Novotel Phuket Resort Review
Review
by Sam Wilkinson - Photos by Willy Thuan & Stephan Audiger
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First impressions are so important. The towering lobby at
Novotel Phuket Resort looks regal and is blessed with a cooling
sea breeze. It’s the perfect place to sit and read a
newspaper while drinking a refreshing cup of coffee.
The roof is supported by clever white palm tree-shaped pillars
and the whole feeling is one of opulent luxury. The elegantly
silk-clad staff complements this atmosphere perfectly.
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Patong
Beach - Location
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The rooms
Superior room with double bed
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My ‘superior room’ sure lived up to its name. Renovated
last November, the multileveled resort fairly sparkles and the room
itself was a lesson in tasteful textiles and textures, good use
of wood and economy of space. The bathroom was a swish affair with
an attractive display of echantillons of shampoo, conditioner, body
lotion, bubble bath and a lot more besides.
I especially liked the sliding wooden window partitions linking
the bathroom to the bedroom. Also at Novotel are deluxe rooms with
a seaview and junior suites with garden views as well huge luxurious
105 sq. m. senior suites, each with a seaview.
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Splish splash
One of the swimming pools
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If you’re a swimming pool person then you’re in for
a nice surprise at Novotel. There are three of them – each
on separate floors and each with its own atmosphere. The lowest
pool is nicely graded for children’s activities and features
a basketball hoop that saw a lot of action the afternoon I was there.
There is an outdoors Jacuzzi on the ‘island’ in the middle
of the pool, also very popular.
In short, the pools at Novotel are like its life’s blood.
They provide a sense of continuity, an impression of freshness and
an immediate sense of fun. At any time of day you can find a shady
spot in one of them.
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Green peace
Green hotel
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Special mention should be made of the fabulous greenery at Novotel.
As the resort is built on different levels it seems to reflect different
personalities and the ingenious gardening complements this impression.
Try an outdoor massage surrounded by running water with greenery
wafting in the sea breeze and see if you don’t feel like a
million dollars.
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Mi casa es su casa
Novotel is a perfect example of Thai hospitality. Everywhere I
went I was greeted with friendly smiles and light-hearted conversation.
Novotel is, without any shadow of a doubt, a friendly family resort.
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Activities
If you are an active person then you can make use of the resort’s
fitness centre where upbeat music lays down an energetic background
for exercisers. There are also two tennis courts and the middle-level
swimming pool is specially designed as a ‘lap pool’. Table
tennis is also available as well as group aerobics.
Find out more about Phuket through the ‘Discovery Desk’
where you can book tours to Phi Phi Island, the Similan Islands
and Racha Island as well as booking time on Phuket’s world
famous gold links. You can also try your hand at horse riding, mountain
biking, rock climbing or deep sea fishing among many other activities.
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Food and entertainment
The Old Fisherman’s
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The resort has five outlets in which you can feed and water the
troops. If you’re looking for delicious al fresco seafood dining
with a view to die for then look no further than The Old Fisherman’s.
Breakfast in the Coffee House is a bustling, good-natured affair
with a well-stocked buffet and friendly strolling waiters dispensing
tea and coffee.
Le Mirage pool bar is ideally located to watch the sunset while
sipping cocktails and Ruen Thong (‘Golden House’) is where
to sample some excellent Thai cuisine. The Coffee House also plays
host to a different-themed buffet every night as well as a la carte
dining. After your meal you can listen to a duo playing and singing
songs in a romantic vein at the Hourglass bar and it is the perfect
location in which to while your evening away.
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Massage
The Spa
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No stay in a Thai resort would be complete without a massage. There
are six different massages to choose from at Novotel’s Sala
Thai spa and massage centre including the 250-year old Tharavadi
– a traditional Thai massage.
In the spa there are four body scrubs, three facial treatments
and six spa packages. As mentioned, you can even have an outdoor
massage, surrounded by beautiful greenery.
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Location
A small beach in front of the
hotel
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Novotel is situated a little over a kilometre north from the heart
of Patong – easily within strolling distance – and its
entrance lies within metres of the beach. The resort commands terrific
views over the Andaman Sea and of Patong.
From the southern-facing balconies, guests can take in the sweep
of Patong Bay and the town itself – a kaleidoscope of colours,
action and fascinating glimpses into Thai culture. The deluxe rooms
and senior suites have gorgeous west-facing sea views and are ideal
for catching the best free daily show in Phuket – the sunset.
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Getting around
The resort can lay on transport from a shuttle bus to a minivan
to a limo. Down the hill on the beach road you can flag down a tuk
tuk, hire one of the waiting taxis or grab a motorcycle taxi.
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Summary
The most impressive overall feeling I had about Novotel Phuket
Resort was the effortless but indubitable friendliness of the staff.
The location is also a tremendously positive point and the recent
renovation ensures aesthetic standards are high. The food outlets
are attractive and deliver spanking fresh fare. For such a large
resort, the impression of intimacy is outstanding.
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Hotel Information and Room Rates
Click here if you wish to know more about Novotel
Phuket Resort
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Photo Gallery of the Hotel
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