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Only 3km south of Patong and surrounded by jungle covered mountains
on all sides, you can barely see the road (and can’t hear it).
There are no other buildings in sight, only lush tropical greenery
which gives a wonderful feeling of remoteness.
Le Welcome
Lobby/Reception
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Arriving at the entrance of this hotel you’re welcomed by
an oasis of calm not usually found at larger resort hotels. With
a cool breeze flowing past the reception area an air of striking
sophistication protrudes, attention is drawn to the somewhat unusual
design which works. Well trained personnel who are warm and friendly,
yet have a quiet demeanour greet with flowers. Check in is a mere
formality.
Le Meridien is one of the world's premier hotel brands and it’s
obvious why, the first impression is one of assured relaxation,
it’s like you’ve been submerged into another world where
life is always calm and quiet.
Le Rooms
Junior Suite
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Aside from the suites, the rooms are all the same size, the differences
between them being the views. Ours boasted a fantastic ocean view
and was well decorated with a solid hardwood floor. I loved the
small details - the drink's cabinet concealed in a drawer, complete
with glasses, mats and a bottle opener; fresh tropical fruit basket;
oversized bathrobes and slippers. Additionally, the balconies are
generously sized and are the perfect place to enjoy something from
the superbly stocked mini bar.
Bathrooms come with his and hers vanities with large mirrors affixed
to sliding doors so you can have an ocean view whilst shaving or
enjoying the power shower. Instead of a bath there’s a huge
shower area, my wife commented that the lack of a bath makes it
more difficult to wash a baby. For me the climate in Thailand is
too hot for a bath anyway so the giant shower is most welcome. There
is also the choice of having a standard shower or enjoying a ‘rain’
shower.
Le Beach
Le Meridien Phuket's beach
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Mountains aside, this hotel doesn’t have ‘beach resort’
in the name for nothing, the beach is without doubt one of the best
in Phuket. This magnificent bay can really claim to be ‘pristine’
and as the only access is through the hotel, use is exclusively
for guests. Soft sand, warm water and green jungle covered mountains
- thoughts of a deserted Pacific island come to the fore, astonishing
that this dramatic scenery is so close to Patong.
Helpful beachguards told me in excellent English, that May to October
there can be some larger waves which occasionally prevents swimming
but the red flags aren’t common. Boogie boarding can be fun
for children at this time of year. The rest of the year the water
is flat and calm. Waterbabies can immerse themselves in the lives
of colourful fish and other creatures that inhabit the reef and
watch the daily goings on of a living reef that stretches out towards
the northern point. Additionally, a full range of beach watersports
equipment is available with tuition provided if needed.
Le Water
I have never seen such a huge pool outside of a water park, the
Pakrang restaurant is even an island with the pool surrounding it!
Even when the hotel is full the pool will surely not seem crowded.
Stacks of foam lilos float aimlessly around waiting for occupants
in need of their own giant water bed. The children’s pool is
found smartly placed away from the deeper water of the main pool.
Le Fare
Wang Warin Restaurant |
Innovative cuisine options include Japanese, a la carte Sushi and
Teppanyaki, Italian with wood-fired pizza oven, Royal Thai delights
and full Asian and International offerings. You’re spoilt for
choice with 8 different restaurants open throughout the day. For
dinner I decided on the seafood beach barbeque, which is a weekly
themed offering from Pakrang restaurant. I’m very happy to
say that the food was excellent, which can’t be said of all
buffets. Freshly prepared food regularly kept the buffet topped
up - the way a buffet should be.
My favourites were the seared Tuna with wasabi and sesame seeds
and the chargrilled chicken wings (you can’t beat that barbeque
flavour). Dining on the beach under the stars with the sound of
the waves lapping the shore is what holidaying is all about. Midway
through dinner the show started, dancers skilfully twirled and juggled
flaming batons to the music, it looks very spectacular against the
black sky. As Patong is so close evenings are unlimited, the dining
options are endless with nightlife to match.
Asian, Continental and American breakfast selections are served
either open air or air conditioned. I opted for open air in ‘the
island’, Pakrang Restaurant, the buffet is never ending. You’d
have to stay for a week at least to sample all the breakfast delights.
Le Facilities
The gym |
I was very disappointed at not being allowed to use the gym, it
was for my own safety and was my fault for not bringing proper shoes;
because the gym is the best gym I have seen in Phuket - very well
equipped with free weights, a good selection of machines and a large
floor area.
The gym isn’t the only aspect of the facilities which are
top notch, the list of sports offered is huge with a daily activities
program that offers tuition and matches players together. For the
little ones and also not so little, there’s a kids club which
is well equipped with daily activities programs for children in
3 different age groups to keep them out of their parents’ hair.
Le Elephant
As we were checking out we bumped into Sawadee, a female 2 year
old baby elephant accompanied by her Mahoot (keeper). Sawadee played
the harmonica and happily performed on demand for the camera - my
6 month old daughter was in awe as were the rest of the crowd of
children that had gathered. This was something amazing that their
friends just weren’t going to believe without seeing the photos.
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