Boon Koh

Review of Renaissance Phuket Resort & Sp...

Ah, in all my years travelling globally, this was ...

Ah, in all my years travelling globally, this was the best stay I've had. Not the most luxurious hotel, nor the best value for money, nor the best service. Not the best in one thing, but the sum of parts exceeded 5 stars.

Pros:
- As a lowly silver Marriott Elite member, I wasn't expecting my booking of two normal Deluxe rooms to be upgraded to a 2 bedroom private pool villa! They only have one of these, and it was amazing. Next to the pool and beach, with sea views.
- Service was amazing. I'd stayed in the Anantara Vacation Club just before this, and the level of service from the staff was several steps higher, from check-in to check-out.
- Breakfast buffet was possibly the best I've ever had, globally. Loads of choices. Both Asian and Western dishes done to perfection. Lots of healthy options, including what looked like 10 different fresh juices available. And an incredible ice cream bar for breakfast... plus the service was excellent. Plates cleared as soon as you'd finished.
- Spa service was excellent, and the package of massage+scrub was well priced
- As a silver, gold, or platinum elite you get various discounts on F&B and Spa services, depending on your level
- Villas were modern in style, with great air-con and furniture. Very well maintained and housekeeping was great.
- Pool was big enough, and there's a separate kids pool so the main pool was usually quiet and enjoyable for adults.
- Lots of loungers and deckchairs at the pool and beach, so no need to fight for them. Great service, with ice cold water topped up constantly.
- The beach right in front was a beautiful stretch, probably the best stretch in the Mai Khao area and very clean.
- Free watersports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards.
- You can call for a golf buggy to bring you around the resort.
- There are regular shuttle buses to the Turtle Bay shops or Mai Khao plaza.

Cons:
- Lunch and dinner are expensive, at Sandbox or Takieng.
- Takieng decor and quality is great, but still expensive for what you get. Almost European prices.
- 2 bedroom pool villa is not one self-contained unit. To two bedrooms are above each other, and you have to walk up the stairs outside to get between them. The living room is also separate, so you have to walk outside again. Rather than just one big building. This might not be practical for some families.
- If there's an outdoor wedding going on, or the next door JW Marriott have a special night, then you will get loud music playing until about 10pm.
- It is a very isolated resort. Nothing else nearby, except other resorts, and some beach huts for massages/food/bar. I think you need to be prepared to either stay in the resort, rent a car, or pay a lot for taxis.
- Toiletries come in big shared bottles, instead of small private ones.

Overall, it is an excellent resort, and one I will definitely stay at again if I'm back in Phuket!