Suites for my sweet

Known as the Courtyard by Marriott before being rebranded, the Swissotel Resort Phuket offers 180 suites in tranquil Kamala Bay, making it an ideal choice for a family holiday.

“When parents are on holiday with their kids, a little more space than a standard room can offer is a pleasure,” says Jeff, the resort’s general manager.

“After a day on the beach, you want to retire and call it a day. You need space to stretch your legs. 

Swissotel Resort Phuket is the third property in the group’s Thailand portfolio alongside Swissotel Le Concorde and Swissotel Nai Lert Park. The resort is made up of two four-storey buildings standing side by side. In between them is a long, twisting strip of pool and a mini waterpark. Kamala Beach is a five-minute walk from the hotel lobby, while the bustling Patong Beach is about 10 minutes by car 

Last week, I checked into Room 2116, a one-bedroom suite, for two nights. Designed for a couple with living room, bedroom, working corner and television set, the simple wooden floor and white-washed walls are offset by contemporary furniture including a large wrap-around couch, dark wood table and television stand. The presence of two flat-screen televisions – one in the living room and the other in the bedroom – gives you a choice of where to watch as well as what to watch.

The bathroom is equipped with dual sinks and a cavernous two-people shower with a rain showerhead.

For larger families, the two and three-bedroom suites have small kitchenettes and dining tables.

“This allows the family to rustle up easy dishes like phad Thai, fried rice or pan-fried filet when they’ve had enough of the hotel food,” notes the general manager.

There is no mini bar. Guests can however, can purchase snacks and drinks from the hotel’s “mini-mart” and store them in the small fridge. 

The main restaurant serves as the all-day dining venue offering breakfast from 6.30am and a late dinner at 11pm. My stay coincided with the Swissotel Resort Phuket’s “foods for vitality” campaign, which offers guests a range of healthy options for each meal. For breakfast, for example, I could ditch my eggs, bacon and coffee in favour of fresh vegetables and a smoothie.

Kamala Beach is a short walk from the hotel. While some partygoers don’t like it here, complaining that Kamala is just too quiet, this enclosed bay and fishing village surrounded by forested hills makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. I thoroughly enjoyed waking up in morning and taking a carefree stroll along the sand. One morning we hopped on a mountain bike and explored Kamala beach and local communities. The second day, I stretched my limbs on a yoga mat.

The Swissotel Rosort Phuket is a family-oriented hotel with strong sense of holiday. Couples can spend their time on day beds by the pool while the kids have fun at Kids World and in the Adventure Park.

 

AT A GLANCE

High points: spacious rooms and friendly staff

Low points: The decor is very plain. There are plans to refurbish 90 rooms this year and the other 90 next year, so expect a stylish facelift. 

Pay for it: Check the website for the best deals and promotions.

Find it: Kamala Beach, Phuket

Call it: +66 (0) 76 303 000

Browse it: www.Swissotel.com/hotels/phuket