Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa

The Ayara Kamala sits on the side of a steep hillside covered with thick jungle that looks out over the sea. The lobby is a small space with medium-wood decor and walls and dated, faded looking furniture that's deceptively plain and generic compared to what's found in the rest of the hotel. The property is popular with vacationers, but the lack of kids' activities and general quiet atmosphere make it a better choice for couples than for families. 

The Aquamarine Resort & Villa is located on a hilltop overlooking the Andaman Sea, in an area with a few restaurants and many other hotels. It's a great place to be for relaxing and quiet, but less than ideal for those looking for a wild party experience. A free daily shuttle runs throughout the day and until late evening and takes guests to the center of Kamala town; it can be used outside of the scheduled hours for a nominal fee. Phuket Fantasea is a 12-minute drive away, and getting to Patong Beach takes 10 minutes. The Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

The Ayara Kamala has a total of 42 rooms and villas across a wide range of categories. Rooms range from Deluxe Ocean Views all the way up to the ultra-luxurious Villa 15, which has five bedrooms, three of which have their own private infinity pools, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and a huge common pool. Rooms and villas share similar decor styles, with a mix of traditional Thai decorative elements and more modern, sleek furniture pieces. Most have medium-hued wood floors, contemporary sofas in neutral tones paired with contrasting deep-pastel throw cushions, off-white walls, amid bright paintings on the walls. Bathrooms are elegant, even in the base Deluxe Room Category, and come with huge rainfall showerheads and deep soaking tubs. Balconies have artificial grass floors and come with modern black lounge chairs. 

The Ayara Kamala places a lot of emphasis on its Ratana Spa, which incorporates the same dark tile and earth-toned decor found in some rooms. Some of the treatment rooms have views of the surrounding jungle from large picture windows, while other spaces are darker and, arguably, more tranquil. Massages, scrubs, wraps, and a small selection of facial treatments are available. Those wanting to stay in shape can play tennis on one of the outdoor courts (rackets and balls provided) or use the cardio and weight equipment at the resort's on-site fitness center, open 24 hours a day. Along with an infinity pool with views of the sea, the resort also has its own beach. However, the space is more like a ledge covered with sand that looks out onto the rocky sea, and it's not ideal for swimmers or families.The hotel restaurant, Cradle, is a bright and airy space with robin's egg-blue walls, cherry wood-colored paneling, and magenta tablecloths. The menu features both local and international cuisine and a free breakfast is served daily. The hotel's casual Overflow bar is a more laid-back space with contemporary furnishings, white walls adorned with pool ball and playing card wall hangings, and a bright-green billiards table free for guest use. Thai cooking classes are available on-site for a fee, in which guests can choose up to four dishes they want to learn how to cook.The resort also organizes custom excursions for guests, with activities ranging from ATV rides to scuba diving.  On-site parking is available free of charge, as is Wi-Fi.