Centara Villas Phuket

The Centara Villas Phuket feels less like a resort and more like a picture frame set around stunning seaside views, which can be found at every turn. Tucked away from the street, the property has an unassuming entrance, and guests cross a little walkway surrounded by vegetation to an open-air gazebo space that serves as reception. Terra-cotta tile floors and simple cushioned benches sit under a lattice roof. But this space is secondary to the ocean views that begin to unfold from here. Set at the back of the lobby is the hotel’s main restaurant with tables running the periphery to catch the best views.  From here pathways branch out, tumbling down the hillside that's surrounded by lush vegetation. (Signs warning of falling coconuts prove just how lush.) The property's villas are set into these slopes, and many offer similarly lavish views of the rolling waves below. Guests can be spotted in the hotel’s private garden where a porch swing and a hammock give a place to drink in the views. But most head to the double-decker pool, which looks out over the water as well. Throughout, the property is exceedingly quiet. There’s no sound systems playing pop music by the pool, no zooming traffic heard, and little to interrupt the crashing waves and birdsong of the natural surroundings. It’s precisely the atmosphere that the guests, who are primarily couples, are seeking out for their vacation. It’s worth noting that all these stunning views come at a price, namely the steep hills that surround the villas. A free tuk tuk will transport guests around, sparing them the hike of getting to breakfast, but even mounting vehicles at a steep incline may prove challenging to some.

This resort’s crowning feature is its seaside location, and while it’s not beachfront (the shoreline by the hotel is rocky), it is connected to the sand via a gated walkway. (Note that because the path isn’t illuminated, the gate is closed and locked after sunset.) Karon Beach is a five-minute walk away. But aside from this, there's little in walking distance. The heart of Karon Village and Patong are both a seven-minute drive away in opposite directions, and the hotel provides shuttle service for a small fee. The major Phuket attractions of Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha sculpture also require a car to reach, and they're 21 and 33 minutes away, respectively. Phuket International Airport is an hour's drive away, depending on traffic.

Villas here offer their own secluded accommodations set apart from their neighbors via little wooden stairs and walkways. These standalone units have balconies, roomy bedrooms, and elegant, gray-marble bathrooms. Decor varies a bit from unit to unit; some have the deep wine-red hues typical of the region, while other have softer sky blue accents. But throughout polished wood floors and white walls give a clean backdrop while lantern lights and stenciled designs on the walls provide some embellishments. The villas here are split between four categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Ocean-Facing, Spa, and Pool. For ocean-lovers, upgrading to the higher categories is entirely worth it, as both the balcony and the entire layout of the villas shift to showcase outstanding waterfront views. (Entry-level Deluxe Villas are the least private and have balconies that face perpendicular to the shoreline, offering only glimpses of the water.) Ocean-Facing Deluxe Villas face the ocean head-on, and beds are pointed toward the balconies, so guests can watch the sunset from their pillow. Spa Villas add jetted whirlpools to the balconies, and Pool Villas have sizable private pools along with loungers on their sundecks. The latter are also the closest to the ocean.Bathrooms also vary. At the entry-level, they’re still lovely, encased in gray marble with rich wood accents. Walk-in rainfall showers and long countertops give ample space and skylights add to their airiness. Spa and Pool Villas bump up the elegance a notch with enormous circular tubs set with rainfall showerheads (though no separate shower). These also have separate vanity spaces.Standard amenities in all categories include flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, safes, with tea/coffee supplies, free bottled water, pool/beach towels, and flip flops. Pool and Spa Villas add bathrobes, slippers, and scales. On our visit the villas were extremely quiet and the only sounds detected were the birds or the crashing of waves below. 

For most guests, the resort’s top feature would be its waterside location, and while the shoreline is rocky here, all features aim to make the most of its views. Those looking to sunbathe on the sand can head down a little gated walkway to the beach. A close second would be the resort’s pool, which is split over two levels connected by pretty waterfall features. The lower level is a designated smoking area while the upper level is nonsmoking. Loungers with cushy padding are set around the borders of both, and sea views stretch out beyond. A petite poolside bar serves up drinks and treats like ice cream to those here. For dining, the hotel has two restaurants, Cliffs offers a breakfast buffet and dinner with indoor and alfresco tables. Certain nights offer seafood or “Thai delight” dishes. The Bay-View restaurant is closer to the pools and offers lunch service. Each has its own dedicated bar and incredible ocean views. While there’s no sandy beach on site, the hotel does have a private garden overlooking the waterfront that’s set with a porch swing and a hammock, giving a spot to loll and listen to the waves. This area can also be reserved and decorated for special occasions.Next to the garden is the hotel’s spa, another building offering outstanding ocean views. Reception here is fronted by a set of floor-to-ceiling windows that angle out to pick up sea breezes. Each treatment room here is set apart and also overlooks the same waterside views. The spa menu includes couples treatments, and certain rooms here have steam rooms or bathtubs set out on balconies. There’s no gym on site, but guests have free access to the hotel’s sister property, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, which has full fitness facilities and a bigger pool. There is a small games room off the Bay-View restaurant that gives a spot for rainy-day diversions, with ping-pong, darts, and a little lending library.The hotel provides shuttle bus service twice a day to Karon and Patong for a small fee that’s far cheaper than a local taxi. Reception can also arrange for Thai cooking classes. Those staying in Spa and Pool Villas also receive concierge service. Wi-Fi is free throughout.