Find Sophisticated Fun - and Food - in the Sun

There’s not much that a little sun, sand and sea won’t cure. Whether you’re coming from afar for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or popping over from a nearby country for a long weekend, Phuket proves time and again to be one of Thailand’s most varied, and convenient, vacation destinations.

As the country’s largest island and long-time holiday hotspot, Phuket’s reputation precedes itself. The amount of choice – from accommodation to attractions, cuisine to chartered cruises – is astounding. And can be a little overwhelming, particularly when trying to find the perfect place to rest your head or choosing where to go for your next meal.

A stay at The Surin Phuket, however, ticks all the boxes, especially when it comes to stylish sanctuaries, exclusive beach access and tantalising cuisine.

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Located on the slopes of a lush green hillside shaded by coconut palms and flowering trees, The Surin Phuket spills down the hill onto the white sands of Pansea Beach, a tranquil cove just north of the main stretch of Surin Beach. While the property is within walking distance to the island’s popular Surin area, it felt worlds away when lounging on the sand or on the terrace of my gorgeous Beach Deluxe Suite, which was right on the sand facing the Andaman Sea.

The simple elegance of my suite design was a welcome escape to catch up on rest and relaxation. With its light colours, spacious living area, bathtub and all the thoughtful amenities I expect from a luxury hotel, leaving my room took some gentle persuading… but I also didn’t want to miss what else the resort had to offer. Although The Surin Phuket boasts an impressive 103 cottages and suites, its size is not apparent at first glance. The property’s layout, location and design create the sense of an intimate, private retreat while striking a balance of never being too close to other guests or too far from a variety of facilities and activities.

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To start my holiday on the right foot, I stopped off at The Surin Spa, which offers a range of pampering options including head-to-toe massages, body scrubs and wraps, manicures, pedicures and facial treatments. Opting for The Surin Signature Massage Package – 90 minutes of pure bliss – I was welcomed with a refreshing herbal drink and milk foot bath, followed by a tension-releasing Thai massage and warm stone treatment, and left feeling revitalised.

For the sportier crowd, the hotel supplies everything you need to take advantage of its gorgeous seaside location, whether you wish to go windsurfing, catamaran sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, body boarding or paddle boarding. You can stay on the sand and partake in a game of beach volleyball with fellow guests, enjoy the ocean view while working out in the indoor gym or, if you’re anything like me, simply observe all the activity from the edge of the beachfront pool, cocktail in hand.

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Of course, food takes centre stage during a leisurely holiday. Waking in the morning to the sound of the ocean, I made a cup of coffee from the in-room espresso machine and enjoyed the serenity from my ocean-view terrace while sipping on the fresh brew. 

I always look forward to a good hotel breakfast, so I sauntered over to Lomtalay. Located right below the lobby and reception area, an extensive buffet is laid out daily from 06:30 to 10:30 hours amid towering wooden columns and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to the rejuvenating sea breeze. Healthy à la carte options are also available including such fresh and fulfilling dishes as glutenfree pancakes, warm quinoa with pecans, cinnamon and berries, and chia seed smoothies. 

Beneath Lomtalay overlooking the pool you’ll find the Sunset Restaurant. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the casual all-day dining restaurant serves a variety of international dishes for lunch while focusing on authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine during dinner. Not keen  on leaving the pool and beach area for lunch, I opted to order from the Poolside Dining menu, which offers a plentiful choice of tasty international and Thai favourites. 

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While holidaying on a paradise island, beachfront al-fresco dining is my preferred eating style and The Surin Phuket does not disappoint. Being on the island’s west coast, the resort is perfectly positioned to witness Phuket’s tropical sunsets, particularly from its Beach Bar. The daily sunset happy hour is announced with extra flair by the bar team and eagerly awaited by the guests. Though it’s most popular at sunset, the bar is open all day and an inviting spot to mingle with other guests or share a laugh with the incredibly friendly staff. 

After a sundowner, I moved to the Beach Restaurant where I sat under the stars on a grassy lawn by the sea and enjoyed authentic Thai cuisine along with sumptuous grilled seafood. The Beach Restaurant also hosts The Surin Phuket’s mouth-watering Saturday brunch, which is the perfect way to kick off the weekend in style.

SWEET SUITES & COTTAGES

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At The Surin Phuket, guest rooms take on a new level of sophistication and exclusivity made up entirely of private cottages and spacious suites, most of which offer views of the beach and brilliant blue Andaman Sea. One- and twobedroom cottages range from a generous 34-55 square metres, while the Beach Suites and Beach Deluxe Suites offer 45-66 metres of space, outdoor terraces and direct beach access.

One-Bedroom Hillside Cottages from 5,900 THB per night including breakfast

SATURDAYS TO SAVOUR

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The Surin Phuket’s popular Saturday Brunch is back with culinary delights and drinks specials, as sizzling as ever in a stunning beachside setting.

Dive into a lavish selection of international delicacies ranging from French oysters, Atlantic and rock lobster, scallops, sashimi, prime Angus beef tenderloin, imported charcuterie and cheeses, and an array of made-to-order signature dishes. Brunch isn’t brunch without bubbles and The Surin Phuket pairs its brunch buffet with your choice of Louis Roederer Champagne or premium wines

Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or looking for a special treat during your time in Phuket, advance reservations are essential for this feast on one select Saturday each month.

2019 BRUNCH DATES

31 August, 28 September, 19 October & 16 November

12:00-15:00 hours

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3,061 THB per person for food only - Additional 1,648 THB for free flow of premium wines - Additional 3,296 THB for free flowing Louis Roederer Champagne - Special deal for one bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne at 3,531 THB

For more information and bookings: thesurinphuket.com