THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Amari Phuket has taken comfort and convenience one step further with the opening of the Ocean Wing

Amari Phuket has taken comfort and convenience one step further with the opening of the Ocean Wing

Patong, Phuket's best-known beach, has long conjured up images of a resort town teeming with Chinese tourists and Western visitors, often drunk, populating the seedy strip known as Bangla. The Amari Phuket, however, offers a different outlook on Patong.

Tucked away on the western end of Patong Beach surrounded by tropical forest and perched on the hill that overlooks the resort, Amari Phuket is a cross between beach party paradise and hideaway for shaking off a hangover.
Perched at the top of the hill, the Ocean Wing offers unparalleled vistas of Patong Beach and beyond. The 183 rooms are divided into one and two-bedroom suites with both kitchen and dining areas.
 
I checked into Room 6231, a one-bed room suite that is ideal for holidaymakers taking an extended break in Phuket. Spacious yet cosy with light-brown walls and a white solid tile floor, the suite feels much more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room.
 
Cabinets are mounted over a countertop and sink, leaving plenty of space for food preparation. Easy chairs, sofa and flat-screen TV, a decent size refrigerator and a dining table that seats four add to the home-away-from-home ambience.
 
The bedroom is hidden behind a sliding door. The space is more or less taken up by a king-sized bed but leaving the sliding door open will restore a sense of space. Another television set is mounted on the wall, making sure you won't miss important moments anywhere in the world.
 
The bathroom is big and cosy with choices of hand-held and wall-mounted showerheads.

Designed for contemporary and refined travellers, the Clubhouse is home to an infinity pool, sun deck and its own fitness room, all reserved exclusively for Club Ocean Wing guests. The Clubhouse lounge serves breakfast and an a la carte dining menu all day long. Complimentary tea, coffee and light snacks are also available throughout the day and complimentary sunset cocktails with pre-dinner canapes are served from 5.30 to 6.30pm daily.

 
Out of the comfort zone of the Ocean Wing, guests can enjoy a wide range of services. La Gritta, the chic Italian restaurant, is the pride of Amari Phuket for its authentic flavours and extensive wine list.
 
"La Gritta often has diners coming from outside of the hotel. Locals love the food here," says general manager Pierre-Andre Pelletier, as I'm waiting for a bowl of minestrone. "It's a destination by itself, and we're proud of it."
 
For a day of ultimate relaxation - or to shake off the excesses of the previous night - make your way to Breeze Spa for one of the wide range of body massages and facial treatments in the open-air pavilions on the hillside, all of which boast unrivalled views of the bay.
 
Amari Phuket is by far one of the best choices for guests wanting to make the most of Phuket - beach, partying and holistic spa break. Patong is within walking distance and the stroll along the beach is particularly pleasant early in the morning when you have Patong to yourself.
 
AT A GLANCE
 
High point: The Ocean Wing offers more space and privacy. Amari Phuket itself is on the right on Patong Beach, though the crowds tend to keep their distance.
 
Low point: The landscape is probably too hilly for the elderly.
 
Pay for it: Visit the Amari official website for the best deal
 
Find it: Western end of Patong Beach, Phuket
 
Call it: +66 (0) 76 340 106-14
 
Browse it: www.Amari.com/phuket.
 
 
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