The Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Hotel Review | Thailand
The Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Hotel Review | Thailand
The Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga
Situated on the edge of an immaculate, white-sanded beach, The Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga is a secret retreat that only a few get to experience.
The secluded area of Phang Nga is located just north of the island of Phuket. As we cross the Sarasin Bridge and leave Phuket behind us, we embrace a luxurious sense of solitude.
Staying in Phuket? Read our review for Kata Rocks Hotel, one of the best on the island…
Delving deeper into the wilderness of this untouched area, we are surrounded by trees that grow in tangled groves. As a result the Aleenta’s cubist architecture is discreetly hidden among the greenery, and only emerges as we approach it.
From afar, the only thing we see of the Aleenta is an indistinct façade. On nearing the building we see a flourish of stairs that lead mysteriously upwards. The further we climb, the more the hotel seems to blossom around us. Finally we reach the lobby, and get our first proper glimpse of The Aleenta.
About The Aleenta Hotel, Phuket
The open-air lobby is one of the highest points of this low rise hotel. As such, the views from it are superb.
In the foreground we see the sleek architecture that the Aleenta is renowned for. The white buildings draw our eyes slowly out to Natai Beach, and the vivid blue of the Andaman Sea.
After finishing our drinks and checking in, more steps lead us irresistibly to the beach. Along the way are walkways that float on lakes, teeming with koi fish and lily pads.
Just in front of the beach is the hotel’s gorgeous black tiled infinity pool, with its floating day beds and pool bar.
The most noteworthy feature of Natai beach is how peaceful and secluded it is.
Golden sands stretch out as far as the eye can see. Best of all is how few visible developments there are here (or people, save the handful of hotel guests).
Either way, we love having the whole 10km stretch of sand to ourselves. Just look at it.
The Room – Grand Deluxe Pool Villa
The Aleenta is listed as part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. As such, the main hotel site has that discrete, boutique vibe that you would expect. Set away from the main hotel campus are a separate cluster of villas, in which our Grand Deluxe Pool Villa is located.
Each of the 141 square metre Grand Deluxe Pool Villa’s are entirely sealed, and give guests complete privacy. Walnut gates and crisp white walls separate us from the outside world, and we’re impressed by the sheer size of the place.
The first thing we do when we arrive is to toss off our shoes and wade in the shallows of our brilliant pool.
Inside, we love the silkiness of 450 thread count sheets that top a giant marshmallow of a bed.
Padding through to the bathroom we find plush, pillowy towels and bespoke hotel toiletries. A high pressure shower helps to wake us up after the journey.
The best aspect of our room has to be its private pool and Jacuzzi. We especially love how our bedroom literally opens up into the pool…
Floor to ceiling retractable windows allow us to wake up and slide open whole walls, taking a refreshing dip into our private pool before ambling over to the beach for breakfast.
Eating and drinking at The Aleenta
The Aleenta hotel has a choice of two restaurants on site, The Natai and The Edge. The Natai offers a traditional Thai menu, whilst the beach-side Edge restaurant serves a mixed Thai and Western menu.
Breakfast is served buffet-style at The Edge, where we embrace both the Thai and continental options. Dim sum and fried rice fill our plates on the first day, and on the second we enjoy freshly made waffles and jams.
As well as having your pick of the buffet bar, breakfast is also complimented with a variety of a la carte options. We especially love the Aleenta’s French toast with mango coulis…
Lunch and dinner are also served at The Edge, and we alternate between taking dips in the infinity pool and grabbing light bites and drinks at the restaurant.
At night we move our sparkling waters to the sofas that are set along the beach, and marvel at richly coloured sunsets.
A little extra…
The Aleenta is almost fully staffed by people who have always lived locally to the area. They really transform the hotel and make it part of the quiet setting. They also know a thing or two about a proper Thai massage, and I’d highly recommend popping in to the hotel health centre for one.
There are also morning exercise sessions available, held in the hotel infinity pool, or try your hand at Tai Chi on the beach!
Best time to visit The Aleenta
The best weather and the most rain-free days can be had between November and February. Later in the year the weather warms up, and the monsoon season runs from May to October.
Have you stayed at The Aleenta before? Where are your favourite spots in Thailand? Let me know in the comments section :)
Address: 33 Moo 5, Pilai Beach, Khok Kloi 82140
Tel: +66 2 514 8112
Website
In the interest of full disclosure please be advised that the accommodation was provided on a complimentary basis. With thanks to The Aleenta for having us in.
Now this is how to relax in style!
Thanks Emma!