Chanalai Romantica Resort, Kata Beach, Phuket

Part of the Chanalai resort chain, a local brand of properties in Phuket, the Romantica outpost is the most petite and most romantic, as the name implies. It’s also the only adults-only property of the bunch. The Romantica aims for intimacy from the get-go. Instead of a lobby, guests arrive to a small, open-air rotunda topped with a glittering chandelier. A few antique chairs and a chaise lounge complete the look (though the elegant effect can be marred by occasional mopeds roaring by or mosquitoes that buzz in). From reception, pathways adorned with tiles in swirling patterns lead out to the central pool, the restaurant, and the guest rooms. A few flamboyant details maintain the lobby’s decadent look, such as the elephant-headed, Ganesha-style figure topped with strings of marigold flowers. Most guests gather by the pool, which is boxed in by guest room balconies. A swim-up bar here offers yet another reason to linger. Some guests also hang out by the Stardust restaurant, with a pretty patio for alfresco dining, though this space can also get a bit of traffic noise as it faces the street. But given the resort’s diminutive size, spaces never feel crowded, even when guest choose to stay on site versus skip out to the beach.As expected for a resort named Romantica, nearly all guests here are couples, several celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries.

Chanalai Romantica sits in southern Phuket Island on a major road that runs parallel to the west coastline. While it doesn't tend to have heavy traffic, this road does bring a little bit of noise to the lobby and the restaurant next door. An ATM is right beside the hotel, and a 7-11 and a Family Mart are both a three-minute walk away, making it easy to pick up snacks or bottles of sunscreen. Kata Beach is a short six-minute walk away. Other attractions require a little drive, such as the Wat Chalong temple and Big Buddha sculpture, 14 and 25 minutes away, respectively. The city's airport is a 50-minute drive away. The hotel’s small parking lot in front of the property offers a few limited spaces for cars and scooters.

Continuing the splashy decor found in the lobby, guest rooms have a dramatic, bronzed appearance with warm sandy hued walls and headboard constructed from copper-colored tiles. Platform beds bookended by rectangular lanterns add to the romantic effect. Burgundy textiles embellished in a gold floral pattern give a contrast. Bathrooms are just as chic, with walk-in showers encased in the same bronzed walls and a giant soaking tub separated by a row of pebbles. But some guests do complain that the glass panels separating the bedrooms and the bathrooms don't afford enough privacy, and some report the bathroom taps struggle to get hot water. All rooms have balconies attractively furnished with wooden seats and tables (a step above the plastic sets at Chanalai Hillside).Rooms are sorted into three categories: Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe Pool Access. Superior and Deluxe are similar in terms of size, but Deluxes can also hold two twin beds (versus a single king) and can be adjoining. Pool Access Rooms have balconies just a short step above the pool’s water, so guests can slip right in. All rooms have bathrobes and slippers, safes, minibars, electric kettles with tea/coffee supplies, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs and DVD players. (DVDs can be rented from the front desk.) Wood wardrobes provide plenty of space for stowing clothes and luggage. 

The highlight of the Romantica’s features is its pretty aquamarine pool bordered by loungers and room balconies. A few water features and shallow wading areas give spots for guests to get their feet wet. And the swim-up bar here lets guests stay immersed while sipping on fruity cocktails. A second bar can be found in the resort’s Stardust restaurant, which also offers all meals, including breakfast (though it's not included in all rates). Private romantic dinners can also be arranged by the staff, too. Room service is also available.However, given its emphasis on romance, it’s a real shame that the property doesn’t have an on-site spa to provide couples massages or other treatments, as so many others do in the area. The fitness center is also a letdown, with limited, dated equipment (no free weights or treadmills), but the property does offer free access to the larger gym at its sister hotel, Chanalai Garden. A few on-site activities are offered, such as Thai cooking classes. DVDs can be rented from the front desk for a small fee, though few guests take advantage preferring to watch live TV or stream their entertainment on personal laptops or tablets. The property does have free Wi-Fi, but it varies in terms of dependability. There’s also a lending library of books and guests can borrow beach mats. There are no public computers or any business center.