One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the award-winning five-star Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa is set on pristine Natai Beach, the sunset side of the Andaman Sea. It is a boutique ‘All Suites, All Private’ resort right on the beach, which is an uncrowded paradise curving like an enchanting smile into the distance, a delight for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and simply taking a morning or evening stroll; when the lights go down, watching the glorious panoramic sunset over the bay creates one of life’s magical memories.
The Aleenta’s picture-perfect setting overlooking the crystal blue waters is stunning—and gloriously peaceful. Not on the island of Phuket—it’s a 20-minute drive north of the airport in Phang Nga province—the Aleenta offers Andaman living at its most idyllic. Set on six miles of soft golden sands, it is blessedly free from high-rise hotels, jet skis and hawkers—all are banned, so that the only sound except for lapping waves is the lowing of water buffalo. This is a haven for all who seek a peaceful, natural, uncrowded beach getaway—as well as something more. The province of Phang Nga is one of Thailand’s most intriguing regions. Located in southern Thailand and bordering Phuket Province, Phang Nga offers a respite from big-city life. While spending time here, you will have the chance to see a different side of Thailand. Not only breathtaking beaches but awe-inspiring landmarks and cultural and historical treasures help create a rich and entrancing holiday. And you enjoy exclusive best Club rates and other treats!
In fact, Aleenta proves you can still find the old desert-island solitude in the area around Phuket. Contemporary villas and loft suites instead of thatched-roof huts, true enough, yet these add modern architectural style and amenities to the luxurious surroundings. The modernist design equals cube-shaped villas, clean lines and natural colours. A glamorous black-tiled infinity pool cuts through the centre of the resort flanked by double day beds and the two indoor/outdoor restaurants.
Stylish rooms vary from split-level suites to slick penthouses and rambling villas, while facilities include a beachfront swimming pool, complimentary water sports (non motorised), fishing, and a beautiful spa. But all eyes are drawn to the beach, where turquoise waters lap against a thick strand of shimmering golden sands which stretch as far as the eye can see.
The ocean is the focus of the resort, their suites designed with their expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. And the physical comforts are impeccable: custom-made beds with custom-milled Egyptian cotton linen, DVD players and pre-loaded iPods, and in some suites, outdoor showers, jacuzzis or private plunge pools. Even the smallest suite has 80 sq metres of living space (Ocean View Loft), the largest is 500 sq metre (four-bedroom Beachfront Villas), and the sea-facing Pool Villa is 141 sq metres with Club facilities which include all-day refreshments, evening aperitifs and canapés, butler service, priority check-in and late check-out.
Rooms are designed with interesting features—floating staircases, gallery bedrooms, peek-a-boo bathrooms for example—some have private pools, others access from their terraces straight into larger swimming pools. The large beach villas are ideal for families, while 30 newer one-bedroom villas, tucked behind high stone walls back from the beach, are good for those in search of extra solitude.
The cuisine is rooted in Thai tradition yet contemporary, inspirational and healthy, inspired by local vegetable gardens and the ocean, with organic meats and poultry—the resort has recently been awarded the prestigious One-Key in the Michelin Guide Thailand. There are two sea-view restaurants, Seasons, which is Thai vegan, and The Edge, which offers a wider menu starting with a delicious breakfast of ‘eggs around the world’, and continuing with lunch from the wok, grill or salad and herb garden, to dinner, where Chef Prapas Kabsuk creates delicious dishes often seafood based—think sea bass, snapper, crab, prawns and lobster, but also Wagyu and striploin beef, pork, lamb and chicken, in contemporary Thai style that is rooted in classical tradition. Sweet dishes focus on the delicious Thai fruits, from mango with sticky rice to raw chocolate tart and the healthiest fruit ‘glow bowl’.
The Edge Bar, with its glorious panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, offers a wide-ranging menu of freshly-shaken cocktails, international spirits, limited wines but an array of health-giving combination juices and shakes designed to add to the health benefits of your holiday.
The beach, pools, bar and restaurants provide plenty of laidback relaxation—but more active guests will find non-motorised watersports, a gym and fitness studios with complimentary daily activities that include yoga, pilates, X-Fit and Muay Thai boxing. Six world-class golf courses are nearby, as well as the famed Phang Nga Bay. Jungle adventures, cultural tours, sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling, and trips to the fascinating market, Bang Niang Market, and to other beaches including Hat Khao Lak and the turtle beach Thai Muang Beach, can all be arranged. In fact, the cultural and natural delights of Phang Nga make this resort a hidden gem. Take, for instance, Ao Phang Nga National Park, extending out into Phang Nga Bay, a national park made up of lush wilderness, stunning waterways and islands formed from limestone. And Khao Phing Kan, known as ‘James Bond Island’, one of the filming locations for ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, where you can take a boat through the caves.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is one of tropical evergreens and fascinating wildlife. Khao Lak and Lam Ru are the two mountain peaks which dominate the area and give the park its name. They offer challenging hikes and lovely views of the surrounding countryside. You will also find a beach that allows you to spend some quiet time in a peaceful seaside setting. The park additionally boasts a series of waterfalls and plenty of wildlife—you may see flying lemur, Malayan porcupine and Sumatran serow.
The Similan Islands, another national park, are just a short boat ride from Phang Nga’s mainland. Dive sites around the islands allow you to explore the underwater world of coral reefs, aquatic flora and colourful tropical fish. Many wildlife species are protected and the region teems with sealife. Then there are the Surin Islands, part of Mu Ko Surin National Park. Here you may see Bengal monitors, skinks and many bird species. The endangered green and hawksbill turtles are also known to inhabit the islands. You may even see Bryde’s whales. South Surin Island plays host to the Chao Ley Boat Floating Festival in Spring.
At Aleenta you are 40 kilometre from Phuket town, close enough for a day trip but far enough to ignore it completely if you wish—the award-winning Ayurah Spa and Wellness Centre at Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa awaits, offering tailor-made holistic and medical-led wellness retreat programmes with master therapists and complimentary wellness classes, massage, aromatherapy and beauty treatments.
Or simply enjoy the low-tech charms of Natai Beach—soft golden sand lapped by crystal blue waters prove equally appealing for castaways and luxury travellers alike.
How to get there: Aleenta Phuket–Phang Nga is located on Natai Beach, a 20-minute drive north of Phuket International Airport.
Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort & Spa
33 Moo 5, Khok Kloi,
Takua Thung, Phang Nga
82140 Thailand
Visit Aleenta Phuket Phang Na Resort & Spa website
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