Phuket, one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, is famous for its beaches and vibrant nightlife. Most visitors head for the southern end of the island, to places such as Patong and Karon. Patong, in particular, is (in)famous for its buzzing entertainment scene. I’ve been to Phuket many times and almost always stayed at a hotel or resort in or near Patong. For my latest visit, a holiday with my family, we decided to stay in the north of the island and picked the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon beach resort. It was my first time in this part of the island and I absolutely loved it!
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
The Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach is a five-star resort, about a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (map). The resort is spread out across a hillside, backed by thick forests and fronting Naithon Beach, a lovely stretch of sand lapped by the clear, turquoise Andaman Sea. I spent several relaxing days here with my family and we had a terrific time enjoying the resort and the beach, and simply catching up with each other.
The main building is located on the lower part of the hill and includes the lobby area, restaurants, bars, the gym and Dhatri Spa, and an infinity pool. I was especially impressed by the lush greenery, with many trees and flowering plants.
The check-in process was a bit slow but we were offered cold refreshments and snacks while we waited. This also gave me the opportunity to explore the expansive lobby, which is surrounded by beautiful reflecting pools.
The accommodations, a choice of 277 rooms and pool villas, are located around the main buildings and extend up the hill. I chose an Ocean room in a separate wing that was a short walk from the lobby area.
Ocean room
My room, a spacious 46 square meters in size, was absolutely gorgeous. There was a walk-in closet, bathroom with a separate rain shower cubicle and bath tub, a large king-size bed and a flat screen tv with a sound bar. There was also a Nespresso coffee machine and minibar.
The first thing I checked out was the view. I was a tad disappointed that it was only a partial view of the sea but that was a trade-off I was aware of. I requested rooms for me and my family near the main building to avoid having to climb up and down the hill (or having to wait for a buggy every time). This meant that I was within close proximity of the resort’s restaurants, main pool and the beach. The downside is that these rooms on the lower part of the hill have their views partially blocked by trees.
In the walk-in closet, there was a bathrobe and slippers, and a beach bag with a large towel, which I proceeded to use every day.
Resort facilities
Restaurants
The Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon has two restaurants: Elements, which provides for all-day dining, and Vero, and Italian restaurant. Both are located atop each other in the main building.
Breakfast each day at Elements was a highlight of my stay. The huge buffet offered Asian (Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Middle Eastern) and Western dishes. There were also separate counters for smoothies and juices, champagne and Bloody Mary’s! I spent at least an hour there every morning!
Dining al fresco at Vero was also a treat. The food and wines were excellent, as was the service. I loved sitting outside and watching the sunset while sipping on wine.
There’s also a Bakery and Bowls & More café (salads, poké bowls and smoothies) at the Health Club.
Bars
There are also several bars scattered around the resort. In the main building, there’s the C Bar at the lobby area and the Azur Pool Bar next to the main pool. There’s also the M Bar, located higher up the hill at the second pool (which is for adults only).
My favourite was the C Bar with its sunken lounges surrounded by a reflecting pool. It’s a lovely spot to catch a cool breeze and to enjoy the sunset.
Pools
There are two pools, one at the main building and another higher up the hill. The main pool offers beautiful views of Naithon beach and the sea. Around it are several levels with deck chairs and sunshades. From the main pool area, a staircase leads down to the beach.
Dhatri Spa
The resort is home to (reputedly) the best spa in Phuket: Dhatri. The spa offers a variety of massages and other wellness treatments. I didn’t get to try the spa as I found a terrific massage place in the village.
Naithon beach
Often considered as one of the best beaches in Phuket, Naithon beach is a wide expanse of fine sand lined by casuarina trees. There are no beach facilities like deck chairs, though there is a section for beach massages and a makeshift shower on the side of a tree.
I loved the beach and its crystal-clear water! It was a joy to swim in the sea and watch the many fish darting around. The beach is wide and long so it never felt crowded each day I was there.
The village
Naithon village consists of a stretch of cafés, restaurants, shops and smaller resorts along the beach. It’s a laid-back place, with a single road separating the village from the beach. Along the road are numerous street food stalls complete with rickety tables and stools, which are especially busy in the evenings. Whenever I’m in Thailand, I always make it a point to check out the food stalls, and they seldom disappoint.
After a day at the beach, my family and I would gather at the Beach & Bubbles café for drinks and pre-dinner snacks.
Naithon spa/massage
There are several spa/massage places along the road. The ones I can recommend are Naris and Ayodiawan, which are perhaps the furthest from the Pullman resort but are absolutely worth the trek! If you enjoy a strong massage in an authentic Thai style, head for Naris.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants along Naithon Beach, and a few higher up in the hills above the beach. We dined in the village twice during our stay: at Shameena, a cosy two-level restaurant opposite the beach, and The Hill, a restaurant up in the hills with lovely views and ditto food.
The Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon resort is a lovely place for a tranquil couples retreat or a family holiday. I enjoyed the room and facilities, whilst the service staff were friendly and attentive. It was my first time in this part of Phuket and I appreciated the fact that it’s close to the airport. Aside from enjoying the beautiful beach, the village and the resort’s facilities, there isn’t much else to do in the vicinity except perhaps a Thai cooking class (at the resort) or visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary. Patong and Phuket Town are both about an hour’s drive away. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in Phuket, consider Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon. Check here for rates (Booking.com).
