The Surin Phuket, Pansea Beach, Thailand

The idyllic Pansea Beach, on the west coast of Phuket, is home to a member of Design Hotels, The Surin Phuket. Coconut palms, pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets and a relaxed mood, make The Surin Phuket an ideal location for travelers wanting some quiet time to unwind and de-stress. The pumping commercial and tourist district of Surin Beach however, is just a views minutes walk from the entrance to The Surin’s driveway, so guests can catch their own little piece of hullabaloo if they so choose.

A total of 103 cottages and suites are nestled gently into the base of a hill, which tilts ever so lightly down to a wide soft sandy beach and aquamarine sea. Further out a coral reef provides an appealing place for a snorkel and, large dark boulders rest at the end of the strip making picturesque holiday snaps.

Although there are no private beaches in Phuket, due to its secluded position, the shore is only shared with guests from another luxury resort, Amanpuri, so enjoys an exclusive atmosphere. Rated as one of the prettiest coastlines on the island, a stay here is money well spent.

Joined by jungle walkways, lodgings are contemporary in design, with subtle Thai influence. Natural colours, distinctive patterns and local art dab the interiors with national character. The ‘Wat’ or temple, central to Thai community, shapes the colour palette with its green, saffron and gold. Colonialism however is reflected in the use of pale paneling and there’s an overall cottage-in-the-forest feel.

Our Two Bedroom Superior Cottage is tucked into the jungle with a stunning view of the cape. Two king size beds fit two couples, or a couple with one or two children comfortably. Either twin or king beds can be set up as requested. A separate dressing area and outdoor sundeck complete the layout. A wall of green surrounds the villa and we soon find the outdoor patio to be our favoured spot for a pre-brekkie read.

Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, hair dryer, umbrella, bathrobe and slippers, add the comforts of home. We appreciate the choice of both air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. Choosing to let in natural air with a little sea breeze, the fan is our most used option during the day. However in the evenings we take shelter from insects and keep the air conditioning engaged for a peaceful sleep.

Bedding sees the general Asian style of a firmer mattress as the base, but soft tops and smooth cottons give it a snuggly finish. Pillows are heavenly and our heads sink deep into the supple filling. Lush bedding combined with the hypnotic sound of the waves crashing the shore make for pleasant dreams.

Local organic bathroom products wrap up the bathroom with a feel of luxury. Earth-friendly packaging for the disposables, and refillable ceramic jars for shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and body lotion, shows respect for the environment, but also makes the place feel more like home.

Thai cuisine is found at Lomtalay Thai Restaurant. The magic in this outlet is the setting. Unhampered sea vistas are beheld from both indoor and outdoor seating and live classical Thai music finishes off the atmosphere with a classical taste of Phuket. It is one of the best places from which to admire the sunset on the island.

Other restaurants include the Sunset Café, which serves Western and Thai meals and snacks – also an ideal location for watching the sun go down. The Beach Restaurant was closed for renovation during our visit, but with its own separate building just off the beach and lawn rolling down to the shore, the environs alone make us want to revisit.

A hexagon shaped 450 square meter swimming pool is the centre of the common facilities. Pale beige umbrellas dot the edges and tasteful all-weather sun recliners rim the borders. Palm trees, golden sand and the wild sea form a view that no man could make any better. A dip in the pool, a splash in the sea and stroll along the beach form a morning routine we miss upon departure.

Tennis courts with flood lighting make a cooler game in the evening quite possible and, a well-equipped and air-conditioned gymnasium offer exercise enthusiasts a superb location to work out. Non-motorized watersports equipment includes snorkeling masks, fins, body boards, paddle boards, kayaks, wind surfs and catamarans. All are located in The Surin’s beach hut, where cheerful staff are all too willing to help you get in the water. For something more peaceful, yoga and meditation sessions are held on the beach with advanced booking.

A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without some time spent luxuriating in a spa and The Surin Spa more than satisfies this item on our ‘must do’ list. Perched at the peak of the resort, the spa is spread out over a number of pavilions, each with its own bathroom facilities. Couple and single treatment rooms are both available. Read about our spa experience here.

Stunning location, distinctively friendly Thai service and, accommodation that affords all the comforts of modern life while allowing a revivifying connection with nature, make The Surin a highly recommended stay in beautiful Phuket.

Reasons to visit: stunning setting; exclusive beach; beautiful sunsets; friendly Thai service; connection with nature.

Pansea Beach

118 Moo3, Choeng Talay

Talang, Phuket 83110

Thailand

+66 76 621 580
+66 76 316 400