Thai Outrigger turns on the charm
Brett Atkinson finds a stylish beachside stay in Phuket, with a more personal feel than other big-brand hotels nearby.
Combine authentic Thai hospitality and a stylish stay from an international hotel brand well-versed in beachy tropical experiences.
The place
A few hundred metres from the gentle surf and sandy cove of Hat Surin (Surin Beach), one of Phuket’s most stylish new hotels is imbued with the cosmopolitan vibe of Hawaii’s well-established Outrigger properties.
Check in at the atrium-like reception, enlivened with colourful surfboard art and retro black and white images of Waikiki and Diamond Head, is supersmooth courtesy of the hotel’s personalised app. Finally, a good use for QR codes beyond Covid tracing.
The space
Re-imagined and redecorated since Outrigger took over the property formerly known as the Manathai Surin late last year, the hotel features a relaxed ambience combining South Pacific and southern Thailand design influences.
Private gazebos surround the main pool, at its best from noon when Phuket’s sunshine is spotlighting shimmering turquoise tiles, and there is an easygoing transition between the main lobby and Nalu Bar & Grill, the Outrigger’s signature restaurant.
A subdued soundtrack of smooth beats and softly-spinning ceiling fans means there is no escaping you are definitely on holiday. With just 60 rooms and suites, the Outrigger is also a more boutique option in a destination with several larger hotels.
The room
Very spacious at 50m2, our plunge pool suite also features a king-size bed and a big bathroom with a bath and walk-in rainshower.
A private courtyard is best enjoyed with morning sunshine, and includes our own compact plunge pool. A first night guest in the plunge pool was a frog doing a few lazy laps, but that was the only time we saw Freddo or any amphibious mates.
The amenities
Refreshingly zingy shampoo and shower gel from Phuket-based Lemongrass House reinforces you are in a tropical Southeast Asian country, and lush pool towels are on offer for you to enjoy the hotel’s main pool – located just outside – or our smaller plunge pool. Linen bathrobes also enhance the relaxed resort ambience.
The food
Thai and international dishes co-exist on Nalu’s concise but diverse menu. Breakfast options include shakshuka baked eggs or coconut porridge with tropical fruit. Coffee comes from Om Koi, fair-trade roasters near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
Lunch and dinner dishes include flatbreads, wood-fired roasted miso eggplant and charcoal-grilled Phuket snapper, all prepared on the restaurant’s Japanese-style Binchotan grill. A Surin sunset is best observed from Nalu’s upstairs bar.
A recommended twilight combo is Nalu’s JFC, Japanese fried chicken, and a Chalawan pale ale from Phuket’s Full Moon craft brewery.
Worth stepping out for
Surin Beach is a just short walk away. Recently, the beach’s sandy arc has been cleared of food stalls and beachside restaurants, and they are now more conveniently on a road just back from the beach. That means Surin is again one of Phuket’s best beaches.
There is decent snorkelling near rocky outcrops at the southern end of the beach, and long-tail boats can be hired to journey around Surin’s southern headland to Hat Laem Sing, a compact cove that is often free of other tourists.
Dining options along Surin Beach include simple beach huts serving grilled seafood, or restaurants with diverse menus of tasty favourites. Tukta Food & Drink has an elevated location with excellent views along the beach. Try the shrimp with lemongrass and chilli, and stop afterwards for dessert of mango and sticky rice at one of Surin’s beachside stalls.
Worth staying in for
An afternoon around one of Outrigger’s two swimming pools, or enjoy the experience of a private pool in one of the hotel’s plunge pool suites.
The Outrigger’s spa and wellness centre is scheduled to open next year.
The highlight
Uniformly friendly and professional service from everyone at the hotel, including the check-in team and hospitality staff in the bar and restaurant.
Most of the staff are from around southern Thailand and, after a few lean years for Thai tourism, are keen to offer an authentic and genuine welcome.
The lowlight
In-room refreshment options are restricted to instant coffee. A Nespresso machine or a coffee plunger would be welcome additions when easing into another Phuket morning.
The verdict
A friendly and stylish boutique stay just metres from one of Phuket’s best beaches.
Essentials
Room rates from $230; outrigger.com.