Amatara Wellness Resort in Panwa, Phuket

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Updated: May 11, 2021

Essentials
• Location: Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Cape Panwa.
• Hotel website: amataraphuket.com
• Hotel phone: +66 (0) 7631-8888
• Check prices on Booking.com

Review of Amatara Wellness Resort in Panwa, Phuket.

Fabulous wellness resort with water on 3 sides in quiet Panwa, featuring opulent rooms and suites, a private beach, and superlative wellness facilities.

Amatara Wellness Resort – Holistic wellness resort with fabulous views and opulent facilities.

This luxury lifestyle and wellness resort in south Phuket’s idyllic and sleepy Cape Panwa offers a “Relax and Renew” philosophy to all its guests. Well-designed and spacious rooms and suites, private beach, huge infinity pools, large fitness center, amazing spa, and multiple bars and restaurants make this an ideal holiday destination for all types of travelers. With an in-house doctor, as well as a nutritionist, nurse, and physiotherapist, the resort specializes in all-inclusive, bespoke wellness packages. Babysitters, activities, and numerous facilities ensure that even guests not looking for balancing the body and mind can have a leisurely, luxury holiday.

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Amatara Wellness Resort – Location

  • Area: Prime clifftop location in Cape Panwa in southern Phuket. Walkable to the Panwa viewpoint and several restaurants and cafes nearby. Quiet area, not as commercialized as Patong Beach.
  • Address: 84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Cape Panwa.
  • How to Get There: The hotel offers complimentary (via common bus, if rooms are booked directly) and paid airport transfers, but guests can easily come from the airport via prepaid taxi, limousine service, or rented car, which takes about (45 km). Guests arriving in cruise ships will arrive at either the Phuket Port (large ships, 40 km), Patong Bay (November to April, 25 km), or the Ao Makham Port (May to October, 3 km), depending on the size of the ship and the season. Small boats or the traditional long boats from the smaller islands can actually dock at the resort’s beach during high tide.
  • Handy to: Laem Panwa Viewpoint (750m). Phuket Aquarium (1 km).

Amatara Wellness Resort – The Basics

  • Ages: Guests tend to be couples on a romantic getaway or honeymoon, individuals in high-stress jobs looking to unwind, and even families. All ages are welcome, and cribs and baby-sitters are available on request.
  • Kids Club: Large kids club with plenty of activities, toys, and games, and attached children’s pool with a small “waterfall”.
  • Beach: Private and secluded beach with soft white sand and shallow water that is ideal for swimming, kayaking, or paddle-boarding during high tide. However, the beach is accessible via a record 71 steps and it’s quite a climb back up.
  • View: Since the resort is located on a clifftop, views from throughout the resort and all bay or sea-facing rooms are breathtaking.
  • Kitchen: No kitchens in any rooms, but Pool Villa guests can request romantic barbecues on their large patios with private chefs.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: All pool villas have pools with in-built jacuzzis. The main swimming pool also has a jacuzzi on one side.
  • Laundry: Laundry facilities available. All pool villa guests get 8 pieces of laundry free per day.
  • Parking: Plenty of free and secured parking on-site.
  • Extras: Complimentary use of kayaks, paddle-boards, bicycles, pool table, and ping pong table. Multiple cooking classes. Welcome drinks, garland, and cold towels on arrival. Complimentary use of laptop and printer in The Library Lounge. Herb garden.
  • When to Book: Reserve at least 3 months in advance for peak holiday periods like December-January or Chinese New Year. 1-2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: +66 (0) 7631-8888
  • Email: reservations.phuket@amataraphuket.com
  • Website: amataraphuket.com

