Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

The Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort is a casual but sophisticated luxury chain hotel that attracts vacationing couples and families with younger children. Comprising several low-rise buildings amid palm trees and tropical flowers, the lobby is sleek and contemporary, with framed ceilings, luxurious hardwood pillars, marble floors, and travertine accents. Walls of windows let in plenty of Phuket's dazzling light, while a large seashell chandelier adds homespun touch to the space and there are plenty of contemporary, low-slung sofas and chairs to take in the breezes or relax with a cocktail. The on-site restaurants and bar are stylish, but lack any traditional Thai design elements, instead favoring rattan and dark hardwood furniture with neutral lines, the kind that are found throughout the Hyatt properties around the world.

The Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort is located on Phuket's Kamala coast, along a stretch overlooking the Andaman Sea referred to as Millionaire's Mile. It's a two-minute walk to the beach across the road, though the shore can be rocky depending on the time of day and is pebbly at all times and there are better beaches a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Though this isn't the most party-hearty area of Phuket, it's by no means an abandoned oasis either. Kamala town is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and has an array of services as well as less-expensive local restaurants, street food, and markets. Phuket Fantasea, a popular local theme park, is an eight-minute drive away and notorious Patong Beach takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. For flights to Bangkok and elsewhere, the Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

The Hyatt offers 199 contemporary rooms, most of which have views of the sea. Decor is modern, though it does retain a bit of Hyatt's chain-style design rather than embracing any Thai inspirations. Dark wood furnishings cut simple lines across warm cherry wood floors or tiled floors, while light green curtains and abstract wall-mounted fish sculptures add a dash of visual flair amidst the tan walls. White duvets are spread across Hyatt's excellent beds and all rooms come with 40-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, desks, mini-fridges with minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, bluetooth stereos, individually controlled air-conditioning, and balconies accessed through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Bathrooms are spacious, with large vanities and mirrors, high-end toiletries, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Deluxe Rooms have the same amenities found in lower category rooms, as well as dining areas and daybeds on the terraces, while some Club Rooms include private dipping pools and whirlpool tubs. Two-bedroom apartments are also available for larger groups and families, and guests of Club Rooms also receive several in-resort perks detailed below. 

The Hyatt has an exceptional amount of amenities for a property of its size, starting with the fitness center, which is stocked with cardio and weight equipment. Personal training sessions can also be arranged for a fee, as can Thai boxing (Muay Thai) classes. Those who prefer to get their exercise underwater can take advantage of the swimming pool, which is flanked by lounge chairs and looks out on the Andaman Sea. There are also a children's pool and a wading pool; Club Room guests have access to an exclusive infinity pool and the Club Lounge. 

The Pool House is open for a buffet breakfast that is only included with some bookings, and offers both Italian and Thai dishes throughout the day, with a Thai dinner buffet in the evening. Alternatively, guests can dine at the Sunset Grill, which serves local seafood and American dishes in a contemporary, semi-open lounge space with gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea. Room service is also available 24 hours a day.

There are many ways to relax or stay busy here and on-site Nahm Spa is a highlight for many guests, and it stays open late for those wanting bedtime treatments. A variety of services are available, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The hotel offers Thai cooking classes on Tuesdays and Fridays where guests can learn how to make an array of traditional dishes, while Camp Hyatt, a special program for kids ages four to 12 features supervised cultural, educational, and play activities for younger guests.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and there are meeting facilities on-site that can accommodate up to 160 guests. Destination weddings can also be arranged at the resort and the resort provides free tuk-tuk service to Kamala Beach and around the grounds, though some guests have reported problems with timeliness.