It’s back to Phuket for another getaway– my first island trip of 2016! I wanted to do my first few dives of the year and to rest and relax on the beach for some Southeast Asian sun– so where else, but the southern Thai island of Phuket? The months of November to May is said to be the best time to head to the island.
This time around, I wanted to spend most of my time on the beaches of Kata and Karon, on the southwest side of the island. It doesn’t have the crazy nightlife of Patong, or the seclusion of the northern beaches– I believe it is the in-between for something relatively laidback; but with enough bustle to keep the nights fun. I had a lovely time at Kata Beach, while staying at the Malisa Villa Suites Phuket.
Resort Overview
The Malisa Villa Suites Phuket is located just off the beach of Kata. I chose this resort because it ticked all the requirements for my getaway– I wanted a hidden retreat near the beach, with just a couple of villas for some privacy, and my own private pool. It is also reasonably priced for the luxury it provides.
And best of all, despite its quiet location, I just needed to take a short walk outside the resort to be in the midst of the flurry of visitors and tourists in Kata— where most of the restaurants, bars and pubs are located. Convenience at its best!
With 41 private pool villas divided into three categories– the Pool Villa, the Grand Pool Villa and the Family Pool Villa; the Malisa Villa Suites provides its guests with a tranquil and relaxed setting. The villas are surrounded by trees and flowers, and the sound of nature and running water.
During my visit, it was pretty windy too, so I was accompanied by the sound of the breeze while relaxing by my private pool. I stayed in the Pool Villa, which cost approximately ฿10,000 (US$280) per night.
Kata and the Beach
Just outside the villa (a 5-minute walk) is the small town of Kata, and its beautiful beach. The town is a lively one with an abundance of small shops, restaurants and roadside vendors (make sure you try the barbecued meat sticks, and the banana pancakes). The lovely bay of Kata is a great beach for families and sun-seekers who rather not be disturbed by the peddlers that are usually found along the more popular and busy beach of Patong. I spent my afternoons lying on the beach, and was only disturbed by the occasional sound of children crying, or laughing.
Kata Beach is also a great spot to watch the sun go down– and come night, when most of the crowds have dispersed; I enjoyed just sitting on the beach, listening to the lapping of waves on the shore and admiring the sky full of stars, with a bottle of Singha beer.
The Malisa Experience
I arrived at Malisa Villa Suites at about 8am in the morning. I was a little early for check-in, but the receptionist was very accommodating– she even tried to arrange an available villa for me and handled my luggage. I was scheduled to go diving the entire day (Read about it here:- Diving For a Day in the Phi Phi Islands); and by the time I returned, my luggage were already waiting for me in my villa.
I was driven to my private villa by the resort’s small buggy, and after a quick orientation (how to handle the switches, doors, controls etc.), I was left to explore my lovely villa.
The Pool Villa is a small villa in modern decor; though the wooden furnishings looked rather worn down. A little up-keeping would have made a difference, especially to the small dip pool. Still, it was nice lounging by the sundeck and the outdoor living room, while listening to the sound of water from the pool’s waterfall wall (it can be switched off if it is too noisy). When staying long-term, it is best to get housekeeping to clean or filter the pool occasionally, as the leaves from the trees around the resort tend to fall in and clutter the pool.
The villa also comes with a fully equipped kitchen (most of the pots and pans have to be requested from room service) and a daily-replenished mini bar. In-villa breakfasts can be requested every morning, but I preferred making my own.
Other amenities include an indoor jacuzzi, a Mac Mini, an on-and-off Wifi connection; and I must mention the huge comfortable king-sized bed. The biggest problem (of the resort) is the mosquito infestation– which is hard to avoid considering the amount of plants in the area, and the hot and humid Southeast Asian weather.
I loved walking around the grounds of the resort– the villas are spread out over several walkways with lush greenery and palm trees. Most of the villas are connecting villas, and because they are partially open aired; late night partying and nightly activities can sometimes be heard. I did hear some odd noises in the late evening!
The facilities and services offered in the resort are the Nanta Restaurant, the spa, as well as a gym– but they looked empty most of the time. Due to the abundance of restaurants and massage parlors found in Kata town for double the choices and half the prices offered here; it made more sense to get my seafood fix and Thai massages elsewhere.
At the End of the Day
The Malisa Villa Suites Phuket offers a certain amount of luxury; attentive service and commendable facilities. However, a little more up-keeping and maintenance in the villas, as well as better amenities (i.e kitchen utensils) are needed to ensure that a stay here is worth the price.
This is a great place to stay if you don’t fret over the little details. What I enjoyed most about staying at the resort is its seclusion, while being in a lively tourist town. I believe it offers the best of both worlds should you decide to stay in Kata.
Malisa Villa Suites Phuket
Where: 40/36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand.
Website: http://www.malisavillas.com/
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Categories: Asia, Boutique, Hotels and Resorts, Island Loving, Luxury, Southeast Asia, Thailand
