stay at Amari isn’t without a visit to their signature Breeze Spa. The spa is set a short distance away from the main buildings, and the treatment cabins, like the bedrooms, are set into the lush tropical hillside, all with the view of Patong Beach.
We recommend a full body Signature Mood Massage (60 or 90 minutes) which uses traditional Thai massage techniques and aromatherapy oils to achieve your desired mood, whether that be Dreamy, Serene, Rejuvenated, Invigorated, or Energised. I opted for the Dreamy massage, which certainly delivered as I found myself drifting off to sleep!
Having your body massaged into a state of ease while listening to the waves lapping below, the trees swaying in the breeze, and the birds singing around you is a truly blissful experience.
Amari Phuket is a hotel that captures exactly what the island is all about. It provides you with a slice of tranquility where you can while away your days in the pools, on the beach, or exploring the nearby areas. Once night hits, you can sip cocktails under the stars and breathe in the balmy evening air, or head out to the nearby bars and restaurants. When looking for a place to stay in Phuket, it ticks all the boxes and so much more. One thing’s for sure, no matter how long you book to stay here, it will never be long enough. Like this? Check out our review of the Amari Bangkok here.
2 Meun Ngern Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
