Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

The Movenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket was opened in the late ‘80s, and thus the first viewing of this Swiss chain hotel is of a crisply white-washed, modern building not dissimilar from a multi-story car park. But walking up the wide and long staircase, one enters a spectacularly grand open-plan lobby area comprised of a huge round space placed around an impressive circle of polished wood flooring and an imposing ceiling centerpiece. After check-in, brightly-colored electric tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) whisk guests to their rooms or villas around the sprawling luxury complex. Alternatively, visitors can explore the resort's lush, immaculately manicured tropical gardens, passing Buddhist shrines and sculpted shrubbery.

One of the hotel's entry points is located beyond a guarded entrance and down a relatively secluded stretch of road. The gorgeous white sand of Karon Beach is directly accessible from the hotel's west entrance, which overlooks the Andaman Sea's turquoise waters. Numerous bars, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking distance of the property as well, while the neighboring resorts of Patong to the north and Kata Beach to the south are both 10 to 15 minutes away by car. The area's capital Phuket City is about a 25-minute drive northeast by car, while the airport is an hours' drive north. The flight there from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport takes a bit less than 90 minutes.

The complex has 250 rooms and suites, most of which are located in the main building. All are traditionally styled with terracotta tile floors, teak furnishings, and Thai craft touches. Rooms are spacious with sliding doors that open out onto furnished balconies or terraces, most with lovely ocean views. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels all come as standard. There are also 113 villas which are finished to a slightly higher spec, many of which offer private plunge pools, second bedrooms, and separate living rooms. Luxury touches also include pillow menus and outdoor rain forest showers as well as fluffy bathrobes and slippers. While mostly well-maintained, some rooms are starting to show signs of wear.

Unsurprisingly, the resort has an extensive range of on-site facilities. Most impressive are its four swimming pools, the largest of which is a huge lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar and separate kids’ area. Children are also well catered for with a Play Zone kids' club providing indoor and outdoor activities for kids ages four to 12. Eating and drinking options abound as well, with no fewer than four restaurants serving everything from Asian to Brazilian menus, with a daily buffet breakfast also included in the rate. A separate spa area offers a range of massage treatments, while outside of the complex the hotel organizes water sports, including scuba diving and snorkeling. The resort also has a large ballroom space that can hold between 800 and 1,260 guests depending on its configuration, with individual meeting facilities available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.