Serenity Resort and Residences Review

Where Is It?

Serenity Resort and Residences is located on Phuket's southeastern coast, some 50 minutes from Phuket International Airport, 30 minutes from Phuket Town and about a 20-minute drive to Party Central – Patong.

South Phuket is a calm, residential area and Serenity Resort enjoys views out to Koh Lone, a lush, mountainous island less than a kilometre to the east of the resort, Coral Island – some 20 minutes away, and the northern sweep of the bay with its yachts and pier.

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How Many Rooms/Suites?

All in all, there are 78 rooms and villas at Serenity Resort. Types vary from 40sqm Serenity Rooms to 130sqm One-Bedroom suites to 250sqm Two-Bedroom suites to One- and Two-Bedroom Penthouses with pool as well as 350sqm Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Suites.

Room Facilities

Quality is the key to understanding Serenity Terraces' product, so it's hardly surprising but nevertheless a delight to note that top-of-the-line fittings in each room and villa complement beautifully the views and comfort.

Our Two-Bedroom Suite commands sweeping views out over the grounds and the bay from its large third-floor terrace comprising sun loungers, table and chairs.

Inside, guests will find a Samsung tallboy fridge in the kitchenette, Electrolux toaster and kettle, along with a Teka two-hob burner, air-expeller and oven. A solid wooden dining table with six chairs stands to one side and fringing the open-plan kitchenette is a two-seater sit up bar. 

The spacious main room is naturally lit by large, sliding windows and in spite of the suite's 250sqm its entertainment area with a 40" flat-screen Samsung TV, DVD, Ipod station and radio, has a cosy feel to it. Bedrooms are generously proportioned with classic touches such as original art on the walls, faux-antique fans and even a gold-framed faux-antique mirror.

The Master Bedroom leads into a well-equipped bathroom while the second bedroom is connected by door to its bathroom. It's the thoughtful touches that make this accommodation work – little things like a wooden step to help guests into the oversized bath and Jacuzzi, a rich and varied mini-bar selection, free 24-hr WiFi, non-slip locally-sourced floor material and the attractive design in general.

This is no overwrought 'Thai-style' accommodation but rather a clever combination of Oriental artistry with western efficiency.

Restaurants and Bars

East 88 is a 40-cover beachside restaurant with a clever corresponding colour scheme, open sides and tasteful background music. By night it is an intimate and tranquil location in which to enjoy the excellent international and Thai cuisine served here. As befitting accommodation of this quality, the wine list is extensive and the service exemplary.

Across on the other side of the central swimming pool stands the 20-seater Balu's Bar where guests can also dine if they so choose. Sofas and easy chairs help make the place a relaxing spot. Turquoise is also the resort's breakfast venue, offering a fresh juice bar with cereals and a good choice of cold food.

To counteract the most frequent complaint in Thailand regarding breakfasts, East 88 takes individual breakfast orders, thus ensuring piping hot portions. Simple, but effective. Guests can also choose to take the resort's boat out for a picnic on neighbouring islands or even dine on the 30-metre private pier jutting out into the bay and in case total privacy is desired privately prepared gourmet dinners can be arranged. 

Business Facilities

In the lobby, two workstations provide 24-hour free internet use and the resort has free WiFi throughout its grounds plus en-suite IDD telephones.

Leisure Facilities

This resort is not called 'Serenity' for nothing. An air of carefree and total leisure permeates throughout. The Well Being Centre offers a full range of spa and beauty treatments in complete calm while for the more active; a fabulously appointed fitness centre is also on the ground floor.

Guests can choose from Serenity's nautical 'toys' such as its Hobie Cat, kayaks and speedboat or perhaps head out on a fishing trip or even take a boat to nearby Banana Beach on Coral Island for a picnic.

Cooking classes along with an optional trip to the local market are another choice while the lobby-based and extremely friendly 'Yim Siam Service' will organise leisure time for guests while recommending a DVD or a good book from the nearby bookshelf.

Overall

If there is one thing that stands out from the many positive features that this resort has it is the standard of service. From management down to room service everyone we had interaction with was more than willing to go the extra mile and did so with a smile on their face.

The combination of peace and calm, beautiful accommodation, stylish design, along with positive-minded staff members whose wish it is to serve you is a mighty powerful one and a recipe that is hard to beat.