Having only five hours in Singapore after coming back from Vietnam (including my sleeping time), I only managed to take a shower, change to a new outfit, unpack the luggage and pack again for the new destination. 6 am calling time, I was up and ready to catch the next flight to Phuket and spend my weekend with Radisson Blu.
I've been to Phuket a few times and am pretty familiar with every corner of Patong beach. But, staying away from the Patong beach madness for a real rest and relaxing vacation was something I've never done before. That's why I was actually looking forward to spending my time at Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket
A first impression only comes once and Radisson Blu Phuket sure knows how to make your first impression unforgettable. Right after I walked out of the terminal building, a private car was ready to take me to the hotel. Look at what I found: Wifi in the car.
It took me a while to realize that there was wifi in the car. At that first moment, I was sold and completely believed that my weekend would be wonderful already. For someone who is constantly connected with social networking like me, having a wifi on the go was the best luxury I could ask for.
The short 40-minute drive from the airport brought me to this place. Grand entrance as a grand welcome to Radisson Blu Phuket.
Stepping inside the larger-than-life sized lobby, I noticed there were two entrances to the hotel. One facing the main road and the other facing a beautiful ocean. Radisson Blu Phuket is a private beachfront resort that is positioned against the gorgeous Makham Bay, offering endless white sands, blue skies, and ocean views.
Oliver Gires, the best hotel ambassador I could ask for, greeted me at the entrance by my name and quickly gave me an introduction about the hotel facilities and areas. He even went extra miles to offer taking photos of me, which was exactly what I needed. Some of the beautiful photos below were courtesy of Oliver.
One unique thing I noticed during my 3-day stay at Radisson Blu, every staff has a "Yes I can!" pin on their uniform. When asked, one of the employees told me that this is a service philosophy that sets Radisson Blu apart from their competitors. Whether you are in Thailand, Dubai, Zurich or Chicago, you are assured to receive excellent service and undivided attention from the Radisson Blu team.
How impressive it is!
A welcome drink tasted so much better with a view like this.
June is in the monsoon season in Phuket with increasing rainfall. I was told that it had been raining all week long until I came. The sun came out, the sky was clear and the weather was just beautiful. It's perfect for having a margarita while admiring the panoramic view of Panwa beach from the deck.
Calling this place home for my weekend in Phuket.
Every day we would have a different bed decoration and complimentary local food offered by the hotel. This towel swan couple made me feel like I was on a honeymoon trip.
Full wall mirror and a sliding door wardrobe that looked like a mini walk-in closet. I haven't seen this in any hotel I've been to, have you?
The bathroom was even more spacious.
If this is not called Luxury, I don't know what is.
We even had our private pool.
If only I could bring this pool to Singapore, I'd be doing nothing but this.
Couldn't help but dip in.
There were more facilities and activities in Radisson Blu Phuket that anyone could ask for. A fully equipped gym for a fitness lover.
How about yoga in the pool? This was the second pool in the hotel.
The first one, facing the ocean, is awarded as the largest lagoon pool in the island.
But if you are not into sun-tanning or swimming, you'll love chilling by the pool, looking over the pristine beach while having your favorite cocktail offered by the pool bar. When I was there, there was a one for one offer and that made it even better.
There were a few restaurants around the hotel that offered spectacular food that made me feel like I didn't need to get out of the hotel for lunch or dinner at all. The only time we went out for dinner was when we visited Patong Beach at night.
Thai food was good, but it was even better at Radisson Blu Azu restaurant. The service was wonderful, the location was amazing, the food was delicious, and the company was beyond perfect, I couldn't ask for anything better than that.
Even the buffet breakfast the next day at Aqua restaurant was one of a kind. Oliver and Bjorn (Hotel General Manager) came to say hi to us a couple of times and to make sure everything was okay.
The last day with Radisson Blu, Oliver offered to take more photos of me (and my outfit) and brought me around the hotel. After a long and hot walk, we ended up at this quiet deck. While Oliver was busy snapping the camera shutter, I was lucky enough to have a few quiet moments captured through his lens.
This amazing trip was truly a reward for me for embarking a career change in my life. I was so ready to go back and to start my new journey on Monday.
Thank you so much Radisson Blu for your wonderful hospitality!
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation and being away from the busy touristy area in Phuket, Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel is the best recommendation I'd love to give to you.
Thank you so much for reading!
Update (01/09/2020): Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel has been rebranded to Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort.