IndoChine Resort & Villas

IndoChine began as a private residential complex, and that’s reflected in its configuration. The lobby was conceived as a simple office, and it’s a forgettable glass-enclosed check-in spot that doesn’t match the elegance or presentation of the rest of the resort. Guests are quickly escorted to villas, suites, residences or studios, which vary in personality and size, but all are built to showcase the dazzling hillside views that surround this area. Throughout, winding pathways snake up with hillside to accommodations. The grounds are exceedingly quiet, and even more so in rooms or villas (though a handful close to the street can pick up traffic noise). The back of the property bumps up against lush rainforest land, with natural greenery unfolding all around. But it’s worth noting that the entire property is steeply sloped, and walking around the grounds can leave guests winded. (A free shuttle does offer a lift to any guests crossing the property.)Common spaces include two pools and a restaurant, but in truth these tend to sit empty as guests here prefer their own little patch of paradise -- their rooms. Guests are a mix of couples, families, groups, even the occasional bachelor party (though the hotel is strict about limiting any noise). Most guests are drawn to the privacy IndoChine represents, as it’s close enough to Patong for a visit, but far enough away that it isn’t overtaken by the noise, crowds, or rowdy nightlife the area is known for. Instead, the grounds here are simply surrounded by birdsong, and even the shared pools are blissfully free of music from sound systems.

For most guests, IndoChine's secluded location is a strong selling point. It's set along Phuket's west coast on a hillside overlooking the water, giving the property a "hideaway" feel and dazzling views. But it does mean that there's little within walking distance apart from a Thai restaurant right across the street. Kalim Beach is a 10-minute walk away, but this shallow and occasionally rocky stretch of sand sits right next to a heavily trafficked road, making it a less-than-ideal sunbathing spot with few visitors. It's also worth noting that sidewalks here are sporadic, meaning the stroll downhill and around curving roads is not very safe. But guests looking for a beach scene and all the hustle and bustle of town can easily reach Patong in eight minutes by taxi or the hotel's free shuttle service. It's here travelers can find multiple eateries, bars, shops, food vendors, mini markets, and the notorious nightlife of Bangla Road. The hotel's shuttle service also goes to the Jungceylon shopping complex in Patong, which has clothing boutiques, a Boots pharmacy, a grocery store, and sneaker shops, among other retail outlets. Reaching Phuket's major tourist attractions also requires a car; Wat Chalong temple is a 29-minute drive, and the Big Buddha statue is a 47-minute drive. It takes 43 minutes to reach Phuket International Airport by car.

A wide variety of accommodations are on offer at the IndoChine. The base level are Oceanfront Rooms, which are spacious hotel-like units with bedrooms, bathrooms, and private balconies with small pools. These are set lower down the hill, so while they still get ocean views, they aren’t as stunning as the units higher up. They can also pick up a bit of roadside noise. This category is further divided by higher views and larger pools. These have walk-in showers in the bathrooms.Studios are also lower on the hillside, with enormous king beds facing out toward the sea view. These have their own larger pools and larger sundecks equipped with porch swings, loungers, and a patio set. Units here also have walk-in showers. Sky Suites are set all the way at the top of the hillside. They offer up the best views, with exquisite vistas over Patong Beach. These one-bedroom units are oriented to make the most of their sea-facing perch, with private pools, sunbeds, king-size beds, and leather couches all oriented toward the outstanding vista. Even the toilet has a sea view (although their position with a window looking over the pool makes them less than private). Rainfall showers here open to both the bedroom and the bathroom, and each unit has two ceiling fans along with air-conditioning. For families or larger groups, the Ocean Suites offer up two or three bedroom configurations in light blonde-wood furnishings and airy design. These tend to have a duplex configuration with floating wooden steps connecting the various bedrooms. Master bedrooms here have beds and enormous soaking tubs again pointed toward sea views. They also have full kitchens and dining areas. But while these units have a small deck and loungers, they’re missing their own private pool or whirlpool.Villas are the most spacious and lavish of the lot. These freestanding units range from two to four bedrooms and they have full kitchens, dining spaces, dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom, and massive pools and sundecks with enough space for sunbeds and patio furniture sets. The very highest tier of Villa is the Grand Residence Pool Villa. These have five to six bedrooms and pools sized for a suburban backyard. They tend to be rented out by long-term visitors, often for a year at a time.Decor varies between the categories, but all share a common modern aesthetic with Asian accents. Platform beds, wood furniture in light finishes, white or sky-blue walls, and a few warm orange or yellow throw pillows are commonly found. Fixtures tend to be high-end as well, such as white vessel sinks and broad rainfall showerheads. (Some showers have two.)All rooms and villas have the same four-pearl-level amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, electric kettles, minibar snacks, umbrellas, robes and slippers (or flip flops). Bathrooms are also stocked with hairdryers and toiletries. Kitchens are completely equipped with full-sized fridges, burners, microwaves, and electric kettles. Villas have full ovens as well and espresso machines. Housekeeping comes regularly, including in villas, though some guests complain they leave rooms less than spotless. Guests also complain of bugs and mosquitos (a common complaint throughout the area) but repellent is provided.

IndoChine is really oriented around its villas, and although it has a fair amount of common features, they're barely touched. The property’s two pools tend to sit empty, including a large circular pool and a more modern rectangular one that’s surrounded by a wood-plank sundeck. Several loungers and clusters of plush outdoor seating are placed under sun umbrellas or an awning, but these also tend to sit unused unless the property is hosting an event in the space.  What does see some use is the property’s fitness room. This space, walled in by floor-to-ceiling windows, gives stunning seaside views and more incentive to get on the treadmill, stepper, rower, or weight-lifting machines or other fitness apparatus. Locker rooms nearby give a place to change, and a tennis court above this provides another spot to break a sweat. (The court is lit at night, too, so guests can avoid the baking Phuket sun and play during cooler hours.)The property’s restaurant serves all meals, but again most guests opt for in-room dining, whether that’s their own cooking in villa kitchens or room service provided by the hotel.While there’s no spa on site, IndoChine can arrange for in-room massages or it can shuttle guests to a partner spa a 10-minute drive away. Free shuttle service is also offered almost hourly to the Patong area (both the beach and the Jungceylon shopping complex). Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.