Indeed, after a recent night-and-day stay at Phuket’s premier Hilton property – the Hilton Arcadia Resort & Spa in Karon – I feel like I need to shout it out, that Hilton is in fact, exceptionally yet ordinarily awesome! It’s as if I’d just discovered a new gem, one that had been hiding there along the shores of the island’s west coast in plain view this whole time.
Last year I had the opportunity to stay with my family at the Hilton Doubletree at Surin Beach, which though was an enjoyable experience, still left something to be desired. After all, when one mentions Hilton in Phuket, most would think of the “bigger”, premier property at Karon Beach.
Fact, the Hilton Arcadia Resort & Spa in Karon is Phuket’s largest hospitality property by area and number of rooms: Sitting on an expansive 180-rai (about 75 acres) plot of lush landscape gardens, the hotel boasts 665 rooms divided into seven categories: deluxe, deluxe plus, junior suite, Hilton suite, Hilton deluxe suite, Hilton superior deluxe suite and royal suite.
We stayed in the Hilton superior deluxe suite, featuring a direct wide-open view to the west, overlooking a peaceful Karon Beach and the vast Andaman Sea. Logically split into several function zones, the 85-square-metre room provides more than enough leisurely living space for a family of three or four.
On the south side of the room there’s a lounge area with a spacious walk-incloset and a refreshments zone with drinking glasses and a fully-stocked minibar. On the coffee table, trays of complimentary fruit, sandwiches, sweets and treats welcomed us as did the comfy white sofas that screamed out to me to come over and kick my feet up for a little telly.
Though the suite has two 40-inch LCD TVs – in the living room and bedroom – my wife had the right idea heading out to relax on the balcony: why bother with TV during daylight hours, when sites of the splendid ocean view could offer so much more peace of mind?
The spacious bathroom – with access from the bedroom and corridor – was mostly up to expectation, clean and neatly sectioned into separate service stations (the toilet, stand-up shower and a bathtub); though one missing element kept it from being a “perfect bathroom”, which was the lack of the Thai sanitary spray gun, AKA bum gun, which, in my opinion is a must.
The main bedroom’s comfy king-size bed was ever-so promising of a revivifying recharge (as you’d expect from Hilton) and it would certainly come to deliver on such a promise before the stay was through. Behind the bed was a private work desk that would allow me to get some work done (yes, work shadows me everywhere I go!) while my wife slept obliviously in Hilton heaven.
It’s the kind of room that you anchor down and don’t ever really want to leave, and to emphasise we had to send away cleaning service inquiries multiple times.
But the Hilton in Karon is not the type of resort you really want to devote your entire stay to the room. After all, there is so much to see and do on this expansive property. There’s a number of swimming pools to lounge around (their waterfall-waterslide is one of the favourites on the island); serene sauna, spa and massage villas, a putting green, jogging track, fully-equipped fitness centre, two squash courts, tennis courts, table tennis, kids zone... Oh, did I mention, a quiet stretch of Karon Beach is right there in front of the property.
With a few hours to go before our scheduled seaside sunset dinner, I had to break a lazy spell that was rapidly overcoming me. So we stopped at the Caffé Cino, where I was recommended the “Lychee Tower”; Comprising lychee ice cream, lychee syrup, Italian expresso and whole milk, this exotic premium drink gave me just the kick I needed, and with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners at that!
The day rapidly winding down, we finally headed to the Ocean Beach Club for dinner. My son opted for a swim in their pool as I sipped a few brewskies in anticipation for what was looking to be a spectacular sunset meal. For starters we had a ceasar salad and pumpkin soup, followed by the main course, grilled salmon fillet and vegetables. Honestly you could have fed me anything at that point and it wouldn’t have changed the storybook mood as the fiery sun melted into the sea before our eyes.
We ended the night with a scrumptious brownie cake topped with jelly and whipped cream.
I was finally ready for that comfy bed knowing that another day of fattening ourselves with fine food awaited. The next day started at 8am with a light meal at Sail restaurant. Though I was tempted to stuff myself with a big breakfast, and it’s quite easy to do from their wide selection of western and eastern favourites, I had to pace myself, for we were scheduled for the Sunday Glitz brunch at noon too!
Serving from noon till 3pm, Hilton’s Sunday Glitz is, in my opinion one of the best-value,premium brunches on the island at only B1,400++ for adults (over 12 years old) which includes selected free-flowing beverages for both adults and kids alike (bubbles cost a tad bit more I’m told). Kids five and under eat for free and all kid guests get free access to the pool and water slide, even if not staying at the hotel.
Like the morning breakfast buffet, the brunch spread is bountiful with all the usual Asian and western favourites – eggs, potatoes, bacon, onion rings, stir-fried, dim sum, salads, chicken, cold cuts, cheeses, curries, and of course; the the main selling point is the fresh seafood selection, which includes oysters, rock lobster, crab, sea bass, and prawns; there’s also ribeye steak, grilled chicken, sushi and sashami (salmon and tuna), pizza and burgers too.
A special feature of the Sunday Glitz is the “pass around” service in which staff bring certain select dishes straight to your table and plate, including pizza and cakes. Go on and sit back to enjoy the live duo setting the mood with light and soothing pop tunes while your kids splash around in the pool.
All good things must come to an end, and our stay at the Hilton was no exception. Given the leisure of a late check-out, we dragged our feet in gathering our things before making the long march back to the lobby to check out, before heading back home, a hop and skip over the hill.
Phuket really is a great place to live and holiday at the same time. Thanks for reminding me of this, Hilton!