Amatara Wellness Resort – Amenities

  • Pools: 3 pools – massive infinity pool by the lobby, long infinity pool at the Retreat for wellness and Pool Villa guests, and fairly large children’s pool with “waterfall” at the kids club. Plus, private pools in the Pool Pavilions and Pool Villas.
  • Spa: The award-winning Amatara Our Destination Spa is located in a huge separate building with amazing views, and offers an extensive range of treatments and massages. It features the world’s first Thai Hammam with hot and cold treatments, along with steam and sauna rooms, and a special Himalayan Salt room.
  • Fitness Center: Huge fitness center, extremely well-equipped with modern machines, and private trainers available on request. Steam and sauna rooms are located under the gym. Large studio for Smart Pilates, yoga, aerobics, and Thai kick-boxing. Open-air studio for morning yoga. Special physiotherapy room. State-of-the-art colon hydrotherapy room.
  • For Disabled Guests: The resort is located on an extremely steep cliff-top, so it’s not ideal for disabled or elderly guests. Some rooms with just a few steps can be used for partially-disabled guests. Limited in-room spa services and massages are also offered. Most guests request buggies to get around as the terrain is so steep.
  • For Families: Kids club, kids pool, daily activities, kayaks, paddle boards, pool table, ping pong table, tennis court, and bicycles. Baby-sitters for hire.
  • Activities: Thai, healthy, and raw cooking classes. Yoga, meditation, stretching, Thai massage, and Thai kick-boxing.
  • Other Facilities: Boutique and souvenir shop. Business center. Library. Mini-fridge, safe, international plug points, coffee machine, and electric kettle in all rooms.

Amatara Wellness Resort – Food and Drink

  • Restaurants: The Restaurant – Serves a sumptuous and healthy buffet breakfast in the mornings, and a la carte dinners from an authentic Thai, Asian, and semi-International menu. Outdoor and indoor seating. • The Grill – Open for lunch and dinner, offering indoor as well as outdoor seating. This casual fine dine restaurant specializes in grilled seafood and meat dishes. • The Retreat – Exclusively for wellness and Pool Villa guests for breakfast, and all guests for lunch and dinner. Offers a terrific healthy menu, including vegan dishes, that uses seasonal, organic, free-range, and unprocessed ingredients. Indoor and outdoor seating, with excellent views over the infinity pool and the bay beyond.
  • Lounges/Bars: Sun & Moon – Open only from 5 pm to 11 pm, this rooftop bar serves excellent cocktails and fine vintage wines, with panoramic views over the bay and a gentle breeze for company. • Pool Terrace – Located on the pool deck, this bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, and light Asian and Western meals. Happy hours daily from 6-7 pm. • The Beach Table – A wooden log table overlooking the beach and bay. Good for refreshing cocktails, chilled beers, and light snacks. • The Library – Located at the lobby level, this uniquely designed library is a great meeting and relaxing space. Also serves afternoon tea and snacks, and offers complimentary use of laptop and printer.
  • Breakfast: Not complimentary, but included in some rates and with wellness packages. Half and full-board packages available. Buffet breakfast for all guests at The Restaurant between 6.30 and 10.30 am daily. A la carte breakfast for wellness and Pool Villa guests at The Retreat from 6.30 to 11 am daily.
  • Room Service: Available from 5.30 am till 11 pm.

Amatara Wellness Resort – Rooms

  • Room Types: Bay View Suite • Ocean Pavilion • Sea View Suite • Pool Pavilion • Bay View Pool Villa • Ocean View Pool Villa • List of all Rooms
  • Smoking Rooms: Being a wellness resort, smoking is only allowed in the balconies of each room and a designated area at the back of the lobby. No smoking allowed inside any of the rooms or in any of the public areas.
  • Best Room: All rooms come with excellent views, electronic blinds, king beds, standalone bathtubs, balconies, mini-bars, and coffee machines. The Pool Villas, at 150 sqm each, are the best and most luxurious. Each villa comes with an oversized bathroom, huge stand-alone bathtub, extensive sundeck, large outdoor pool, and substantial living area. Complimentary services offered to Pool Villa guests include 1 bottle of rosé wine per stay, 8 pieces of laundry per day, 1 afternoon tea set at The Library per stay, 1 glass of cocktail per villa guest per day at Sun & Moon, access to The Retreat’s facilities and restaurant, and butler service.
  • For Families: A single extra bed can only be added to the Sea View Suites and Pool Villas. Every Pool Villa features a sofa that can sleep an extra adult. Baby cots are complimentary. There are no connecting rooms, but adjoining rooms can be booked in advance.

Amatara Wellness Resort – Local Transport

  • Walking: The lobby and rooms are quite a long and steep walk from the resort entrance. The area around the resort is quiet and pleasant for walking. However, there are no sidewalks, so be careful. Local hawkers selling souvenirs and food line up along the main road on specially-modified motorcycle stalls after 5 pm, once the temperature is cooler. Being a predominantly Muslim area, most establishments shut by 10 pm, but that also means there are no loud, disturbing parties in the neighborhood late in the night, unlike the more commercialized and packed areas of Phuket.
  • Bus: The only local bus from the Old Town stops at Panwa beach, so it’s not very convenient. The resort offers paid shuttle bus transfers to/from the airport, Phuket Old Town, Central Festival mall, night market, and Patong (at night).
  • Taxis: Fixed price taxis can be booked at the taxi stand right outside the resort’s main gate, but they are expensive. App-based Grab is difficult to get in Panwa, though it’s easily available in the more crowded areas like Patong and Phuket Old Town. Best to book a car for half or full day, and finish sight-seeing, shopping, and eating out along the route.

