Twinpalms Phuket

The scene at Twinpalms Phuket is cool and stylish, catering mostly to wealthy European couples who want a hint of Ibiza during their Thailand vacation. Guests are greeted on arrival with fruit-flavored sparkling wine and a handmade flower bracelet. The hotel plays it's own in-house radio, quite loudly, at the beach clubs. Rooms are built around the chic outdoor swimming pool and Surin Beach is accessible via a field (past guests have complained the field gets muddy). A wooden porte cochere is flanked by twin reflection pools. Steps lead up to the narrow, open-air lobby with black crisscross beams and sleek gray floors. Wicker couches and tables are lined up on both sides of the lobby and the reception desk is at the far end. The grounds are tropically inspired with tall palm trees, bright green lawns, and lush flowering bushes. Most of the guests spend their time sipping cocktails by the pool or hanging out at the Beach Clubs.

Kids are welcome, but there isn't anything for them to do here apart from swimming in the sophisticated pool and at the beach, which is sometimes rowdy with partiers. 

The road that passes the entrance to Twinpalms experiences some local traffic and motorbikes, but overall it's quiet and safe for walking. There are a few other hotels, like Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort., nearby. A handful of small restaurants and a 24-hour supermarket are within a few minutes' walk of the Twinpalms. Surin Beach is accessible by crossing a footpath through an open field, and the public beach has two private Beach Clubs owned by the hotel. Expect a 30-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and about 20 minutes to Phuket Town. Covered garage parking at the hotel is free. 

There are 97 room options at Twinpalms Phuket and each is spacious, clean, and decorated with attention to modern details and creature comforts. On arrival, guests choose which kind of fruit, what type of pillow, and how they want their rooms to smell -- so each is personalized. The Grand Deluxe Pool Room has an open concept with a bed placed in the center of the room, directly facing large sliding glass doors that lead out onto a comfortable, furnished patio with access to a lagoon pool that's separate from the main pool, but shared among other guests staying in the same room type. Wooden shutters can be closed to provide privacy on the patio if required. A partial wall behind the bed hides a small desk. Pocket doors can hide a dressing and closet area that leads into the spacious bathroom. Double bowl sinks and a huge soaking bathtub surrounded by windows are luxe touches. There's a rainfall shower next to the tub. Overall, the decor consists of white walls, dark wood laminate floors, and wicker furniture. A single piece of colorful abstract art hangs on one wall. A flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and minibar are standard. Some rooms have slightly corroded doors, though it's a minor issue. Views overlook the pool, neighboring rooftops, or the garden grounds -- unfortunately, there are no beach views here.

Penthouses are extra special with super high ceilings, private bedrooms on the second floor, and infinity-edge plunge pools. They don't have kitchens, but Nespresso coffee machines and minibars are included. These are a good choice for families or couples who want a lot of privacy. Turndown service is provided in the evenings. 

It's no surprise that most of the features at Twinpalms Phuket cater to couples. Sun Spa Esthederm Paris is simple but comfortable. The couples' treatment room includes a soaking tub for two that's filled with floating flower petals. Products were exclusively developed for this property. The fitness center is bright and airy with high-quality Matrix machines. 

The outdoor swimming pool is the main hub of the property and where guests spend most of their time. Unfortunately, there aren't enough sun loungers to go around when the hotel is full. The long pool is accented with cutouts set with stairs and partially submerged sun loungers. A pagoda structure and small waterfall feature add interest, as do the beautifully landscaped wooden pool deck and palm trees. Past guests have complained about an annoying towel card system that only allows one towel at a time. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's a 24-hour concierge available to assist with tours and excursions. 

Food at Twinpalms Phuket gets high marks for quality, and though food and drinks aren't cheap, they're not dramatically overpriced either. The free, daily breakfast buffet is popular for its good variety of hot and cold dishes, and strong coffee. Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar is the main restaurant on the property, and where the breakfast buffet is served. Guests can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner indoors or out in chic surroundings with cushion-topped benches and wooden tables. The menu includes Thai food and grilled items; plus, there's a huge wine cellar. The Pool Bar serves casual fare and cocktails on an outdoor patio right next to the pool. Room service is available, too.

Catch Beach Club and Bimi Beach Club, are (not surprisingly) on the beach. These party spots are popular with locals and tourists, and often host live music, DJs, and dancing. Food and cocktails are on offer into the night at Catch, while Bimi is a daytime party.