Panoramic Phuket
Spectacular sea views make for a quiet time in Thailand’s top holiday island, writes Jade Tye
THIS is one of those hotels which grabs you with a view so fabulous you don’t know whether to jump into the pool or Instagram away. But at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay I can do both from an alluring infinity-edged private pool looking out to a gorgeous emerald bay.
Such a refreshing start to a holiday in Phuket.
For the past few years I have avoided Phuket for the crowd and the downsides that come with the holiday island’s popularity. However, since coming across this splendid five-star resort, there is a renewed push to rediscover Thailand’s top island destination from a new perspective — enjoying quiet time from a lofty perch.
Nestled between Patong and Kamala beaches, this first Wyndham Grand in Southeast Asia which opened last year, hugs a hillside above Kalim Bay in serene surroundings. The only action you will see is the crash of waves against the rocky shore. Come low season (from April to November) the picturesque bay turns into one of Phuket’s best beaches for surfing.
Within the sprawling compound it is plush meets lush, with smart, chic whitewashed low-rise blocks set against a verdant hill. The setting is intimate and exclusive. Just the right ambiance for those who like to spend most of the time indoors.
Inside the pool villa is sheer stunning pleasure. Bedecked with a panoramic view, there is an outdoor sundeck with two sun loungers. The 120sqm split level villa affords ample space to lounge the entire day indoors or enjoy a quiet evening by the balcony. The large bathroom accommodates a dressing area, shower enclosure, twin wash basins, a free standing bath tub and opens out to a nine-metre private pool.
The villa is just too enticing to make me want to venture out, except to go to the spa. The massage treatment menu ranges from relaxing oil massage (Angel Touch), moderate pressure (Swedish massage) to strong (Deep Tension Relief) and a combination of Thai massage and Ayurvedic principles (Thai Boran). I put myself under the Deep Tension Relief and am glad for it. Its skilled therapist executed the measured strokes expertly without undue pain.
After realigning the body and mind at the spa, the evening is best spent enjoying the breeze at Latitude 98 rooftop restaurant which offers delicious Thai and western dishes as well as sweeping views from its wide open terrace.
For those who prefer to check out the neighbourhood, getting out and about from the resort is simple. This well-located resort offers Phuket’s utmost contrasting scenes. On one side is bustling, boisterous Patong and on the other is low-key, relaxed Kamala beach.
Exploring is made easier with scheduled free shuttles to Patong just five minutes away in good traffic with two drop off (and pick-up) points at Jungceylon mall and the beach near Soi Bangla.
With such an attractive proposition my yearly trips to Phuket is poised to resume.