ACCOMMODATION REVIEW : The Slate, Phuket, Thailand

Do you ever stay somewhere on holiday and then wished you’d booked a longer stay?

This is how I still feel about The Slate Hotel in Phuket, nearly 8 months on. We only stayed here the one night whilst on our way to Koh Yao Noi island and we really do wish we’d booked to stay here for at least another 3 nights, not only to enjoy everything that the hotel has to offer but to be able to explore Phuket beach and the town.

THE SLATE HOTEL PHUKET THAILAND

The hotel is located in a very unspoilt part of Phuket, close to the airport, the marina and Nai Yang beach. Its nestled in what feels like a tropical garden where wood and metal blend so well and becoming part of the landscape. The reception area is a roofed open space, which allows a very welcome breeze to cool you down ever so slightly in the sticky humidity.

On arrival you are warmly greeted, given a cold drink and a frozen hand clothe to wipe and cool your brow. Check in is a very easy going affair; unlike a western hotel check-in, you don’t stand at the desk, the receptionist comes to you.

Every aspect of your stay is about kicking back and relaxing. There is no speed to anything (not to say that the service is slow), its just that when you walk in, you will let out an ‘ahhhhh’ and want time to pass very very slowly.

It’s the realisation that you are on holiday and it’s time to switch off and do very little.

We were booked into one of the D-Buk Suites along with an oversized bed, a floating charcoal black bathtub, walk in wardrobe and day bed.

Completely open plan but well sectioned off; the bathroom area is stunning with a sleek polished concrete walk in shower with built in seating, his and her sinks screen off the bath and bedroom are from WC and shower. Check out the video at the end of this review for a better overall view of the space.

The floating bath we couldn’t wait to climb into after a long flight. A real treat to load the bath up with bubble bath and soak in here for an hour or so.

The hotel was quiet but we had also arrived quite late. We ventured out for a quick wander but the mosquitoes soon got the better of us and we had to retreat indoors with aircon and over head fans. We headed for the Tongkah Tin Syndicate, one of about 9 bars and eateries at the Hotel. This place was ideal for playing some pool, sipping on rare whiskies and enjoying crafted cocktails.

Mai Tai with Morgans Spiced Rum and orange liquor.

Sin Tea with Tanqueray Gin and guava juice.

Dark ‘n Stormy with Captain Morgans Dark Rum.

Negroni with Tanqueray Gin and Camparil.

Tummies now rumbling, we ordered a few dishes from room service. Service is quick and the food is good. Chicken Satay Skewers and Pad Thai were ordered and inhaled.

After the most amazing sleep, we ventured out to breakfast on the terrace with a most impressive breakfast buffet where east meets west. There is something for everyone and you will not leave hungry.

It was almost time to leave, but I managed a quick wander through the gardens and down to the pools. We were here for less than 24 hours, and I so wish that we had booked this for longer.

This hotel is stunning. The attention to detail is phenomenal. The rooms, grounds and facilities are luxurious and if I get my way, I’ll be back to stay in one of their Private Pool Villas complete with Butler Service, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, soon.

The hotel also provides Cooking Classes in Moo’s Kitchen, indulgent treatments at Caqoon Spa as well as Yoga, Pilates and other sports, Muay Thai Fighting Classes and Scuba Diving as well as flower arranging amongst other things. For those wanting to relax, lounge in your own private swimming pools, or lounge by one of three pools; head to the beach or chill out drinking cocktails and eating delicious food.

It’s my idea of hotel heaven – a must visit, a must stay hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

The Slate, Nai Yang Beach, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand.

T: +66 76 327 006 www.theslatephuket.com