Blissed out on the Bay

Nestled in Phuket’s secluded Makham Bay, Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is the brand’s first resort in Asia and an oasis of serenity on the bustling island. 

Just a stone’s throw from historically rich Phuket town, and 50 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the resort offers amazing views of the Andaman Sea. 

One of the first spaces the visitor notices is the lobby bar, an intriguing area elevated over Makham Bay that takes full advantage of the wooded headlands, jagged cliffs and nearby islands. Layers of blue sea, the bright blue sky, lush sofas and cool drinks make for a welcoming environment. It’s a cool place to sit back and enjoy the day as well as a perfect spot for romantic moments in the evenings. 

With its own beach, the resort offers a spectacular view of the twin islands Tapao Yai and Tapao Noi just offshore. It boasts two beachfront pools serviced by bars and restaurants while the third beachfront pool is semi-private and designed for guests staying in the pool loft suites.

Inspired by the rich Sino-Portuguese heritage of Phuket, the resort is decorated with marbled floors, wood and flowing water throughout the public areas and guestrooms.

Five exquisite dining venues spread across the resort offering an extensive selection of cuisine: baked goodies and cakes at Biscuit, grilled seafood at Splash, cocktails at Lobby Lounge, Italian food at Patio Al Fresco, or Thai, Pan-Asian and European favourites at the all-day dining venue Mosaic. 

I am a vegetarian while my sister is a strict vegan but we had no problems at any of the resort restaurants. We just stated our food preference to the friendly staff and in no time at all delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes arrived at our table. 

The resort’s 224 rooms come in nine different categories and all are equipped with television, hair dryer, in-room safe box, night lighting, broadband internet access, iPod docking entertainment system, iron and ironing board, mini bar, temperature control channels and DVD player as standard. Ironically, the things that made our stay more comfortable were the simplest, like the comfortable beach sandals that allowed us to walk along the peaceful beach with no hassle.  

Suites feature baths by the bay window, and all guestrooms have a separate bath and shower. The Sino-Portuguese heritage shines again in the bathroom with Chinese porcelain wash basins and the hanging oval mirror. All rooms have free wi-fi connectivity that is easy to access throughout the resort.

If you have stiff muscles or need a break from your hectic schedule, then make a visit to the resort’s spa facilities. The Thann Spa and Sanctuary’s skilful therapist kneaded my stiff back and shoulders with extra care using Thann’s proprietary products. She also gave me some advices on how to relax my muscles at home.

The coffee mug in the room says “Take it easy” and that’s exactly what I did after an hour in the spa. As I sipped my coffee, I was amazed to find my no-nonsense sister laughing. She’d just read the  bottom of my mug, which says, “I enjoyed my stay at Crowne Plaza so much I took the mug’. 

Strange how the small things make a stay more memorable and also more enjoyable.

 

At a glance

_ HIGH POINT: The hotel is great for those looking for romantic getaway or a trip to Phuket’s heritage sites in the city centre. The staff are friendly and helpful. 

_ LOW POINT: A bit far from colourful Patong.

_ PAY FOR IT: Visit the website for the best deals and promotions.

_ FIND IT: 8/88 Moo 7, Sakdidech Road, Vichit Sub-District, Muang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

_ PHONE IT: (076) 302 900 

_ E-MAIL IT: [email protected]

_ BROWSE IT: http://www.CPPhuket.com or www.CrownePlaza.com