Kata thani Phuket beach Resort
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There are few places in the world where you can get away from it all, yet have it all at the exact same time… Phuket is one of them. Dubbed ‘The Pearl of the Andaman’, the largest and most popular of Thailand’s islands is the epicentre of entertainment, escapism and luxury.
Vibrant and bustling beaches, bars, resorts, markets, restaurants, shops, sightseeing and watersports paint a picture of a holiday on the move. But the more discerning traveller can uncover a peaceful haven on the secluded shores of Kata Noi Bay at the five star Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – just 20 minutes from the bustling life of Patong. This glistening, golden-sand piece of paradise is still just an hour from Phuket International Airport, but a world away from all worries.
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Check out a first-hand insight into the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort with a video review by TV travel expert, Catriona Rowntree, below.
Retreat to the Resort
Before arriving, we did our research and discovered Katathani was highly rated on TripAdvisor by first-hand reviewers, had been awarded the 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and was rated in the top ten of 50 hotels in Kata Beach. On top of all that, Katathani was also names among TripAdvisor’s 25 Most Beautiful Beaches of Asia … High hopes followed and we were far from disappointed.
The resort stretches along the beachfront, where clusters of accommodation and numerous swimming pools are dotted between lush green fairways, towering palm trees and winding paths. There are two wings – the luxurious Thani Wing and the even more superior Bhuri Wing in a tropical setting across the lane.
Beachfront Bliss
There’s nothing quite like the cool breeze sweeping over your shoulders and the feel of soft warm sand beneath your feet. It was the kind of heaven we experienced every day at the scenic Katathani Resort. Our concern that the beautiful beaches might be overrun with buzzing boats and speedo-clad tourists were quickly forgotten. This is no Patong. Tranquility and utter relaxation flourish here, with metres of sparkling sand and crystal clear waters, kept mostly to our lucky selves.
Kata Noi Beach is often touted as one of the most spectacular on the island, and Katathani commands an entire 850 metre strip of it. As soon as we had arrived and settled in after being picked up at Phuket International Airport (a one hour scenic drive away), this is where we headed.
Grabbing a lounge chair under an umbrella didn’t require an awkward wrestle as there were always plenty to go around. Life guards patrol the beach during the day and swimming between the flags keeps everyone’s mind at ease. Katathani even supports daily beach cleaning, carried out by the community, which explains how a paradise like this can stay that way against the tourism odds.
In the high season (from November to April) when we visited, the sea was beautifully calm and clear. The perfect opportunity to float, wade, swim and snorkel. The low season (May to October) is among one of the most popular spots for surfing.
Room with a View
We stayed in one of the upgraded Ground Floor Deluxe Rooms in the Bhuri Wing where we discovered a light, airy, artistic space with a spacious 40sqm to enjoy. The room was decorated with calming shades of sleight grey, minimalist white and a touch of oriental and floral elegance. A long, comfy couch stretched down one side of the bedroom inside, while views of the sparkling blue pool and gardens could be enjoyed from the private balcony and day bed outside.
A rainshower ensuite, a blissful King bed, an LCD TV, selection of satellite channels, DVD player and air-con kept things ultra-modern and convenient. Fluffy bathrobes, slippers, an umbrella and a sweet-smelling Katathani Essential Oil and Burner kept things thoughtful and top class.
Playtime, Poolside
It’s a funny thing, but despite the presence of breathtaking beach just a skip away, there’s still a certain appeal that a swimming pool possesses. In fact, at Katathani, that appeal is even higher with no less than six, crystal clear swimming spots to choose from.
Take a dip in the two Andaman Pools, Kata Noi Pool, Bhurl Pool, Mountain Pool and Beach Club pool, which is – you guessed it – right on the shoreline.
There are also three hot jacuzzis and two bubbly water springs, while families can also take joy in four kiddy pools and a mini waterslide.
Each pool is unique; for playing or lounging. They’re all surrounded by lush green palms, shading umbrellas and relaxing lounge chairs. Need a break from the sand and the waves? This is the place to escape to.
Endless Entertainment
Like any top resort worth their weight in TripAdvisor reviews, the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort knows the importance of keeping guests entertained with a range of the best facilities and activities – all within easy reach of accommodation. The resort offers a state-of-the-art Fitness Center with an exclusive personal training service available, plus tennis, yoga, stretching classes and even a vigorous Health Walk to the Viewpoint.
Kids and adults alike can stay energised with a hit of table tennis, billiards, a games room, various evening entertainment, golf putting greens, giant chess and a petanque (lawn bouls) lane for a bit of healthy sporting competition. Kids can also be whisked away for hours of supervised fun at the Chang Noi Kids’ Club, where hundreds of toys, balloon painting, beading, clay sculpting, Thai kite-making and a heap of other activities are sure to keep them busy and give parents some well-deserved breathing time.
There are also extra cultural activities for adults to have a go at. We tried Thai boxing, traditional fruit carving and even a Thai cooking class (more on that below). If you fancy yourself a bit of a water baby, then Seafun Divers Dive School (learning first in the pool), aqua-aerobics, water polo and pool volleyball were also available and ready to get us splashing about.
Every Day’s a Spa Day
What’s a holiday without relaxation? Well, it’s a lot closer to a regular day. So we spent plenty of leisurely hours at Katathani’s tranquil Tew Son Spa to make sure we made the most of our escape. The professional therapists made us feel like a million dollars as they worked out tough knots with soothing massages, pampered our hands and feet with pedicures and manicures, and washed away months of rough skin with exfoliating facials and wraps. The highlight? Refreshing and stress-relieving garden massages; performed against a backdrop of tropical casuarina trees swaying in the warm sea breeze and the sound of calm waves lapping the shoreline. Heaven.
For couples, there are also double treatment rooms available, plus there’s a rooftop Jacuzzi overlooking the Andaman Sea, aromatic herbal steam baths and a sauna to melt away your troubles.
Six Ways to Dine in Style
It’s one of the world’s favourite cuisines. If you haven’t tasted Thai, you’ve either been living under a rock or you might have an allergy to coriander… because there’s nothing quite as delicious. At Katathani, there’s a choice of both Western and Thai dishes from breakfast to dinner.
Plus, six brilliant restaurants and five bars mean dining and nights out are only a matter of preference, not availability.
La Scala offers contemporary Italian fare with live piano music, while Fisherman’s Wharf is the perfect spot for watching the sun set over the ocean.
