Phuket, Thailand, beckons travelers with its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. During a recent trip to Asia, I was fortunate enough to spend two blissful days unwinding on this captivating island. With an abundance of Marriott properties scattered across Phuket and its neighboring areas, selecting accommodation presented a delightful dilemma. Ultimately, the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach emerged as the perfect choice, thanks to its attractive room rates and convenient proximity to Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Seamless Booking and Value
My decision to opt for the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, was significantly influenced by the fresh and contemporary appearance of its rooms, a testament to its relatively recent opening in June 2016. Booking through my Chase Sapphire Reserve card not only simplified the process but also maximized rewards, earning 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent, in addition to the 12.5 points per dollar I accrued as a Marriott Gold elite member.
Prime Location near Phuket Airport
For a brief respite in Phuket, the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, boasts an enviable location. A mere 10-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT), the resort eliminates lengthy transfers, allowing for more relaxation time. This was a significant advantage compared to resorts situated near Patong to the south or the bustling northern parts of the island, locations of other Marriott properties. My priority was a tranquil beach escape to rejuvenate and focus on work, and the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa delivered precisely that.
Arriving at Phuket Airport (HKT) around 11 am after a short Bangkok Airways flight from Bangkok (BKK), I found taxi availability slightly limited at the terminal exit. Opting for a taxi from one of the official stands just outside baggage claim, the 500 baht ($15) fare felt somewhat disproportionate to the short 10-minute journey to the resort.
The taxi route passed through a local town before veering off towards Nai Yang Beach. A brief drive through a charming village later, we arrived at the welcoming gates of the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa. The entire transfer was completed in under 10 minutes, highlighting the resort’s convenient airport proximity.
Warm Welcome and Efficient Check-in
Upon arrival at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, a bellman promptly greeted me, offering assistance with my luggage. As I was traveling with only a carry-on, I opted to manage it myself, proceeding along the walkway to the open-air lobby seating area for check-in.
The check-in process was smooth and welcoming. I was offered a refreshing scented towel and a cold drink while presenting my passport and credit card to the agent. The agent efficiently processed these in the adjacent office. During the brief wait, the on-duty manager approached to extend a warm welcome and acknowledge my Marriott Gold status. While an upgrade wasn’t available, he thoughtfully assigned me a deluxe garden-view room near the lobby, ensuring a quieter environment away from the main pool area. In retrospect, a room closer to the pool or beach might have been preferable for easier access to resort amenities, but for a short stay, the location was perfectly acceptable. The manager personally escorted me to the room.
Upon reaching the room, minor maintenance was underway to resolve a lock issue. Technicians swiftly completed the repair within minutes, allowing me to settle in and begin my stay at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa.
It’s worth noting the resort’s layout. Typical of many beachfront properties, the lobby is situated at the highest point of the grounds, with buildings cascading down the hillside towards the beach. While signage was present, the layout could be somewhat disorienting initially, with missed turns potentially leading to detours around building blocks. The presence of steep slopes should also be considered, particularly for guests with mobility concerns when booking at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa.
Comfortable and Modern Rooms
My accommodation at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa was a starter-category deluxe garden-view king room, generously sized at approximately 500 square feet.
The room’s ambiance was bright, airy, and impeccably clean, featuring pale wood flooring that enhanced the sense of spaciousness.
The comfortable king-sized bed was adorned with crisp white linens and a stylish wicker headboard. The nightstand and adjacent wall were equipped with a clock, phone, universal power outlet, and convenient light switches.
A marble-topped table functioned effectively as a work desk, providing ample outlets and USB ports, along with resort information and island activity brochures.
A 48-inch LCD TV was wall-mounted opposite the bed. Beneath it, a minibar cabinet housed spirits and snacks in a drawer.
The refrigerator was stocked with complimentary water, soda, and beer.
The wall separating the bedroom and bathroom incorporated a large window, which could be easily concealed with a drape from within the bathroom for privacy.
The bathroom featured a single marble sink with abundant counter space. The toilet was integrated into the main bathroom area rather than in a separate water closet. A box of essential amenities, including vanity and dental kits, was thoughtfully provided.
The bath and shower were combined in a partially glassed-in enclosure.
Consistent with Marriott standards, the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa provided THANN bath products, a renowned Thai spa brand.
My room’s balcony offered pleasant garden views with a glimpse of the sea in the distance.
It served as a tranquil spot to unwind and read in the evenings. Housekeeping consistently ensured ample bottled water was available in both the bedroom and bathroom. Wi-Fi connectivity was generally reliable and fast, although occasional fluctuations in speed were noticeable.
