With only a few days to spend in Phuket, time was of the essence, and so, we entrusted our friends at Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa to make arrangements for a perfect weekend. We were thrilled to have gotten an experience that went well down to the finest details; hence, it was honestly one of our best resort getaways ever.
LOCATION
Novotel Phuket Karon Resort and Spa is located by Karon Beach, which surprisingly isn’t as rowdy as its neighbor, Patong. The area has a number of restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and bars, making all traveler necessities available by foot—important especially when public transport can be expensive in Phuket.
Like most tourist places in Phuket, Karon is quite a distance from the international airport, but the resort can arrange transfers for a hassle-free arrival and departure.
STYLE/CHARACTER
Elegant design dominates the place, driven by chic furnishings and a vibrant color scheme. The local influences are rather subtle, since the resort adapts a more modern style, which is a hallmark of a Novotel property. Although by no means does the resort seem like a boxy hotel, for it has plenty of open spaces and elements that give that resort feel.
ROOMS
We were accommodated in a spacious Plunge Pool Suite, described fully as:
Indulge in 60 sqm of natural living comfort in a spacious plunge pool suite at Novotel Phuket Karon Resort and Spa. With a master bedroom boasting of a large comfortable bed, adjoining a spacious living area with a convertible sofa bed, the plunge pool suites are ideal for families or groups. The Plunge Pool Suites at this Phuket Resort come along with a large bathtub and complimentary wi-fi access.
Step away from your door, soak and chill out in your private plunge pool or enjoy quality time with your friends and family in your private outdoor dining area.
We loved the style of the room—how contemporary it looked while retaining some touches of Thai design. Aside from the suite’s phenomenal bed, the outdoor plunge pool was among our weekend’s highlights.
FACILITIES
The Phuket resort has three nicely-landscaped swimming pools, one of which is more suited for children with its fun fountain and water slide. In addition, it has a fitness center and a Kids’ Club, equipped with video games and ball pit for the tiny tots.
WELLNESS
Our holiday’s not complete without a visit to Novotel’s signature In Balance Spa. We tried the Jet Lag Revival treatment that included a 60-minute Stress Relief Massage and a Resurgence Renewal facial treatment. The spa’s ambiance couldn’t have been more relaxing, and their therapists are clearly adept at their craft, lulling us to sleep with their strokes and maneuvers.
THE BEACH
Karon has a lovely stretch of beach. Since only a handful of resorts populate the area, fewer people can be expected at any time of day, regardless if it’s high season like when we went.
FOOD AND DRINK
Breakfasts are served at Horizon Cafe, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant that serves Western, Asian, and Thai fare. Surprisingly, their spread includes dishes, such as pork ribs and roast chicken, that make breakfast seem like brunch.
On our second night, we were treated to a dinner under one of the poolside cabanas. The spectacular four-course menu featured our favorites: pan-fried Hokkaido scallops with old parmesan shaves and Italian parsley oil, and the meal’s piece de resistance, pan-seared Wagyu rump steak marble five and light thyme gravy with truffle mashed potato and glazed baby carrots.
SERVICE
From our email exchanges regarding our arrangements to the moment we were sent back to the airport, all of the resort’s staff, warm and friendly, anticipated our every need and provided them efficiently. Their service was commendable, even when the resort was running at almost full capacity during our stay.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Rates at Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa can understandably cost quite high on peak periods, but they’re still affordable compared to accommodations of the same class. However, the good thing about our summer months (i.e. March to May) is that they match the low season in Phuket, so rates at this resort can be expected to be lower.
With the perfect holiday we had though, we thought the resort’s great value-for-money regardless of the cost.
NOVOTEL PHUKET KARON BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Patak Road, Karon, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Thailand
Telephone: +66 76 358 666
Email: h8825-re@accor.com
Website: www.novotelphuketkaron.com
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