Amatara Welleisure Resort: Hotel Review
I've always been interested in health and wellness, so I dream of going on a retreat to completely recharge. After doing some thorough research, I came across Amatara Welleisure Resort. Right away, I knew this resort would be the perfect getaway.
Amatara Welleisure Luxury Resort is a five-star haven nestled on Cape Panwa, Phuket, Thailand. Unlike the lively tourist hotspots of Phuket, Cape Panwa offers a tranquil escape, making it ideal for relaxation and unwinding. The area boasts several high-end resorts and spas nearby.
Here, you can indulge in luxurious accommodations, acclaimed wellness programs, and stunning ocean views. Amatara Welleisure Luxury Resort offers all-inclusive wellness retreats that encompass lodging, healthy meals, and personalized leisure and wellness activities. It's a one-stop shop for those seeking a luxurious health and wellness retreat experience.
While Cape Panwa area prioritizes tranquility, it also offers convenient access to other Phuket attractions. You can easily reach Old Phuket Town and nearby islands for day trips if you desire a change of pace.
Upon arrival & Check-in
The package I booked included a convenient airport pickup and drop-off. Upon reaching Phuket International Airport, the driver will be waiting for you at arrivals. They will escort you to the van and welcome you with a cold towel and refreshing juice. This warm hospitality immediately impressed me!
Once you arrive at the resort, you'll be escorted to the reception for a prompt and smooth check-in.
The room I booked, the Cape Panwa Suite, is spacious! Measuring 70 sqm, the room features a king-size bed, an adjoining living room, and a balcony with a sea view. The bed is incredibly comfortable, and the room is stocked with abundant amenities, from organic tea to bath salts. You'll also find heartwarming touches like a welcome letter and a cute elephant towel on the bed.
The beach
The resort has a private beach, accessible only to resort guests. To reach the beach, guests can call the hotel for a complimentary shuttle service. However, the only downside I found was the presence of many rocks, making swimming difficult.
Activities - Never a Dull Moment Here
Amatara Welleisure Resort has all the right tools and programs to help you accelerate your health goals. First things first, they offer a complimentary consultation service with a health specialist. This complimentary consultancy service allowed me to speak with a wellness specialist. They assessed my body composition, posture, and other factors. Afterward, a health consultant will suggest suitable programs, such as specific massages or exercise activities that would be beneficial for you.
Setting goals for yourself is important. Consider what kind of experiences you're seeking and prioritize activities that truly appeal to you. You don't need to do everything; focus on what you want to experience and try.
The resort also has a dedicated team of professional fitness trainers ready to support guests in the gym, for private sessions, or in fun group classes. These classes include Pilates, Muay Thai, Yoga, Tai Chi, personal training and more. For me, I chose to do morning yoga to start a great days!
To make sure you don't miss anything, it's best to check with the hotel staff for the most recent schedule of their complimentary daily fitness classes. Booking a spot in advance is also recommended, as some classes, like the morning yoga limited to 7 participants, might fill up quickly.
During my yoga class, the instructor shared that he also teaches boxing! This surprised me, as boxers typically aren't known for their yoga flexibility. He truly proved to be a jack of all trades! Kind, patient, and incredibly helpful, he even took some amazing photos for me - perfect for Instagram! So, a big thank you to him!
The pool
The swimming pool was definitely my favorite spot. Huge and perfect for lounging, it offered a panoramic view that was simply stunning. I spent many relaxing hours swimming and soaking up the sun.
The poolside service was outstanding as well. The attendant's attentiveness to detail and service-oriented mindset were fantastic. They kept me well-hydrated with refreshing drinks throughout the day.
Food - Delightful surprise
The program I chose included full board meals, featuring a breakfast buffet, healthy set lunch, and healthy set dinner. This provided the perfect opportunity to indulge in a delicious and healthy culinary experience. Most people assume healthy food lacks flavor, but this resort proves them wrong! The food here was not only healthy but also incredibly delicious! Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
For breakfast, you have the option of a buffet line featuring healthy basics like a salad bar, yogurts, and pastries. However, I couldn't resist exploring the à la carte menu, where my personal favorite was the omelette. There are two seating areas: indoor and outdoor. I recommend the outdoor area for the best view, but be aware you might be joined by some friendly local birdies :)
For lunch and dinner, I could choose from a selection of healthy appetizers, main courses, and desserts. As you can see from the pictures, the food was not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, especially the vegan chocolate cake, which truly blew me away.
The portions were perfectly balanced, neither too large nor too small. Each dish was prepared with fresh ingredients, which significantly enhanced the flavor. This is a true testament to their ability to create healthy meals without compromising on taste.
Spa
A nice resort stay isn't complete without a luxurious spa treatment. What makes the spa here truly special is its wide variety of treatments, including their signature Amatara's Signature Thai Hammam. This unique treatment honors the bathing traditions of Morocco and Turkey, incorporating a touch of Thai healing for a one-of-a-kind experience. The spa is among the few in Thailand to offer a Hammam treatment room.
In keeping with my desire for unique experiences, I opted for two treatments not commonly found at most spas: Chi Nei Tsang and Energy Healing (Reiki).
Chi Nei Tsang, also known as "inner organ massage," is a fascinating abdominal massage technique originating in Thailand and based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It targets deep-seated emotional tension within the abdomen and can also alleviate digestive issues.
Energy Healing, like Reiki, is an ancient form of hands-on healing that believes everything is made of energy. It focuses on realigning the body's energy to promote harmony and balance, affecting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This type of healing complements other treatments by specifically targeting the body's energy levels, supporting overall health.
Both were great experiences for me, and of course, I chose a regular treatment like aromatherapy massage to go with it too, creating a perfect balance for my body and mind. To learn more about their treatment options, click the menu here.
Lush Garden - A Green Escape
Besides excellent service, great food, good facilities, and awesome activities, another key feature that makes this resort a perfect getaway is its lush garden. Immersing yourself in nature is a welcome escape for many city dwellers, myself included. Being surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees provided a significant mood boost and helped me unwind after my hectic Bangkok schedule. The tranquil garden offered a haven of peace and I enjoyed it very much.
Overall, the stay at Amatara Welleisure Resort is worthwhile for anyone keen on wellness and wanting to take time off to take care of their body and mind. The resort provides you with the right environment to detox from the busy life and unplug from the city. The journey here also gives you a boost in mood, helping you to relax and recharge.
I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to experience the same. The pricing here is also more competitive than other wellness retreats in the same category, so why not check it out?