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The rooms

Superior room with double bed

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.

Splish splash

One of the swimming pools

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.

Green peace

Green hotel

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.

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.

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.

Food and entertainment

The Old Fisherman’s

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.

Massage

The Spa

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.

Location

A small beach in front of the hotel

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.

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.

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.

Hotel Information and Room Rates

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Photo Gallery of the Hotel