Amatara Wellness Resort – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

  • Island Tours: Half and full-day boat trips to islands such as James Bond, Phi Phi, Coral, Raya, and several others can be arranged, which also include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as tea/coffee, lunch, snacks, and/or dinner.
  • Phuket Tours: Similarly, half and full-day Phuket trips can be arranged through the resort or through travel agencies, and trips can also be customized per hour.

Best Nearby Restaurants and Bars

  • Blue Wave – Located at the Panwa Viewpoint, this small cafe offers a delicious value-for-money Thai and Western menu and drinks. Friendly staff and excellent views. (700m).
  • Sawasdee – Well-loved by locals and foreigners alike for its great value authentic Thai menu and some western dishes, coupled with chilled beer. Next to Blue Wave. (800m).
  • Reun Panwa – Located just outside The Kantary Bay Hotel, this tiny restaurant and bar serves great cocktails, chilled beer, and excellent Thai food. Also popular for the great sea views. (1 km).
  • Pullman Panwa Beach Resort – Both on-site restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating and a good selection of wines: Tamarind (authentic Thai food, and open only for dinner) and Aqua (breakfast buffets, and international cuisine through the day). (1 km).
  • Old Phuket Town – Several options serving cuisines from around the world at various price points at Old Phuket Town and Central Festival. (12 km).
  • Sala Mexicali – 1 of 2 outlets just a 2-minute drive from the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery (see Attractions below). Serves authentic and fresh Mexican food, beer, and tequila. (13 km).

Best Nearby Cafes

  • The Panwa Cafe – Opposite Pullman Panwa Beach Resort and run by a very friendly couple. Extremely popular for its air-conditioned interior, coffee, breakfast, and Thai dishes. (800m).
  • Café Kantary – Located in The Kantary Bay Hotel. Excellent menu of coffee, tea, milkshakes, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. (800m).

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

  • Lots of small shops selling souvenirs, clothes, and knick-knacks, as well as money changers in the neighborhood, but nothing really of much interest. The best shopping is at Central Festival mall (13 km) and the colonial-style Old Town (12 km).

Nearby Attractions

    All these attractions can be completed by hiring a car with driver for 6-8 hours on an hourly basis.

  • Laem Panwa Viewpoint – A nice seaside promenade that is great for views, walks, or to just sit and enjoy the food from the motorcycle vendors in the evenings. (750m).
  • Phuket Aquarium – Small aquarium featuring several live exhibits, including sharks, glass tunnel, and even a turtle sanctuary. Worth a visit, especially if with small kids. (1 km).
  • Old Phuket Town – The historical Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and several shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars make this a must-visit destination for most travelers in Phuket. (12 km).
  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery – This small distillery manufactures excellent, award-winning rum using organic sugarcane and centuries-old French techniques. A must-visit for its tour (with rum tasting and free mojito), restaurant, and bar. One can also grab a bite at Sala Mexicali, just a short walk from the distillery. (13 km).
  • Big Buddha – Giant marble statue of the Big Buddha on a hilltop, with panoramic view of Phuket and the sea in all directions. Visitors can even rent ATVs to go up and down the steep and winding 6km hill. Dress conservatively. (22 km).
  • Promthep Cape – Arguably Phuket’s best sunset point at the southernmost tip of the island. Breathtaking views, and the adventurous can also hike to the southernmost point down a rocky path. Enjoy dinner at the Promthem Cape Restaurant to round off the evening. (24 km).

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

  • 7-Eleven – A 24-hour mini-mart selling everyday necessities, basic groceries, ready-to-eat meals, drinks, and health, beauty, and pharmacy products. (600m).
  • Super Cheap – A 24-hour supermarket with an excellent selection of items. (2.5 km).

Amatara Wellness Resort – The Hotel

The reception is located a long walk from the main entrance.

The entrance is prominent on the main road, but it is a long walk from here to the lobby.

The reception has an open layout and is very welcoming.

The bright and airy open-air reception sets the tone for the rest of the resort.

The resort has a lot of steps and slopes.

The resort is well-designed, but has lots of steep steps and slopes. Using the free buggies to get around is advisable.

This building houses the suites.

The Bayview Suites are located in this building. The white buildings contrast nicely with the lush greenery all around.

The Bayview Suites are very spacious.

The spacious Bayview Suites feature king beds. All rooms have sitting areas, desks, international plug outlets, smart TVs, and electronic blinds.

The balcony offers great bay views.

Smoking is allowed only in the balconies of all the rooms.

The standalone tub offers bay views.

The bedroom features a standalone tub with bay views through the full-length windows.

The marble bathroom is also very spacious.

The marble bathroom has dual vanities and a rain shower.

The mini bar has a small fridge and a coffee machine.

The mini bar has the usual drinks (only healthy options for guests on Wellness package), as well as a coffee machine.

The Pool Pavilions are just as spacious as the Suites.

The Pool Pavilion features a king bed, small sitting area, mini-bar, and smart TV.

The Pool Pavilion's patio has an infinity pool and small outdoor sitting area.

The room opens up to a small patio with an infinity pool and excellent views.

The marble bathroom is almost as big as the suite.

The opulent marble bathroom is huge and features dual vanities, a bathtub, and a separate shower area.

The extravagant Pool Villa has a king bed on a slightly higher level, a sitting area, and full-length windows that open to the patio with a private pool.

There is plenty of interesting decor around the villa.

The villas feature unique décor like antique vases, wall hangings, and comfortable wooden desks.

The patio has a large infinity pool with jacuzzi, sunbeds, and outdoor dining and barbecue area.

The patio features a decent-sized infinity pool with jacuzzi, al fresco dining area, 2 sunbeds, and additional space for a private barbecue dinner.

The giant round standalone bathtub offers excellent sea views.

The highlight of the villa is the round standalone bathtub with bay views.

The marble bathroom is just as opulent as the rest of the villa.

The massive bathroom features dual vanities, bathtub, and shower room with rain shower head.

The spa is located towards the top of the resort.

The spa is located at a height. The resort makes excellent use of the topography and features lovely little ponds/pools and lush greenery everywhere.

Amatara Our Destination Spa has received several awards.

The award-winning Amatara Our Destination Spa’s reception area features a fragrant basket of spices and oils that are used for the huge selection of treatments offered.

The spa has an amazing spot for weddings.

The upper level of the spa features a pond and a special deck with panoramic views of the sea. This beautiful location is hired out for weddings frequently.

There are 12 treatment rooms in the spa, some with sea views.

There are 12 treatments rooms, some individual, some for couples, and 4 with sea views.

Some spa rooms have standalone bathtubs in the balconies.

The sea view spa rooms also feature standalone tubs in the balconies, with breathtaking water views. One can even see Phi Phi island on the horizon.

The herb garden in the spa grows many of the organic herbs and spices used in the treatments.

The center of the spa features a lush green garden where several of the organic herbs and spices that are used in the treatments are grown.

Guests relax in the Spa Library post-treatments.

When the treatment is over, guests relax in the Spa Library, where they are served special teas and cooling drinks to rehydrate themselves.

The resort's hammam is one of it's kind and fantastic.

The huge Thai-Turkish hammam is one-of-its-kind and offers special packages. The Moroccan design, copper basins, and lavish use of marble is mesmerizing.

It also features a Himalayan salt room.

After finishing the hammam treatment, guests spend some time in this Himilayan salt room.

There is a special room for physiotherapy.

There is even a special physiotherapy room for guests with physical issues, and a licenced physiotherapist is available during the day.

The resort even has a colon-cleansing room.

The resort has a state-of-the-art colon cleansing room on-site.

A huge studio is used for yoga, aerobics, etc.

This is where indoor yoga, aerobics, boxing, and kick-boxing sessions are held.

Experts can use the Smart Pilates machines.

This room is for Smart Pilates, with special machines.

The gym is large and well-equipped.

The gym is large, bright, and very well-equipped. The steam and sauna rooms are located in the basement under the gym.

There is a ping pong table outside the gym.

A ping pong table is placed right outside the gym.

The kids club is very big and has a lot to keep the little ones busy.

The kids club is huge and has toys and games for almost every age group.

The long kids pool is by the kids club.

The kids pool is located by the kids club and has a small “waterfall” for the little ones.

The notice board announces the day's activities and tides.

A wooden notice board prominently displays the low and high tide timings, as well as the day’s activities.

