Phuket, or Pearl of the Andaman Sea as the locals call it, has many treasures in its chest to make it the undisputed king of holiday destinations in South-East Asia. Topping the list of enticements are of course its endless sun drenched beaches, audible under your feet during a sunset stroll. On the tranquil east coast of the island, locations like Chalong and Rawai faces the profoundly beautiful Phan Nga Bay and its small islands mere minutes off shore. Most tourist beaches are on the west coast, with the quieter ones to the northern tip until you reach Patong in the centre. Patong is famous for its wild and wicked nightlife, cosmopolitan character, bars, restaurants and electrifying water sport activities.
But for me, no other place in Phuket encapsulates the true essence of this tropical island quite like the Kata Beach. It is, in my opinion, the most pristine – the surrounding scenery is intoxicating and the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed. There are not really any high-rise hotels to spoil the landscape; it is a family friendly location and the tiny Poo Island just of shore adds a touch to the views. While Patong is a mere 15 minutes away by tuk tuk ride, I have never been one for late night parties while enjoying an island holiday. The day time simply has too much to offer to sleep late and Kata has enough of its own restaurants, bars and other amenities without being too commercial and, is also the perfect central hub from where one can explore the rest of the island.
If you are going to visit Phuket in the near future, especially if it is your first time and you were wondering which location would be perfect to stay in, check out one of the following Phuket hotels in Kata Beach. Also make sure you get the best accommodation deal by comparing the prices of locally based hotel booking agents like www.hotelsphuket.travel.
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is located on Kata Noi, a smaller stretch of sand cut off from the main beach and so, it’s more exclusive. It is perched on a rocky outcrop, just above the waterline right at the end of the beach so there is no foot traffic ever disturbing the peace. The romantic ambiance, views and tranquility of the setting is hard to beat and the beach is hardly ever over crowded. The resort has a reputation of serving the best culinary treats on the island with restaurants built over the rocks overlooking the bay. Some of the villas have their own private pools and luxury Oriental style interiors.
Kata Beach Resort
Guys like me who are always on a budget, but still require minimum standards and want to be directly on the sand with sweeping ocean views from their room will find this resort the perfect affordable option. It has several pools with swim-up bars right next to shore and some of its rooms give direct pool access straight from a private terrace.
Avista
Avista is another option friendly on the budget which can easily be mistaken for a 5 star hotel. It might not be directly on the beach, but it is only a quick stroll away and its elevated position on the slope of a hill allows a bird’s eye view of the exotic surroundings and ocean. Its spa has a very intimate setting and the treatments will take you on a journey of sensory delight.
Boathouse Resort
This is Mom Tri’s 4 star cousin and its setting is as spectacular. Again, no road separates you from the beach, each of its rooms faces the majesty of the Andaman Ocean, it has a gourmet restaurant with an unrivaled reputation just like the 5 star Mom Tri’s and also a wine cellar with some of the best labels to compliment your meal. Sipping sun downers at the resort’s bars and open air bar lounges is made unforgettable with amazing views of the ocean.
Katathani
Katathani’s popularity is such that you need to book well in advance to guarantee availability. It sits at the foot of a lush rain forest covered hill facing never ending, sparkling white sand bordered by its six pools situated amid towering palm trees and its exclusive beach club with water archway, bubbling water spring and Jacuzzi is the place to hang out late afternoon.
The Shore at Katathani
If could have had my honeymoon in Phuket, The Shore at Katathani is where I would book my accommodation. The resort is quite intent on creating peace and privacy and does not even allow persons below 12 years of age to stay there. This, its exquisite private pool villas and unsurpassed views is exactly what makes it such a great option a Honeymoon getaway.
Author’s Bio: George Conradie works in the Thai tourism industry. He aims to equip visitors to the country with the information they may need to go about planning their holiday by regularly blogging to share his knowledge.
