14/2 Patak Road Soi 24, Karon Beach, Thailand | (888) 635-3814
Chic,
contemporary resort set in tropical garden
Three infinity
pools -- two with swim-up bars
Hilltop spa with
massage rooms, steam bath, and outdoor whirlpool
Tastefully
finished rooms with furnished balconies or terraces
In-room amenities
include 40-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
Spacious
bathrooms finished in slate with large bathtubs
Free yoga classes
Wedding packages available
Steep hill
setting not suitable for mobility impaired
No child-friendly
facilities
Beach shuttle not convenient
Opened in 2013, Mandarava Resort and
Spa is one of the area's more recent arrivals and it shows
in its chic, contemporary styling. This luxury property is set on a hillside,
which means captivating panoramas though it also means a 10-minute walk to
Karon's beachfront and a steep climb back up. Rooms are elegant with furnished
balconies and superb views. Three infinity pools are impressive and
the hilltop spa is a relaxing spot for a massage. Although it's one of the
pricier options around, the Mandarava is also undoubtedly one of the best (though
maybe not for the little ones).
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Chic and contemporary grown-up resort with panoramic vistas
Guests arriving at the Mandarava follow a
long, traditionally Thai-styled portico that leads up a regal stairway to an
airy, open-sided hexagon-shaped reception area illuminated with globe
lamps and dotted with wicker furnishings. A lemongrass-infused drink and
cooling towel are also offered to new arrivals. Opened in 2013 and one of the
newer kids on the block, this upscale resort complex shows its youth with a
contemporary, chic vibe that extends throughout the property and fresh ideas that fuse 21st-century decor with traditional Thai design. The
hotel makes full use of its lofty, hilltop setting, with most of its 39 villas
strategically positioned to take full advantage of the superb views. Its seven
acres of grounds are brimming with tropical plants, exotic flowers, and palm
trees.
Location
Hillside setting overlooking north end of Phuket's Karon Beach
The resort is situated on a steep hill
towards the north end of Phuket's Karon Beach with views over the Andaman Sea
and a backdrop of jungle mountains. Karon’s beachfront, with its numerous
shops, bars, and restaurants -- not to mention beautiful white sands -- is
about 10 minutes away by foot, though getting back uphill might be an issue for
the mobility-challenged. The Mandarava does offer a free shuttle service to the beach, though it's not very frequent and you have to make bookings in
advance. The area's capital, Phuket City, is about 30 minutes northeast by car.
Phuket International Airport is about 50 minutes north while flights to
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding
time.
Rooms
Tastefully uncluttered rooms with sliding doors opening to furnished balconies
The hotel's 130 rooms are spread across 39 one and two story villas. Tropicana Superior Rooms are positioned on the lower level, with pool or garden views while Panoramic Deluxe Rooms occupy the second story with vista-style resort views. Horizontal Deluxe Rooms are housed in the single-story villas and are the resort's top end units. Interiors are tastefully finished in natural woods with a simple, uncluttered design with clean lines and white-tiled floors. Sliding doors open out onto furnished terraces or balconies, while spacious bathrooms are finished in gray slate with marble topped sinks. Many include tubs big enough for two. Free Wi-Fi and 40-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are also standard.
Features
Three infinity pools, two with swim-up bars, though little on-site for kids
The resort offers three elegantly-designed
infinity pools, two of which include swim-up bars with daily happy hour drink
deals. The other has lovely sea views. The on-site Cheeva Spa, positioned at
the top of the hill, is home to three massage rooms, a steam bath, and an outdoor
hot tub while Chomtalay Restaurant has views over Karon and beyond, accompanied
by a refreshing breeze. Additional on-site activities include free weekly yoga classes and Thai cooking classes (for a fee), with the Mandarava also
offering wedding packages. Although kids are allowed at the hotel, there's
little specifically catered to them.