It takes 71 steps to reach the beach.

The private beach is located a record 71 steps below.

These little oases are perfect to catch your breath while using the steps.

Thoughtfully, the resort has created 2 forest-style rest areas along the way, with waterfalls and a stream flowing down into the sea.

The Beach Table offers great views, drinks, and light snacks.

The Beach Table sits 6, and offers cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. Oh, and a fantastic sea view.

A few sunbeds are located next to the table.

To the right is a lawn with some sunbeds and umbrellas.

The beach is small and clean, and the water, calm.

The beach is small but pristine, with soft clean sand and shallow water that is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddle-boarding during high tide.

The Retreat offers health, organic food, with several vegan options.

The Retreat serves a healthy and organic menu. This is the outdoor sitting area by the pool.

It also features 2 indoor dining areas.

It also features 2 air-conditioned rooms for indoor dining, which also surprisingly open onto the pool.

The long infinity pool offers amazing sea views.

This infinity pool is reserved for Wellness and Pool Villa guests, and offers several sunbeds and stunning views as well.

The Restaurant serves buffet breakfasts in the mornings, and a la carte Thai food in the evenings.

The Restaurant is where breakfast is served, and turns into an authentic Thai restaurant in the evenings. It offers indoor as well as outdoor seating and excellent views.

The Grill specializes in seafood and grilled meats, and offers fabulous views.

The Grill’s outdoor seating is extremely popular because of the awe-inspiring views. It’s open for lunch and dinner daily, and serves a mix of international and Thai cuisine focused on fresh seafood.

The indoor area of The Grill is also very elegant.

The air-conditioned indoor area of The Grill is also exquisite.

Afternoon tea is served at The Lounge every day.

Afternoon tea is served at The Lounge. It’s also a pleasant area to meet people, enjoy a book, or even use the complimentary laptop and printer.

The huge main pool has infinity edges and fantastic sea views.

The resort’s massive swimming pool is located just by the lobby. It offers infinity edges, amazing sea views, and lots of sunbeds around it.

The pool bar serves the pool deck and offers happy hours.

The pool bar serves drinks and light snacks in the pool area as well as to the attached Sun n Moon Rooftop Bar. Check out the daily happy hours.

The Sun n Moon Rooftop Bar is the place to be at in the evenings.

The rooftop above The Grill is used for morning yoga, and turns into a bar in the evening. The views, as is the case throughout the resort, are amazing.

The large resort boutiques sells lots of items.

The resort has a large boutique that sells souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, antiques, postcards, and beach gear.

Panwa Viewpoint offers excellent sea views.

Panwa Viewpoint is a nice promenade by the sea, with plenty of seats, and the views make up for the lack of shade.

Sawasdee serves a delicious and authentic Thai menu.

Sawasdee next door is very popular among the locals for its authentic Thai menu.

Reun Panwa is also a great place to sample Thai food with chilled drinks and great views.

Reun Panwa restaurant and bar offers great drinks, chilled beer, Thai dishes, and fantastic sea views in a more traditional setting.

Café Kantary serves amazing coffee and cakes.

Café Kantary at the Kantary Bay Hotel next door serves arguably the best coffee and cakes in the area.

Motorcycle vendors come in the evenings and sell food.

Vendors come on modified motorcycles and sell food and fruits in the evenings by the viewpoint.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a good place to enjoy a mojito or even a meal.

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery features a full-fledged bar and restaurant, and also offers distillery tours with rum-tasting as well as cocktail-making classes.

Sala Mexicali serves delicious and authentic Mexican food.

Located just minutes from the distillery, Sala Mexicali serves delicious and authentic Mexican food, beer, and tequila.

The panoramic views from the Big Buddha are breathtaking.

The giant Big Buddha is worth a visit, if not for the serenity, then definitely for the views.

The views stretch right up to the horizon.

The views from the Big Buddha statue extend for miles all around.

Promthep Cap is always busy, no matter the time of the day.

Promthep Cape is at the southernmost point of Phuket, and extremely popular.

The southernmost point of Phuket can be found here, but it is a bit of a hike.

The adventurous can actually hike down to the southernmost point and enjoy the most beautiful sunset on the island.

The Old Town has several colonial-style buildings.

The Old Town is full of interesting buildings which house shops, souvenir stalls, bars, cafes, and restaurants. Most places close by 9 pm on weeknights, but the neighborhood is still worth exploring.

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