A truly tropical treat
Movenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach is great for both a romantic break or a family holiday
With high season once again coming to Phuket, the tourists are flocking to the popular island with Russian, Hindi and Chinese all but drowning out Thai in the markets and restaurants.
The hotels and tourist attractions are pleased to see the influx and busy adjusting their services to meet the demands of these new customers.
One place that is welcoming an increasing number of guests is Movenpick Resort and Spa. Located next to Karon beach, to the south of frenetic Patong, it is an ideal area for those who prefer peace and quiet.
Surrounded by lush gardens, it’s a pleasure walking around the hotel as well as from room to beach, stopping to take in the orchids along the way.
The hotel boasts 364 rooms and villas and I stayed in a deluxe garden villa, designed with contemporary Thai elements and influences in mind but run with Swiss efficiency. In room facilities include satellite TV, wireless Internet access, and a comfortable daybed that’s great for curling up with a book.
The bathroom is large with two wash basins, a bathtub and a separate shower.
The resort features four swimming pools, the main one coming complete with a waterslide, a cool swim-up bar and a children’s mini-pool are served.
There is a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with bikes, treadmills, weight machines and free-weights. If you have kids with you, you don’t have to worry about them. Movenpick has one of the largest play zones in Phuket divided into separate areas according to age group.
While the kids are having fun, parents can spend time at the Spa. I tried The Spa Signature Ritual, a luxury treatment that starts with a floral foot bath, progresses into then the Movenpick coffee scrub and aroma floral milk bath and finishes with a coconut oil massage.
Movenpick has five restaurants at its Karon Beach property, among them the all day Pacifica dining outlet and El Gaucho, which offers traditional Brazilian churrasco is served and is a must for meat lovers.
Movenpick Resort and Spa is an ideal place to stay whether you’re going to Phuket as a couple or in a family group.
At a glance
High points: Thai contemporary decoration and furniture is stunning.
Low points: The resort is very large and it’s easy to lose your way.
Find it: Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Pay for it: A single night starts from Bt4,200
Phone it: (+66 76) 396 139
Browse it: www.Moevenpick-Hotels.com
