Dont want to leave this resort...

Wednesday, March 3, 2011

Perfect stay to end our Phuket tour! We were looking for a nice place to relax after all the busy island excursions and the ‘havoc’ness in Patong. We were looking for a luxury private pool resort to end our Phuket trip. And we were not disappointed.

Let me start with the check-ins. Their staffs are so friendly and warm. Having acceptable command of English makes our stay better (note that 85% people in Phuket/Patong area can’t speak well in English). Right after 10 mins, check-in is done. Because our room is not yet ready, we decided to have lunch in their seaside restaurant. My god the view is amazing!

Let me remind you that this resort is located in Phang Nga, which is 1.5hrs from Patong, and 40mins from Phuket International Airport. This resort location is kinda secluded and private. It has its own private beach. Some people said that this resort location is too far from other places, but in our opinion it’s perfect as we were looking for a secluded and private stay for relaxing. There was only like 5 - 6 couples in the resort during our stay making it perfect for us.

We opt for private pool residence (Room #408) and my god the villa is beautiful. It has modern architecture with flavourful blend of classics finishes. All things in the villa have a very personal and unique touch. The glass as the main wall making the andaman sea view from the villa is remarkable. You can have pristine sea views from the living room, bedroom, Jacuzzi and bathroom. Importantly, the breathtaking view from your own private pool is the main features if this villa. There is a patio (sort of) beside the private pool for sunbathing and a table for dining, and again with breathtaking views. Our villa is on 3rd floor so it makes our villa somewhat private from others. All I can say is you can swim and sun bath in nude from your villa and still enjoy the breathtaking sea views. We hardly going to the beach as we can enjoy the view right from our own villa.

There is number of Beach Villa right in front of the beach (direct beach access) but other people can see you from the beach. Also, there is a joined private pool villa, shared with other 1 room. So if you need total privacy, opt for this 1 bedroom residence pool villa.

Did I mention the superb service?

The Thai food in the restaurant is fine, but not that great (we are Asians, so we a bit particular on Thai food selections and quality). Maybe they improve in this area in the future. We didn’t try the international menu.

Their continental breakfast is great and unique. We opt to have our breakfast in our villa at our private pool to enjoy the view and privacy.

Spa is another strong feature on the resort. Their masseuse is warm and great. We have our complementary 30min body massage and we enjoy it.

This resort makes us feel so great and the remarkable service plus beautiful design makes us don’t want to leave. The only disappointing thing during our stay in Aleenta is leaving it. Aleenta really shines and makes it perfect end to our remarkable journey in Phuket.

Thanks Aleenta!

My Stay at one of Aleenta’s Villas

Friday, September 18, 2010

17.00h
It’s been a hectic week and I am glad to finally get away from it all. My wife Carol found this great place on the internet. It’s called Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga and just 20 minutes away from Phuket International Airport. It looks amazing on their website www.aleenta.com. Our direct flight from Hong Kong to Phuket leaves in an hour and I am already late. Hope I can make my flight. Will meet Carol and the kids at the airport. They are so excited and look forward to their beach holidays.

19.30h
We just made it onto the plane. That was close! Am relaxing and dreaming about our private 3-bedroom villa that awaits us right next to the beach. If this place holds what it promises, then we are in for a good one..

20.45h
Touch down at Phuket International Airport. Luggage and immigration smooth and easy. One of Aleenta’s friendly and competent team members waited for us at the arrival hall. We hop into the comfortable private car and off we go. It takes just a short ride to reach beautiful Nathai beach. On the way we have time to study some information about Aleenta and possible activities or excursions displayed in the car. They seem to be really well organized. We even got cold towels and water provided just for us during the car ride.

21.05
Arrival at Aleenta. Out private butler and villa staff welcomes us right at the door step. The villa is amazing! All this just for us. What a view! We order dinner, which is prepared by our own Chef in the villa. We don’t even have to move to the restaurant at the resort. I have never felt so relaxed in a long time.

22.30h
The kids watch TV on the big flat screen in the lounge. Carol and I enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace. I forgot my iPod but luckily there was one in the villa with cool music already uploaded. I think I just switch of my brain for the next 48 hours. Good night…

Saturday, September 19, 2010

08.00h
What is all the fuss about the rainy season in Phuket, I wonder. This is a beautiful day. A few clouds yes, but nothing that will prevent us from having a morning swim in the large pool

Breakfast is served in the villa. The private villa staff is so friendly.
Food is amazing, Aleenta’s French Chef certainly understands his business!

11.00h
We decide to take a walk on the beach. This is paradise compared to the overcrowded Phuket beaches that we had to endure during our last visit on the island. Here, we seem to be the only people living on this planet!

The Aleenta Resort and Spa is just a 10 mins. walk away. We could have taken the car organized by the hotel but preferred to walk. The resort is beautiful, all white, very contemporary but warm.

The have a luxurious Spa, two restaurants and a bar. Carol goes to the Spa. I probably won’t see here again for the next 3 hours! I settle down on the beach terrace and enjoy a cocktail and today’s newspaper. The kids happily play on the beach. Bliss!

13.00h
A member of the resort’s management team approaches me and offers some fruit and sun screen. I must be getting a bit red. Glad that they have thought about this as well.

They have a range of activities available at the resort and around Phuket Island. Beach volleyball, Frisbee game, a Petanque evening, shuttle bus to Patong or shopping trips.

I can’t be bothered, but good to know in case we decide to become a bit more active.

14.30h
Carol is back from the spa. She says she had the best aromatherapy massage of her life. The facial with natural local ingredients was also quite amazing. We have a bite and walk back to our villa to enjoy our private pool.

The villa butler awaits us there and serves afternoon tea. At the same time, we order a private BBQ for dinner in our villa. Still did not have to switch the brain back on

19.00h
Phuket lobster enjoyed a merely 30 meters from the Andaman Sea. The kids got their pizza. I don’t know how they do it. Everything seems so easy. Carol and I enjoy a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Am a bit dizzy after dinner, just the right state of mind to forget that we will have to leave back to Hong Kong tomorrow already.

Sunday, September 20, 2010

09.00h
Breakfast on the terrace, the usual morning swim. I could get used to this life! Spending the morning doing absolutely nothing. Our plane leaves Phuket at 18.00h and we decide to leave a bit earlier to go shopping in Phuket. They have amazing shopping centers there now. Nothing compared to a few years ago.

16.30h
Shopping bags in hand, we arrive at the airport just in time. Aleenta’s staff accompanies us right up to the check in counter. They are so helpful.

18.30h
On the way back to the real world. Good that I took the brochure with me. We have got to go back there. This time for longer. They even have weekly and monthly rates for their villas. We must tell our friends. There are lots of other services available, which we did not even notice yet. Got to try next time!