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Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery

Located on Karon Beach, it is the perfect choice for families and couples.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who offered me their Ceylon tea welcome drink and a special banana leaf candy. The check in process was quick and all the staff members greeted me with big smiles, I instantly felt at home.

The hotel has a warm welcoming ambience, and all the areas are spotlessly clean. Karon Beach is just a 2-minute walk from the hotel as well as multiple shopping options and food markets. This prime location makes Avista Grande the top choice for a luxury stay in Karon. From the hotel, you can easily explore Kata Beach, the area’s nightlife, Big Buddha and the known surfing spots.

The receptionist showed me to my Deluxe Mountain View room and advised me about breakfast times and facilities etc. My room was modern and spacious and had a beautiful mountain view from the balcony. The King Size bed felt like a fluffy cloud and was so cozy. The bathroom was also spacious and had a double vanity with a big bathtub.

Breakfast at Portosino is a lavish affair. The perfect way to start your day. The buffet was extensive and had top quality food items from various cuisines. There was a juice station where the staff prepare your juice fresh as you wait. Around the corner was their pastries and breads, a must-try are the croissants. The chefs at the egg counter can prepare your eggs just the way you like it. I tried a few dishes from the Indian corner which was packed with so much flavour (and chilli). The breakfast buffet also featured a special dish known to Thailand, and it was a different dish each morning. The breakfast staff were attentive and helpful.

The pool was the highlight of the hotel, it had a beautiful waterfall feature, sunbeds positioned all around the pool area, and a swim-up bar. You could easily spend the whole day around the pool. They played music during the day which gave the pool area a fun and hip ambience. The lunch pool menu featured classics like a Caesar salad, and delicious pizzas. The swim-up bar “Lido” has a wide range of cocktails and drinks, as well as a daily happy hour which I certainly enjoyed. I would recommend the Pina Colada cocktail.

The property has a Sino-Portuguese design and there are multiple Instagram-worthy spots around the hotel. Adding on top-class hospitality and staff who go the extra mile to make your stay memorable. The hotel has multiple restaurants available for dinner: Portosino, which is their all-day dining outlet, The Dim Sum, which is their rooftop bar, and Sizzle On Water, which is a unique dine-on-water steakhouse restaurant where you can have dinner with your feet in the water. If you are on a couples holiday, then be sure to book a dinner at this romantic restaurant.

The hotel has an award-winning spa, I would recommend you have the Thai massage, it is a must-do when in Phuket.

I had an absolutely fantastic time here and would highly recommend. Thank you to the entire Avista team.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens.

To book your stay at Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery, visit their website: all.accor.com/hotel/A224/index.en.shtml?

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The Racha – An eco-luxury resort on the island of Racha Yai, Thailand

The Racha is located on Racha Yai island which is about a 30-minute speedboat ride from Chalong Pier in Phuket. The island has the most beautiful natural scenery and breathtaking sunsets, it is also a well-known spot for diving and snorkeling.

The meeting point is at The Racha Chalong Lounge at Chalong Pier which is about an hour’s drive from the Phuket International Airport. At the lounge, they offer Wi-Fi as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. It is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled boat trip.

Upon arrival at the lounge, we were offered a choice of different scents for our room on the island.

We decided upon lemongrass as the staff explained that is repels mosquitos, as well as having a natural tropical smell.

We took a shuttle bus from the lounge directly to the boat and the staff assisted with our luggage. The speedboat ride was a fun experience, and the weather was perfect.

Upon arriving at The Racha, you are welcomed by crystal blue water and powdery white sands.  

We were escorted to the welcome area at the resort and offered a scented cold towel and a special purple drink. The front office staff assisted us to our room and explained the services and facilities on the way.

We checked into a Grand Deluxe Villa for three nights, and it was just what we needed. A comfortable bed, indoor and outdoor showers, bathtub, luxurious amenities, and a terrace with sea views.

We arrived at the resort around 2pm in the afternoon, so we headed to the pool for lunch and a dip.

The adults-only infinity pool is the heart of the resort, it has the best view of the island and is the perfect place for a day of relaxing and sun tanning.

There are complimentary water bottles available around the pool and you can order drinks and food during the day.

The beach is another option for relaxing and sunbathing, there are lounger chairs and hammocks on the grass in front of the resort and beach towels available. The palm trees all around the resort make it such a relaxing atmosphere. The weather was perfect and every day we swam in the ocean and the pools.

The resort has a very laid-back ambience and is a great option for couples and even families who just want to relax.

There are numerous activities available on the island, including complimentary watersports such as kayak and snorkeling. This island offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Phuket. I would encourage everyone to try the water sports, the staff are knowledgeable and will assist with everything.

You can also explore the island by foot, there are a few beaches a short distance away from the main beach, which is more secluded. The reception will give you a map and are happy to help with directions.

They also offer chargeable activities such as island hopping, sunset cruises, ATV’s and guided hikes, which can all be booked via their mobile app. You can also ask any questions via the live chat on their app which is really convenient.

The resort also has a PADI certified diving center for those interested in learning to dive.

For those just wanting to relax, you can opt for a treatment at the Anumba Spa. The Spa also offers daily complimentary yoga sessions, which is also suitable for beginners. I would definitely recommend anyone to try yoga, the instructor is so friendly and its just a fun experience to try something new. 

Sunsets at The Racha are magical. Six thirty until seven thirty at night is the best time of day for me. We made sure to book the best table at the restaurant which has a perfect view of the ocean and the sunset. Enjoy a fresh coconut or a cocktail as the sun sets.

The main restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, we sat outside all three nights because of the stunning views. Just ensure you spray mosquito repellant when sitting outside at night.

The restaurant menu is extensive, they offer international favorites as well as Thai specialties. I suggest you try a Thai dish at least once, for example the Pineapple fried rice, such a flavorful dish. I also had the mango Crème Brûlée which was 10/10.

If you are on a romantic holiday, you can book the private dining area which is set up right in front of the resort with unobstructed views of the bay.

The breakfast buffet has a great variety including an egg station where the chefs prepare eggs benedict or omelettes for you. They also offered complimentary sparking wine at breakfast for those wanting to make a mimosa.

The resort also has a gelato shop which is open during the day and is the perfect place for an afternoon scoop to cool down. Next to the resort entrance, there are a few small local stores which sell all kinds of snacks, and even swimwear and accessories.

I had a wonderful holiday, there is so much to do on the island, but it also is just so relaxing to do nothing if you want.

The staff were friendly and attentive, and the whole team delivered beyond my expectation.

Overall, I had a fabulous time at The Racha, thank you to all the staff who made my stay memorable, I will be back in a heartbeat.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards representative, Kayla Lourens

To book your stay at The Racha, visit their website: www.theracha.com