As I started putting together my island travel guide for the new year, I realized that last year’s Phuket hotel still deserves a strong recommendation.
📍 **Kalima Resort & Spa Phuket** (Figures 2-9)
💰 **Spring Festival Price:** 1500 RMB/night
🏠 **Room Type:** Upgraded from Deluxe Ocean View to Honeymoon Ocean View
🌟 **Recommendation Index:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📌 **Location:** Patong Beach
This is the same hotel where Wentao shot the cover for the Phuket magazine. While we were upgraded to a honeymoon room by the front desk, it felt slightly farther from the sea compared to rooms in the building ahead, which likely offer better ocean views. During the Spring Festival, the price increase is manageable, and it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride to Patong Beach.
Being located on a hillside means no sidewalks—so taxis are your best bet for getting around. That said, the infinity pool and restaurant provide stunning views, though the food was just average [laughs]. The seafood wasn’t particularly fresh. Despite its modest size, the property is perfect for photography and enjoying some downtime at the hotel.
The staff are incredibly friendly, and there are plenty of steps leading up to the entrance, with bellhops always ready to assist with luggage.
📍 **Centara Villas Phuket** (Figures 10-14)
💰 **Spring Festival Price:** 1000 RMB/night
🏠 **Room Type:** Deluxe Ocean Facing Villa
🌟 **Recommendation Index:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📌 **Location:** Karon Beach
Still perched on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, this villa assignment brought us much closer to the water. Unlike other Centara properties in Karon Beach, this one focuses on an exclusive villa experience, offering private villas for each guest. Although the property feels a bit older—the air conditioner in our room made some noise at night—the bathroom design was sleek and modern.
The sprawling grounds require shuttle service for transportation or deliveries, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re in a rush. Room service offers delicious Thai cuisine, and a small path leads directly to Karon Beach, about a 10-minute walk away. At night, you can relax on your private villa balcony, gazing at the stars under complete privacy, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
For those needing a convenient stopover near the airport:
📍 **Sugar Marina Hotel -Aviator- Phuket Airport** (Figures 15-16)
💰 **Price:** 300 RMB/night
🏠 **Room Type:** Deluxe Room
🌟 **Recommendation Index:** ⭐⭐⭐
📌 **Location:** About a 10-minute drive from the airport
This reliable transit hotel offers moderately sized rooms and is conveniently close to the airport. Since we arrived in Phuket late at night, we opted for a taxi. The design cleverly incorporates aviation themes, adding a unique touch. Breakfast is decent, and there’s even a small swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
