Karon Beach – Phuket, Thailand
If you’re looking for relaxed tropical getaway on Thailand’s largest island then Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa should be a top contender. Whether on a solo retreat or family vacation one of the 7 room types offers options for all kinds of travelers. Large pools, a fitness room, spa and multiple dining options on site ensure you have all the comforts and relaxation you desire.
Location, Location, Location
Patong is the biggest tourist area of Phuket where many big shopping centers and a multitude of restaurants are located – but Patong’s beach isn’t very nice, and it’s not a family-friendly or even couple-friendly area. That’s why I enjoyed Novotel’s Karon Beach location much better than Patong; and it’s only 10 minutes drive from Patong if you want to visit.
The Phuket resort is located directly across the road from one of the quietest and least populated parts of Karon Beach. A leisurely ten minute walk down the beach or road is Karon town, small and charming but with everything you’d expect – shopping, restaurants and plenty of tourism businesses ready to serve you. I really enjoyed the temple market, don’t miss it if you’re there, open on Tuesdays and Saturdays!
The Plunge Pool Suite
I stayed in the resort’s nicest room, a 650 square foot suite with a living area, bedroom, large bathroom and it’s own plunge pool right outside the bedroom door. Equipped with a king size bed, large tub, and mini bar I actually enjoyed spending time in my room as much as I did out of it.
I’m happy to report the suite came with reliable and fast internet (not a given in Phuket), and 2 large LCD TV’s, there’s no shortage of entertainment in the room.
Onsite Dining
With 3 onsite restaurants and 2 bars there’s plenty of dining choices. The Horizon Cafe has one of the best resort breakfast buffets I’ve had, with fresh and delicious pastries, meats, made-to-order eggs and a lot of other variety – everything tasted great. The other restaurants offered familiar international menu items along with authentic Thai cuisine; both of which I enjoyed plenty of.
Dinner Under the Cabana
If you want a romantic or special dinner to remember you can have a candlelit dinner next to the pool. The five course meal I tried was delicious, especially the main course, Wagyu rump steak – easily the best steak I’ve had in Thailand.
Thai Cooking Class
Thai food is known all over the world as being some of the best and most delicious. When I found out they have a Thai cooking class it sounded like something new and fun to try; and after all – new experiences are what traveling is all about. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not the world’s greatest cook. I know my way around a grill but won’t be opening my own restaurant any time soon. So it was a lot of fun learning in a large kitchen with a professional Thai chef.
When I showed up the chef had all kinds of ingredients ready and taught me how to cook 3 different Thai dishes – Gaeng Kiaew Wan Gai (green curry chicken), and Larb Moo (spicy, minced pork), and on request she did one of my favorite Thai dishes – Gai Pad Gratiem Prik Thai (garlic chicken). She made it all look easy but I’ll need some practicing with the recipe book she gave me before I master these!
Amenities & Entertainment
The resort has 3 large pools, one of which has chairs sitting in the water and a swim up bar. Another pool
features a water slide and a swimming area for kids. The pools were all big enough that it was never crowded – in fact it felt like I was sharing the resort with very few people at all the whole time I was there.
Facilities and Services include:
- 3 Restaurants and 2 Bars
- 24-hour In Room Dining
- In Balance Spa
- Fitness Room
- 3 Swimming Pools & Water Slider
- Concierge Service
- Outdoor Parking Lot
- 24-hour Security
- Free Wifi
That’s a Wrap
If you want skip the seedy chaos of Patong and instead spend your time in a more relaxed but still convenient area of Phuket, I recommend staying at Novotel in Karon Beach.
