An easy, breezy escape to Phuket
One of the things we love most about living in Hong Kong is the accessibility to so many fabulous Asian destinations. Everyone always seems to be jetting off for long weekend breaks, and it’s no surprise considering how easy it is from Hong Kong airport. A favourite holiday destination among Hong Kongers? Phuket, Thailand.
As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is a famous destination for tourists looking to enjoy it all – the beach, activities, nightlife and great dining. I hadn’t been to Phuket in years, and remember it as a blur of playing in the sand, swimming in the pool and munching on banana pancakes for breakfast as a kid. Little did I know that the hotel I was staying at with The Luxe Nomad was same resort that I used to frequent with my family back in the late 90s… talk about throwback.
Recently acquired by the Outrigger hotel group (which just won the ‘Best Hotel/Resort Group’ at the 2016 AFTA National Tourism Industry Awards), the Laguna Beach Resort that I used to visit has been given a fresh facelift. The spacious, grand lobby has been redesigned and is still distinctly Thai with a modern feel. As soon as we were arrived we were met with cold, jasmine-scented towels and a sweet welcome drink, offering instant relief from the heat and a welcoming feeling.
The Rooms
With 255 rooms, eight suites and a two-bedroom villa, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget. We stayed in a Club Sea View room, which was a good size and perfectly comfortable. We had all the amenities we needed and the room felt cosy and safe, the ideal sanctuary to unwind and refresh in after a day at the beach before dinner. The bathroom has a uniquely designed shower that can also be used a bath with its sloping angle, cleverly maximising the use of space. My favourite part of the room was the small balcony, which looked out over the green gardens. Ideal for morning coffee and listening to the sound of the waves in the distance.
The Facilities
The main benefit of staying at Outrigger Laguna Beach Phuket is that everything you need is at your fingertips. As my partner and I had both been to Phuket several times before and we only had a couple of days there, we didn’t even leave the resort! The white sand beach is directly in front of the large swimming pool and Edgewater Bar (the perfect spot for sundowners), and there are plenty of activities on offer to keep you occupied.
Sunbathe on the sand before you take a dip in the pool or the sea – the choice is yours! – or sign up for some watersports at the beach hut right by the loungers. If it’s not too hot and you’re feeling active, they have a whole sports centre with archery and tennis on offer, and there’s even an in-house tour booking centre that can help you sort out any excursions. We were happy to spend our two days by the beach and pool, reading novels and catching some rays between delicious breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner options at the The Club, Edgewater, Metzo’s Bistro & Bar and Locavore.
The Food
Speaking of the food, you have a range of cuisines to enjoy at the resorts different dining destinations. We were upgraded to be part of the Voyager Club, which meant we got to enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner canapés and drinks at the exclusive ‘The Club’ by the laguna. You can seriously get your money’s worth (especially with drinks!) if you opt for this special package! It was particularly nice for breakfast for a more relaxed experience.
If you’re not part of the Voyager Club, breakfast can be enjoyed at Locavore, the seafood focused restaurant next to the lobby. The buffet style spread was impressive, with everything from pastries, fruit, yoghurt and muesli, to Thai favourites, an omelette station, cold cuts and fry-up options. There’s literally something to please everyone, so it’s perfect if you’re travelling with fussy family or a big group of friends. In the evenings, stop by Locavore for some fancy Thai fare – this Pad Thai with King Prawns was divine, and the Massaman Curry came in a huge, bubbling clay pot!
Our favourite meal at Outrigger had to be the at Metzo’s Bistro & Bar. We were treated to the Sunday Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern inspired brunch, which included a huge variety of tapas (think pita bread with flavourful dips!) and a huge main course of our choice followed by a selection of desserts. The little mezzo bites were just what we wanted after a morning of lounging by the pool, and made sure to whet our appetites before our large mains.
We both went for the BBQ seafood platters, which included lobster, enormous prawns, squid, fish and a side of roasted veggies and couscous. Suitably stuffed, we couldn’t help but nibble on some of the delightful small desserts and sip on some seriously strong and uniquely flavoured cocktails too.
The Verdict
I could describe my stay at Outrigger through The Luxe Nomad with one word: EASY. The flight to Phuket is a breeze (and I’m sure it will get even easier when the new airport opens), as is check in and arrival at Outrigger Laguna Beach Phuket. The resort has everything you need to keep you entertained, well rested and well fed. The staff were friendly and helpful and having the pool right next to the beach was amazing, especially if all you want to do is relax and enjoy the sun, sea, sand and swim! The hotel is huge, but when we went we did notice lots of children running round – maybe not the quietest, most romantic spot, but perfect for families or big groups of friends. With so many options, Outrigger Laguna Beach Phuket is sure to please a big crowd! Bring on that long-awaited girls’ getaway…
Read more: Sassy’s Guide to Girls’ Getaways
To book, visit The Luxe Nomad here.
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, 323 Moo 2 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Bangtao Bay, Phuket 83110, Thailand