The perfect getaway to Thailand: Koh Samui and Phuket

Phuket

There’s no better place to soak in the vibrant energy of Phuket than right in the heart of Patong. DoubleTree By Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort is conveniently located beside Patong Beach and is a stone’s throw away from the busy Bangla Walking Street and Jungceylon – the largest shopping mall in Phuket. While exciting attractions surround the resort, the resort itself offers a slice of peace and respite amidst the buzz.

A standout feature is the three large swimming pools on the property, all of which feature swim-up bars. Each room comes with a private balcony overlooking a pool. But for a special treat, opt for the King Premium Suite which gives you direct access to your own private pool and jacuzzi, on top of spacious and cosy lounging areas. The resort is also equipped with a fitness centre, a recreational room, and four F&B destinations. For an extra touch of convenience, Hilton Honors guests can also use the digital key system via the Hilton app to roam about the hotel keycard-free.

Koh Samui

Top-notch service is exactly what you’ll get when your private chauffeur turns up to whisk you away to Conrad Koh Samui. With 81 spacious private pool villas overlooking the private beach, farm-to-table dining concepts, specially tailored workshops, and an award-winning spa – this resort is your throne away from home. You don’t even have to walk if you don’t want to – the resort provides buggy services for getting around quickly and easily.

Choose from seven different types of pool villas, each featuring a large terrace and your very own 10-metre-long infinity pool that overlooks the South-Western tip of Koh Samui. The one-bedroom villas have all your living needs covered, from spacious modern interiors complete with wifi and a smart TV to ultra-lux bathrooms with a large bathtub and rain shower.

Phuket 

We’ll spare you the same old litany of things to do in Phuket – island-hopping, Thai massages, nightlife adventures, and so on. Instead, here are unique experiences you can look forward to both within and beyond the hotel. 

First, dive right into the fun at the resort pools and swim-up bars. Timmy’s – the hotel’s signature Tiki bar – offers refreshments like cocktails and fruity gelato popsicles to beat the heat. Next, try gliding through the water in style with a rentable water scooter or playing a round of volleyball. During your stay, make sure to also sign up for complimentary lobby activities where you can have a go at crafting a Piña Colada, making some tam (papaya salad), or baking cookies.

For exhilarating water sports, Patong Beach just beside the hotel is your go-to spot, where activities like parasailing, jet skiing and banana boating are available right at your fingertips.

Those keen to explore more can venture further out to Karon or Kata Beach, or head up to Karon Viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of Patong Bay. Next, check out the largest Buddha statue in all of Phuket at the top of Nakkerd Hill – the 45-metre-tall colossus covered in Burmese white marble is truly a sight to behold. Also worth a visit is Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest temple that is steeped in history and boasts awe-inspiring architecture and intricate details and paintings. Finally, make a stop at Phuket Old Town to see the charming 20th century Sino-Portugese buildings along Soi Romannee. These houses have now been converted into pretty cafés and quaint stores selling all sorts of trinkets and knick-knacks.

Koh Samui

Kickstart your day with a zen yoga session at 9am by the shore. Since you’re at a beach resort, have some fun in the water by going jet skiing, kayaking or paddle boarding. After, book yourself a relaxing spa session where you can enjoy a massage with views overlooking the coast.

Conrad Koh Samui also has a newly built farm located just a five-minute buggy ride away. Feed the farm animals and explore Conrad’s farm-to-table concepts where you’ll be able to discover the origins of the food you're enjoying at their restaurants – almost like a backstage tour before your meal.

In the afternoon, head to the in-house eco-café, Botanikka, to try your hand at making your own kombucha or learning more about coffee through a coffee roasting workshop.

Phuket

Thailand is a foodie’s dream with a wide variety of cuisines readily available at reasonable prices, and Phuket is no exception. In terms of food options within DoubleTree By Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort, The Port Restaurant stands out. It offers a Thai sharing platter with seven dishes of your choice. You’ll get to savour the best of Thailand’s cuisine in one meal – think tom yam, green curry, basil pork rice, seafood vermicelli, mango sticky rice, and more. Alternatively, you can also feast on a surf and turf galore here, with dishes like giant Phuket lobsters or ribeye steaks. After dinner, raise a toast at Mojito Bar nearby with interesting mojito variations crafted with local Chalong Bay rum. Or, kick back with a refreshing pint from the adjacent Beer Bar.

For breakfast, a scrumptious international buffet awaits you at The Shore, with live stations serving Thai-style kway teow noodles, kai jeow (Thai omelettes) and more. There are also fruit stations, Western fare, and a fun DIY pancake and waffle corner to power you up for the day. 

From unbeatable food, to scenic views, heart-thumping activities, and cultural gems, Phuket is the gift that keeps on giving. So if you think you’ve seen all this island has to offer, think again.

Koh Samui 

Indulge in a breakfast for champions at Zest Restaurant, where you will be spoilt for choice with their wide range of international food options. We highly recommend choosing Zest’s alfresco seating as it offers an unblocked view of Conrad Koh Samui’s private beach. 

Lounge by the resort's infinity pool afterwards and grab a Mediterranean lunch at Azure Bar. Try the cucumber tzatziki with housemade labneh, fennel and olive oil, and the marinated prawn pizza that features San Marzano tomatoes, topped with mozzarella, prawns, morning glory and chilli padi. For the less spice inclined, opt for the margherita pizza – a classic you can’t go wrong with – drizzled with San Marzano tomato sauce, and topped with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil.

As dinner comes around, head to Jahn, a cosy wooden terrace restaurant nestled on the hill overlooking Phang Ka Bay, where the phenomenal view acts as the appetiser. Don’t miss the grilled rock lobster, along with tom yum-flavoured onion rings, and the chilled yellow curry mud crab that is best savoured with thin slices of tom yum-dusted rice crackers. To cap off your day, pop across toKo Lounge and sip on Spicy Sunset, a sweet-and-sour tom yum-flavoured cocktail with jose cuervo silver, cointreau, pineapple juice and passion fruit juice.

Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort and Conrad Koh Samui now.