“In a place far away where the water meets the sky”
Lara Zaugg x The Asia Collective
Day 1: The Slate, Phuket
It was late at night and after a smooth flight and a taxi ride we only had eyes for the bed and wished for sweet sweet dreams. The next day we woke up in paradise. Birds were singing and after a short workout at the hotel gym we were ready for breakfast. The breakfast spread was a highlight for our eyes and belly. I still have that unique, intense coconut flavor in my mouth from the house made Coco Yoghurt from which I may have had four, or not. There are several gluten-free and sugar-free options when it comes to corn flakes, granola or bread. I am more the “sweet” breakfast eater but Pad Thai, fried rice and Dim Sum totally cover every “savory” eater. The rest of the day was spent in the infinity pool and my skin looked like the one from a granny after spending hours in it.
Day 2: The Slate, Phuket
Sun – Fun- and a lot to do! Day 2 we woke up early (still jetlagged) and decided to explore the hotel. Equipped with a green smoothie and my camera, I made some great shots from the 3 infinity pools of the hotel. The weather was spoiling us, so we spent the whole day outside. Later we had dinner at the famous Black Ginger restaurant, where Chef Anongrat Meklai, made a special vegan Pad Thai for me. At Black Ginger they use the freshest locally sourced ingredients and even some from their very own organic garden. Dessert was fresh mango and sticky rice pudding with coconut sauce. I was in heaven and slept very well this night.
Day 3: TwinPalms Phuket
We woke up, had breakfast and then we drove to our next destination– TwinPalms Phuket! You can say it’s love at first sight when you arrive at TwinPalms and you can’t take your eyes from the huge public pool. After deciding what flowers and pillows we liked for our room (crazy right?) we spent the whole day by the pool and only a fruit tasting session could make us move from our beach chairs. Dinner was at the Palm Seaside Seafood Restaurant, which is a 10 min drive away from the hotel, located right on the beach. The location was amazing and we watched the supermoon rising and enjoyed the most delicious Thai summer rolls.
Day 4: TwinPalms Phuket
On day 4, we decided to go on small adventure and explore the area and beach around the hotel. I bought the most beautiful swimsuit and some ear rings in purple blue. Hungry from all the walking we had lunch at the HQ Beachclub (this also belongs to the TwinPalms Hotel) and spent the rest of the day reading books and chilling out. For dinner we decided to stay at the hotel. We chatted with the people working at TwinPalms and I learned so many culinary things from these lovely people. If you ever make it to this place make sure you have dinner in the hotel and order a trial plate including four choices of signature rice. My recommendation would be the Butterfly Pea rice. Apart from adding a vivid blue color, it is rich in blue proanthocyanin, a natural antioxidant.
Before we left the TwinPalms we had one last amazing breakfast before heading to the next location!
Day 5: Sri Panwa, Phuket
We travelled east to cape panwa where we checked in at the beautiful Sri Panwa hotel. Sri Panwa is an oasis of calmness and luxury set in one of the finest locations on Phuket. I think every single point is a view point where you could make thousands of pictures. I had to change my memory card for the camera twice as I had to capture every flower and palm tree I came across.
There are many reasons why I will never forget Sri Panwa but one of the most memorable things were the people and the best green curry I’ve ever had. The people were friendly and extremely helpful and there was this young lady working at the Baba restaurant, who gave me a cream and a spray for my mosquito bites. The impact of the calming cream and the inner heat from my delicious green curry made me forget about my itching legs and arms.
Day 6: Amatara Resort, Phuket
Day 6 started at beautiful Amatara hotel, which is a resort specialised in well-being and Spa experiences. We checked-in and were blown away by our spacious bedroom and a nice bath tub with ocean view. The big public pool is the perfect place to relax and also the thing we did after we enjoyed a 2 hour Hamam experience at the spa. Dinner was at ‘The Retreat’ and I don’t lie when I say that I was impressed by the healthy options! You will find everything from a Chlorella shot to a well balanced meal and as a finish, a plant-based nutrition-dense dessert namely cacao tarts with fresh blueberries and almonds. It’s your bikini body/belly dream!
Day 7: Amatara Resort, Phuket
The last day at Amatara was truly amazing as it already started with a yoga session with Master Uttam and an amazing view. We had a private session so it was quite intense and after the sessions I felt connected to my whole body. It reminded me of how valuable it is to have some time to focus on the inner peace and just relax and be in the moment. After another great breakfast we headed to the spa and in a relaxed atmosphere we had the Thai Yoga massage. I never experienced anything like that and I admire these women with their skilled hand skills. I felt like a baby and my back pain was gone! If you are in Phuket and want to slow down and escape the stress, I highly recommend going to Amatara and booking in some massages and Yoga sessions!
Day 8: Point Yamu By Como Hotel, Phuket
It’s not for nothing that they say: The best things come at the end…. I don’t really know what it was that made me fall in love with this place. Might be the temple glockenspiel when we arrived, the triple infinity pool, the sophisticated design, the open, light architecture, or the healthy food that made my heart flutter. The moment we checked-in I decided to extend this stay for 2 more nights. I am an impulsive person and if I like something I go all-in. I did not regret it one single moment. In contrary, I was happy, because this way I could explore so many things, such as the beach lounge, the bike tour through the city, my first Thai boxing class and of course all the amazing food! We also had the pleasure to talk to the hotel manager who was Swiss as well and learned a lot about the concept of Como hotels and the island Phuket itself. We had dinner at La Sirena and enjoyed the best pizza and amazing dessert. Raw Vegan Bliss Balls for the win! Everything was absolutely fantastic and I would go back anytime.
FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT:
I am still flashed by the amazing vegan Pad Thai I had at Black Ginger located within the Slate Resort. The flavors were intense and ohh these roasted peanuts made the dish perfect! The fact that you have to cross a river and that you are guided to your seat is just the cherry on top; really! I also had some really great rice and veggie dish at a street café at Surin Beach. You can’t miss it as it is always crowded.
3 MUST-DO’S:
- Watch the sunset at Palm Seaside restaurant with a mojito in one hand and Thai summer rolls in your other.
- A one day trip to Phi Phi Island. It is a very touristy place but you should see THAT blue water and the beautiful scenery at least once in your life.
- Midnight swim in an infinity pool. I recommend the one at Point Yamu by Como Hotel.
FAVOURITE SPA:
The Spa Menu at Amatara Resort is extensive and there is something for everyone. I recommend booking the Thai Yoga massage and a Hamam Session.
I SHOPPED:
I shopped a beautiful unique swimsuit in my favorite color: Royal blue. I lived in this swimsuit for the rest of my vacation.
BEST PHOTO OPPS:
Sri Panwa (from basically everywhere ;)) Phi Phi Island Bike Tour around Point Yamu By Como.
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK:
Sunglasses
Inflatable donut
WHY I WOULD COME BACK:
I could name a 1000 reasons to come back as I fell in love with Thailand. The people are amazing, friendly, helpful and truly made this vacation an experience I’ll never forget. The food is amazing and the intensity of flavors in dishes and fresh fruits is hard to describe. You simply have to taste it! And of course the landscape and the warm temperature of Thailand makes a Swiss Girl happy. The green of the trees, the blue of the sea and the endless width of the infinity pools stole my heart.
This Phuket Travel Diary was written by @vanillacrunnch.
If you wish to book any of the above destinations for your Thailand getaway, get in touch with The Asia Collective – [email protected] and we’ll be happy to plan your dream getaway.
