It was late at night. Following a seamless flight and taxi ride, we were solely focused on the comfort of our bed and anticipated sweet dreams. The subsequent morning, we awoke in paradise. The melodic tunes of birds filled the air, and after a brief workout at the hotel gym, we eagerly awaited breakfast. The breakfast array was impressive, captivating both our eyes and taste buds. I still recall the distinct and vibrant coconut taste from the house-made Coco Yoghurt; perhaps I indulged in more than four servings. The offerings included a variety of gluten-free and sugar-free options like corn flakes, granola, and bread. While my preference leans towards a sweeter breakfast, the Pad Thai, fried rice, and Dim Sum catered perfectly to savory enthusiasts. The remainder of the day involved relaxation by the infinity pool, which left my skin resembling that of an elderly person after hours spent enjoying it.
Sunshine, enjoyment, and numerous activities characterized Day 2. Although we woke up early due to residual jetlag, we chose to explore the hotel. Armed with a green smoothie and my camera, I captured stunning images of the hotel’s three infinity pools. The delightful weather encouraged us to remain outdoors throughout the day. Later, dinner was enjoyed at the renowned Black Ginger restaurant, where Chef Anongrat Meklai prepared a unique vegan Pad Thai for me. Black Ginger prides itself on using the freshest locally sourced ingredients, incorporating some from their own organic garden. For dessert, we indulged in fresh mango with sticky rice pudding drizzled with coconut sauce. I experienced sheer bliss that night as I drifted into sleep.
After breakfast on day three, we proceeded to our next destination—TwinPalms Phuket! Love at first sight is an understatement upon arrival, as the expansive public pool captures your attention. After selecting the floral arrangements and pillow preferences for our room (an unusual task), we lounged by the pool all day, only breaking for a fruit tasting session. Dinner was at the Palm Seaside Seafood Restaurant, located just a 10-minute drive from the hotel right on the beach. The breathtaking location provided an incredible view of the supermoon as we savored the most delicious Thai summer rolls.
On the fourth day, we sought a small adventure to explore the surrounding area and beach near the hotel. I purchased a stunning swimsuit along with purple-blue earrings. After all the walking, we enjoyed lunch at the HQ Beachclub (also part of TwinPalms), followed by a relaxing afternoon immersed in reading. For dinner, we chose to remain at the hotel. Conversation with the staff at TwinPalms proved to be insightful, as I gleaned numerous culinary lessons from these delightful individuals. Should you visit this establishment, be sure to indulge in dinner at the hotel and order the trial plate featuring four distinct signature rice selections. I personally recommend the Butterfly Pea rice, which not only adds a striking blue hue but is also abundant in blue proanthocyanin, a natural antioxidant.
Before departing TwinPalms, we relished one final delightful breakfast prior to moving on to our next location!
We ventured east to Cape Panwa, where we checked in at the stunning Sri Panwa hotel. This establishment epitomizes tranquility and luxury, nestled in one of Phuket’s most exquisite settings. Almost every location in the hotel serves as a vantage point, perfect for capturing countless photographs. I found myself changing my camera memory card twice, driven by the urge to document every flower and palm tree I encountered.
There are many aspects of Sri Panwa that I will always remember, but the most unforgettable elements were the warm hospitality from the staff and the exquisite green curry that I savored. The personnel were remarkably friendly and attentive; a polite young woman at the Baba restaurant even offered me cream and a spray for my mosquito bites. The soothing effects of the cream combined with the warmth from the delightful green curry allowed me to temporarily forget my itchy legs and arms.
Day six commenced at the exquisite Amatara hotel, renowned for its focus on well-being and spa experiences. Upon checking in, we were astonished by the spacious accommodations and a bathtub featuring an ocean view. The large public pool provides an ideal space for relaxation, which we thoroughly enjoyed following a two-hour Hamam experience at the spa. Dinner was served at ‘The Retreat’, and I am not exaggerating when I say I was impressed by the range of healthy options! You can discover everything from a Chlorella shot to a nutritionally balanced meal, concluding with a plant-based dessert made from cacao tarts topped with fresh blueberries and almonds. This truly aligns with the concept of a bikini body!
The final day at Amatara was truly remarkable, beginning with a yoga session led by Master Uttam against an incredible backdrop. We enjoyed a private session, making it quite intensive, and by the end, I felt an enhanced connection to my body. It served as a reminder of the importance of taking time to focus on inner peace and simply being present. Following another enjoyable breakfast, we proceeded to the spa where we experienced a Thai Yoga massage in a relaxing environment. I had never encountered anything like it before; I was in awe of the skilled techniques employed by the practitioners. I felt as light as a feather, and my back pain had vanished! For anyone seeking relaxation and respite from stress in Phuket, I highly recommend visiting Amatara for massages and yoga sessions!
As the adage suggests, the finest experiences come last. It is unclear what specifically drew me to this site; it may have been the temple glockenspiel, the exquisite triple infinity pool, the refined design, the airy and luminous architecture, or the nourishing cuisine that captivated my heart. The moment we checked in, I made an impulsive decision to extend our stay for an additional two nights. As someone who embraces spontaneity, I was delighted by this decision, allowing me to explore numerous activities such as the beach lounge, a guided bike tour through the city, my initiation into Thai boxing, and, of course, the delightful culinary offerings! We had the privilege of conversing with the hotel manager, who shared insights about the Como hotel concept and the island of Phuket. Dinner at La Sirena offered us the best pizza and sensational desserts, particularly the Raw Vegan Bliss Balls. The entire experience was outstanding, and I would enthusiastically return.
I remain in awe of the remarkable vegan Pad Thai I experienced at Black Ginger located within The Slate Resort. The flavors were powerful, and the roasted peanuts elevated the dish to perfection. The unique experience of crossing a river to reach our table added a touch of charm; simply delightful! Additionally, I enjoyed a delicious rice and vegetable dish at a bustling street café at Surin Beach, a location that is always lively.
3 MUST-DO’S:
Witness the sunset at Palm Seaside restaurant, enjoying a mojito in one hand and Thai summer rolls in the other.
Embark on a day trip to Phi Phi Island. Although it can be quite touristy, the breathtaking blue waters and stunning scenery are worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
The Spa Menu at Amatara Resort is comprehensive, ensuring there is something to suit all preferences. The Thai Yoga massage and Hamam session come highly recommended.
I SHOPPED:
I acquired a beautifully unique swimsuit in my preferred color: royal blue. This became my beachwear staple for the remainder of my vacation.
BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Sri Panwa (viewed from virtually anywhere), Phi Phi Island, and the bike tour around Point Yamu By Como.
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK:
Sunglasses
Inflatable donut
WHY I WOULD COME BACK:
Countless reasons compel me to return, as I experienced profound affection for Thailand. The people exemplified warmth and helpfulness, significantly enhancing this vacation into an unforgettable journey. The cuisine is extraordinary, with an intensity of flavors in each dish and fresh fruits that are challenging to describe. One must simply taste it! Furthermore, the stunning landscape and Thailand’s warm climate delighted me as a Swiss traveler. The lush greenery of the trees, the azure of the sea, and the boundless beauty of the infinity pools captured my heart.
This Phuket Travel Diary was written by @vanillacrunnch.
If you wish to inquire about any of the destinations mentioned for your Thailand getaway, please reach out to GoTravelDaily at connect@theasiacollective.com, and we will assist in planning your ideal escape.
