Phuket, a mountainous island in the beautiful Andaman Sea, is now just a little over three hours’ flight from Jakarta. Home to many attractions and the beautiful Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, it has much to offer travellers from around the world.
Asia Dreams got the lowdown from long-time Jakarta luxury hotelier Samit Ganguly, now general manager at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, about what makes Phuket a great destination.
While Samit has always been a city dweller, he is an ardent nature photographer and Instagrammer and Phuket has stolen his heart with its beautiful beaches, jungle-covered mountains with spectacular ocean backdrops and iconic spots like the Big Buddha atop of one of Phuket’s highest peaks and Promthep Cape.
With the addition of direct flights from Jakarta, as well as from hubs like Singapore, Dubai and Doha, as well as a 30-day free tourist visa on arrival for many nationalities, including Indonesians, Phuket is very attractive. The public beaches are beautiful and well kept, some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with incredibly pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay, are just a short boat trip away, and there is a multitude of things to do and places to visit.
Must dos while in Phuket include exploring the markets, buying Thai silk, observing Asian elephants in their natural habitat, visiting a Thai Buddhist temple, trying Muay Thai boxing, taking a Thai cooking class and, of course, trying the incredible local cuisine. “Phuket is now featured in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2019, demonstrating the wealth of dining talent around the island,” commented Samit, who finds the night markets and street food fascinating.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort is a popular holiday venue for all kinds of travellers, from couples to groups of friends, event attendees and families to those combining business and leisure. Situated on a hillside overlooking Kamala Cove, a well-enclosed bay and fishing village, the landscape is beautiful. The 201 guest rooms and suites face the glistening Andaman Sea and range from 44sqm to 250sqm, enhanced with all the facilities required by today’s savvy guests.
The hotel grounds are lush and colourful with butterflies attracted to the many beautiful flowers, especially surrounding the stunning ocean-front infinity pool, which is one of Phuket’s largest. With plenty of sun beds and cabanas, this is the social hub of the resort and home to The Pool Bar, an alfresco venue serving house-made Thai iced tea, lush cocktails, wines and other refreshing drinks. Adjacent is all-day dining at The Pool House with flavoursome Thai, international comfort foods and gourmet offerings. Sunset Grill, meanwhile, is the resort’s signature restaurant, a magnificent place to enjoy fine dining accompanied by mesmerizing sunset ocean views from its hilltop perch.
The exclusive Regency Club offers awe-inspiring panoramic ocean vistas, its own infinity pool and a magnificent ocean view, especially at sunset, and is a fantastic place to enjoy complimentary wine and canapés.
Within the resort, guests are pampered with Thai and international-style massages and aromatic treatments at Nahm Spa, while the more energetic can head over to the Health Club to work out or join in the complimentary Muay Thai boxing, yoga and pilates classes.
Kids are sure to love Camp Hyatt with its fun, cultural and educational activities for 4 to 12-year olds, as well as learning about gardening in P’Chock’s Garden, where they can become a Certified Green Fingers and take home a small bag of Rainbow Chilli seeds to grow at home. Kids of all ages, meanwhile, can enjoy a game of pool or table football, while in the pool, aquarobics and water polo are popular activities.
With a free daily shuttle bus from the hotel to Kamala and the lively party central, shopping paradise and dining hub of Patong Beach just a 15-minute drive away, you are more likely to run out of time than things to do when staying at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort. Many of the island’s best sightseeing locations, fashionable beach clubs, restaurants and bars are not too far away, including well-known brands such as Café Del Mar and Catch Beach Club.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
16/12 Moo 6, Tambon Kamala
Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
T: (+66) 76231234
Asia Dreams August – October 2019
