The soothing sound of the waves will gently lull you to sleep at this newly built five star hotel, at the quiet end of Kamala Beach in Phuket. Rupert Parker gets to dip his toes into the Andaman Sea
45 minutes from Phuket International Airport brings you to Kamala Beach, a long stretch of sand, and the 5* Twinpalms MontAzure hotel faces directly west giving glorious sunset views. This hotel is designed for up-market tourists, couples or families with big kids, who want to enjoy sun, sand and sea in peace and quiet.
Twinpalms MontAzure is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and features a total of 46 luxurious one and two bedroom suites, including 7 penthouses and pool suites with their own private pool. All have balconies with either sea, pool or mountain views and are surrounded by lush palms offering seclusion and privacy. As well as the bedroom, each has a separate lounge living area and a fully stocked kitchenette with Nespresso machines and tea making facilities.
The super king sized beds are kitted with soft 280 thread count cotton bed linen, goose down duvet and pillows. Free movies are streamed to the 55” and 43” flat screen TVs and there are USB ports for charging your devices. A walk-in closet allows you to store your luggage and clothes and the bathroom has twin washbasins, and a spacious shower enclosure with rain and hand showers.
There are two swimming pools – the Lagoon pool located between the hotel buildings is 30 metres long, perfect for laps. Right by the sea is the triangular infinity pool, at beach level, with a shallow and deep section. Both pool areas offer sun loungers with bar and snack service. In August the sea was almost too rough to swim but from December to March, it’s like a millpond and perfectly safe.
For fitness freaks, the modern and well-equipped gym has new ‘Pulse’ equipment, including cardio and weightlifting equipment, treadmills, cross-trainers and exercise bikes. Two massage pavilions offer massage on request. Guests can also access the Palm Spa at the sister hotel, Twinpalms Phuket, using the free shuttle service
There’s also a Library with a selection of books and international magazines and a boutique selling items from local designers. In-villa dining, cooking classes, private chefs and personal trainers can be arranged. For the duration of your stay you’re assigned a dedicated member of staff who attends to all your needs, without being intrusive.
Dining options included beach restaurant Shimmer, next to the infinity pool, open for breakfast lunch and dinner, serving fresh seafood, meat and local vegetables with an Asian twist. Just next door, the HQ Beach Club is open for lunch and dinner and serves international dishes. If you don’t fancy hotel dining, there are a selection of bars and restaurants lining the length of the beach.
Further afield, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to its sister hotel, the Twinpalms Phuket on nearby Surin Beach, and all its restaurants, including Catch Beach Club, Oriental Spoon and Palm Seaside. Their Oriental Spoon Bar and Grill offers an unlimited Sunday brunch featuring Thai and Western dishes. You can also learn how to make Tom Yum soup with its chef and get to eat it afterwards.
For those suffering from beach fatigue, then Andaman Cruises does boat trips on the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay with its majestic limestone islands. Phuket old town is 45 minutes away and the Sunday market is well worth a visit. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is home to rescued animals who roam freely in 35 hectares right next to the National Park. You can get right up close and even feed them.
Factfile
Twinpalms MontAzure
129/86 Kamala Beach Road, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
t: +66 76 684 368
e: info@twinpalms-montazure.com
A double room for two people, with breakfast costs from THB16,400, around £430, and includes breakfast,10% service charge, applicable government tax and provincial tax. It’s worth checking the website for special deals.
Emirates flies to Phuket from London Heathrow via Dubai and it’s a forty-five minute transfer to the hotel.
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