Dining and Drinks: Variety and Quality
The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, offers guests a choice of four distinct bars and restaurants. Adjacent to the lobby reception, The Lounge functions as a bar and grill, specializing in signature cocktails like the Isarn, a blend of Mekhong rice whiskey, mango, fresh lime, raw sugar, and mint, alongside classic cocktails. The food menu primarily features burgers and sandwiches.
Andaman Kitchen, the resort’s all-day dining venue, is located one level below the lobby, encompassing both a spacious outdoor dining area and an indoor dining room.
A breakfast buffet is offered each morning at Andaman Kitchen.
However, I opted for à la carte and enjoyed a generous and delicious crab omelet.
For dinner, the menu at Andaman Kitchen leans towards Thai cuisine. I sampled the fried spring rolls and crab curry, finding the food satisfactory but not exceptional. However, the waitstaff were consistently outstanding, offering friendly and attentive service without being intrusive.
Big Fish Restaurant and Big Fish Bar are situated by the main pool, flanking the walkway to the beach.
Big Fish Bar provides a more relaxed dining atmosphere, sharing the same drinks menu as The Lounge but offering a menu of lighter fare, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and select Thai dishes.
I dined at Big Fish Bar one evening, choosing the seafood pizza and a Caesar salad, both of which were decent but unremarkable. Waiters from the bar regularly circulated the pool area, taking drink orders. A pleasant lawn area with beanbag chairs and sculptures in front of the bar provides a scenic spot to enjoy drinks overlooking the sea.
Big Fish Restaurant, located across the walkway from the bar, offers a slightly more formal setting. The menu primarily features fresh grilled fish and seafood, along with pasta dishes.
As a Marriott Gold elite member, I benefited from a 15% discount on food and beverage (Silver members receive 10%, Platinum members 20%). The resort also features rotating happy hour specials at various restaurants, offering drinks at half price.
Resort Amenities: Pools, Spa, and Beachfront
The pools at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa are undoubtedly a major draw. Certain room categories even offer direct access to interconnected swimming pools.
These pool access areas were generally quiet during my stay.
The main, largest pool is positioned closer to the beach and offers several seating areas.
Shallow splash pools are also available for younger children.
The pool area remained uncrowded during my visit, although it was outside of peak season.
The pool overlooks the beach and the resort’s beachfront dining venues.
A kids club is located to one side, offering various activities such as arts and crafts, batik printing, and beach-themed creations. The beach area features loungers shaded by umbrellas on both sides of the walkway leading from the restaurants.
Nai Yang Beach is not ideal for swimming due to significant tidal fluctuations. However, kayaks and paddleboards are available for use during high tide. At low tide, the beach extends considerably, allowing for long walks north towards the airport and swimming along the shoreline. Several beach clubs nearby offer chair rentals and casual dining options for those seeking beachside relaxation.
I enjoyed peaceful walks along the beach during both days of my stay, appreciating the tranquility of the area, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of other Phuket beaches. Back at the resort, a stroll past a lawn adorned with colorful sculptures led me to the Quan Spa.
The Quan Spa reception and waiting areas exude tranquility. “Quan,” meaning “spring water,” reflects the spa’s focus on water’s cleansing and healing properties. Treatments incorporate Phytomer skincare, Bhawá essential oils, and coconut oil from Sansi and Phutawan.
The spa menu includes traditional Thai massage, Indian head massage, body wraps, and facials. Prices for treatments range from 1,400 to 3,400 baht ($45 to $130).
The hotel gym, situated on the pool level near guest rooms, is compact but well-equipped with cardio and weight machines.
The resort can assist guests in booking external activities like boat charters, diving, and fishing trips. On-site, guests can arrange cooking classes, dance classes, yoga, and Muay Thai lessons for an additional fee. A daily calendar of complimentary activities, such as bike tours, yoga, and beach sports, is also available.
Final Thoughts on Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa
The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach proved to be a pleasant and well-rounded choice for my Phuket getaway. The resort’s modern rooms and facilities, coupled with cheerful and efficient service, and convenient airport location, were definite highlights. The resort effectively integrates Thai elements into the guest experience, from local excursions to cultural activities and Thai-inspired menu items. While the food options were satisfactory rather than exceptional, they were reasonably priced, a welcome change from some self-contained beach resorts. The uncrowded pool and beach areas during my off-season stay were also appreciated.
For first-time visitors to Phuket seeking to explore major attractions and the vibrant Patong area, a resort closer to those locations might be more suitable. Similarly, for those with specific interests like fishing or diving, specialized resorts may be preferable.
However, for my needs – a relaxing and productive short break – the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, delivered perfectly, especially at its attractive nightly rate. It provided a tranquil haven to unwind and recharge in beautiful Phuket.