Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

The Pullman Phuket has been carefully designed and styled to incorporate the natural beauty of Thailand with over-the-top architecture. Guests enter the property by traversing a wooden bridge covered with a dark brown roof and flanked on both sides by a beautiful pool decorated with statues of jumping fish. Steps (there are lots of them here) lead up to the minimalist reception desks accented with a steamer trunk. The partially open-air lobby holds lots of comfy seating options: white couches, light wood tables with matching chairs, and chic daybeds for two. White pillar candles and glass vases of floating flowers add a romantic vibe. The real highlight of the lobby is the gorgeous infinity-edge reflection pool that overlooks Naithon Beach below. A sunken living room area set inside the water, with a comfortable couch and table, looks straight out of a design magazine. There are cozy and sophisticated outdoor spots to sit scattered throughout the property. Additional decorative pools are accented with statues and live plants, and a wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery above the beach is an ideal spot for outdoor yoga. The hotel is popular with both honeymooners and families with small children, especially Australians. The grounds are spread out over hills, so expect a trek (of numerous steps) from some of the rooms to the restaurants and beach. Staff is on call to shuttle guests to and fro in small, doorless cars. 

For guests who want a quick drive (about 10 minutes) from Phuket International Airport to an isolated and quiet resort, it doesn't get much better than the Pullman Phuket. The hotel is located at the end of a long and winding road with a beach and national park as its nearest neighbors. But the out-of-the-way location means a longer drive for those wanting to explore Phuket Town, which is at least 45 minutes away by car. There are several public, but still quiet, beaches within walking or scooter distance. Parking at the resort is free, as are airport transfers, but the shuttle to Patong requires payment and only operates on a limited schedule a few days a week. 

There are 277 room options at Pullman Phuket divided into Resort Rooms (Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Family, or Ocean) and Luxury Ocean Pool Villas. The Deluxe Room is the most affordable option, but it's still over-the-top luxe. A chic balcony furnished with luxe patio furniture, a cute beach tote with towels, French toiletries, and a marble bathroom with separate soaking tub and glass door shower -- plus a private water closet -- comes standard in each Deluxe Room. Family Rooms have cute built-in wooden bunk beds. Decor in all of the rooms is minimal and sophisticated. Think: a soft white and gray color palette, brushed wood furniture, white orchids, and plush armless chairs. Sliding doors and glass windows with blinds keeps the bathrooms feeling spacious and airy, but still private. Technology includes flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The Luxury Ocean Pool Villas come with either one or two bedrooms, but what makes them a fun option are the semi-private infinity pools, outdoor living rooms, and huge bathtubs in front of the pools, which give guests epic ocean views from the tubs. Past guests have noted that some of the pools and rooms can be seen by other guests from the resort -- so they're not super private. 

The Pullman Phuket does an excellent job of providing features for both kids and couples, though it would be easy enough to check in here and spend the entire vacation on the beach or at the pools (see pools and beach sections below).Dhatri Spa isn't the most elaborate spa in Thailand, but it's peaceful and relaxing. The emphasis here is on couples, with a private en-suite treatment room that includes double massage beds and whirlpool hot tubs large enough for two. The small reception area is decorated with monkey-shaped lamps and a wall of massage oils. Fit Lounge, the fitness center, is modern and well-lit by floor-to-ceiling windows. It's stocked with state-of-the-art Techno Gym equipment, free weights, and strength-training machines. Wellness activities include everything from yoga overlooking the ocean to water aerobics in the pool. The free kids' club includes an indoor classroom with toys, arts-and-crafts materials, and a ball pit. Staff organizes a daily calendar of activities like tie-dye, kids' yoga, fish feeding, and pool games. Babysitting is available for a fee. It's difficult to imagine getting much work done at the Pullman Phuket, but there are five contemporary meeting rooms and a ballroom with seating room for up to 200 for weddings and events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal can be spotty. The reception desk is open 24/7 to accommodate late arrivals and early check-outs. There's a tour operator desk in the lobby where guests can arrange excursions. 

The on-site dining options at Pullman Phuket get high marks from past guests in terms of quality and variety. Elements serves an all-day buffet of Thai and Western foods with a beautiful presentation. Freshly caught fish is a crowd pleaser, as are exotic juices. Vero gets rave reviews for authentic Italian dishes and brick-oven pizza for dinner. There's an extensive wine list and outdoor seating. The Deli does takeaway treats like cheese, ice cream, and pastries. C Bar is the place to get a cocktail in the sunken living room nestled into the infinity-edge reflection pool. Azur is the pool bar that overlooks the beach. Float is the family-friendly snack bar next to the Float Pool. Room service is available all day and night.

Guests have private access (down steep and narrow rock stairs) to the public Naithon Beach. This stretch of sand wins lots of "best of" awards, but the water can get a little rough for swimming at certain times of the year. Guests should watch for flag postings to know when it's safe to swim. Soft brown sand and clear blue water look stunning against a backdrop of lush green forest. There are sun loungers and guests can carry towels from their rooms in the beach totes provided. Boogie boards are available to rent and vendors are on hand to sell snacks, but the hotel doesn't provide drink or food service on the sand. 

The infinity-edge pool at Pullman Phuket is truly one-of-a-kind. The bottom is painted with sweeping curves of varying shades of blue, to mimic the Andaman Sea, which the pool overlooks. Panoramic views are only broken up by a grove of lush palm and fruit trees. Rows of black sun loungers with thick cushions and matching umbrellas line the sun deck. The second pool option is Float -- this pool is more sophisticated than dramatic, with a rectangular narrow shape and short infinity edge. There's a small kids' pool nearby. Float Snack Bar offers foods for kids and cocktails for adults. Black and white umbrellas and black sun loungers provide comfortable spots to sit.