The first and only resort in Patong to offer stand alone pool-villas.
Last Saturday (June 6), I was invited to stay at this year-old, five-star luxury resort. Admittedly, I wasn’t aware of how grand the hotel really was until I arrived. My friend and I arrived and were greeted by what can only be described as fabulous and friendly staff.
But before I indulged in what the delightful hotel had to offer, I sat down with the Executive Assistant Manager, Khun Sumontha Urvois, to find out more about the hotel’s prime assets.
Ms. Sumontha said that guests will feel the difference from the moment they arrive.
“The atmosphere here doesn’t make you feel like you’re in Patong. You could be in a calm and relaxing city.
“If you walk through the villas, I am sure you will be surprised and will wonder how such stunning villas could exist within such a chaotic and crowded city.”
The hotel’s prime gem is the pool villas. They are so exclusive, that many visitors to Patong are not even aware of their existence.
“We want people to know about these rooms and recognise that such luxury does indeed exist in Patong, even with the nightlife just minutes away.
“Guests can truly feel relaxed and be at peace here.”
As I walked through the grounds of the stunning resort I was surprised by how peaceful and quiet it was. It was easy to forget that I was right in the middle of Patong, just a stone’s throw from Bangla Road and Jungceylon.
Within the resort lies a large swimming pool which connects to 38 individual pool access rooms.
The resort also features 252 superior, 10 suites, along with the 10 one-bedroom pool villas and four two-bedroom pool villas.
I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the one-bedroom pool villas. From the moment I entered, I felt like I was in a dream. A private gate surrounding a secluded space just for the guests. The garden included a lovely private sundeck and swimming pool, and inside the villa was a spacious living room, 40” LCD TV, sofa, mini bar, safety box, a grandeur bathroom which included both a bathtub and walk-in rain shower. We also had access to complimentary WIFI (a necessity for most young travellers today). The king size bed was one of the most comfortable I have slept in in a long time!
Dining wise, guests can take a culinary adventure in the swanky, appetising restaurant, Bubbles Restaurant. Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage, Mr. Jamnong Bootsong says that the experienced chefs make their own original recipes. The culinary offering represents the fusion between authentic Thai and flavours imported from the Mediterranean coasts, Asian fresh markets, Middle East and Indian spice souks.
“We allow guests to explore the various flavours, not just from Thailand. We want to give them something they don’t expect,” said Mr. Jamnong.
Bubbles offers an extensive menu, from Parisian to international breakfast selections, an enticing array of Italian salads and pastas, homemade Chinese noodles alongside signatures from India, Korea and Japan, and Thai dishes along with many Phuket favourites.
My first dining experience, which was one not to be forgotten, was a relaxing dinner just as the sun started to set into the Andaman. We were served an enticing selection of appetisers which included a selection of hot and cold tapas, which were followed by a traditional and flavoursome Thai main course, then a delicious dessert to finish with. And one certainly couldn’t forget the giant cocktails served in fish-bowl style glasses? Various flavours, and all reminiscent to how cocktails were once drunk during my youth. They were truly amazing!
After a heavenly and rejuvenating night’s sleep, we headed down to the restaurant to take advantage of the generous and eclectic breakfast buffet. From pastries, to omelettes, to Mediterranean mezzes, or even the Indian vegetable curries, we were spoiled for choice.
And what a better way to unwind and digest than with a complimentary one-hour spa treatment. Ryn Spa treatments are tailored to each individual’s personal profile as it relates to the four elements in ancient wisdom, namely, Earth, Water, Wind and Fire. I myself indulged in the Earth oil massage.
Ms. Sumontha says that guests can feel totally relaxed during their stay. And boy, was she right.
With regards to rest of the hotel, there’s also Chou Chou, a deli shop perfect for bakery on-the-go, the Craft Beer Lounge offering 100 different labels from as many as 30 different countries, and the Bounce pool bar, a gorgeous Sala set out in the open.
The location is a major key as well. Guests can still go to the beach and explore the nearby bazaars.
“The hotel is also great for first-time travellers, it’s a great area for them to discover. They can connect to other areas on the island very easily from the hotel.”
Ms. Sumontha reiterates how the villas and the resort itself are “perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries, special occasions, or simply a weekend getaway for friends and families looking to spend some quality time together.”
“It’s a good destination for anyone wanting to get away. An hour flight from Bangkok, or even for Phuket people. We want people not just in Thailand, but all across Asia to experience our wonderful hotel.”
Having experienced a stay in such a stunning and luxurious gem tucked right in the middle of Patong, Ms. Sumontha’s, along with the rest of the team, hopes of becoming Patong’s number 1 hotel and “the talk of the town” are certainly not far off. From the exceptional service, to the luxurious rooms, to the attention to detail, my stay at this hotel was all I could have asked for and more. I certainly felt like royalty, if only for one night.
For more information on the hotel visit http://grandmercurephuketpatong.com/ or facebook.com/grandmercurephuketpatong