Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort And Spa, Phuket Thailand
Review written by Australian Mangosteen guest on Tripadvisor.
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Dec 2, 2009 | Trip type: Friends getaway
Due to some of the negative reviews of Mangosteen on this web site I decided to hedge my bets and book my first couple of nights and Mangosteen and then the next few at Outrigger Serenity, which are situated only about 200 metres apart.
I can only say that I wish I had disregarded the negative reviews and stayed my entire trip at Mangosteen.
Let me preface this review by saying this. Whilst in the pool at Mangosteen, I was chatting to some young Singaporean in the pool. I asked him what he thought of Mangosteen. He replied to the effect that "...it's a bit old." How sad that a hotel has to be new in order for some people to like it. Surely the patina of age adds character?
So how was it? Our taxi driver turned into a small Soi (lane) marked by pot holes and gravel. Surely this can't be it I wondered. We turned into the sweeping driveway and pulled up at the foot of the stairs to heaven.
Check-in was seamless. The paperwork was already prepared and no, it wouldn't be necessary to see our Agoda vouchers. Within minutes we were in our rooms. But these are no ordinary rooms. These rooms are free-standing villas, each with it's own patio, outdoor furniture and hammock. Inside the cathedral ceilings are complimented by solid teak doors, gleaming dark parquet floors and inlaid terracotta tiles. Every design element looks handmade and is formed from natural materials.
The shower is an "outdoor" affair, which means that the shower room is covered by a thatched roof and naturally ventilated. So appropriate to the tropics.
I awoke to the sound of bird song and opened my eyes. Through the windows the Andaman Sea could be seen in the distance, the light of the fishing boats bobbing in the distance.
Breakfast is truly sumptuous. European tastes are catered for, but for the "do in Rome" traveler, there were Thai dishes, fruit platters and eggs cooked to order.
The pool is the coup de gras of this fine establishment. 24 hour use of the pool is "expressly permitted" and little wonder. It is magnificent day and night. Water spills from glass chutes into the moat surrounding the restaurant. Fountains of trumpeting elephants play water and bridges cross the pool to Reception and other parts of the hotel. Few pools exceed 1.8m deep, but this salt cleaning system (not chlorine) is a labyrinth of different depths and also features a built-in jacuzzi.
The architectural design of Mangosteen is stunning. Standing alone atop a hill, it commands almost 360 degrees of spectacular views.
Scooters are available for hire at a reasonable (market) price and you can be at Kata Beach within just a few minutes. Best of all, you don't have to stay there amidst the touting, noise, pollution and bars. Mangosteen stands proudly alone offering peace and tranquility. Shuttle buses run on the hour to take you to Nai Harn Beach, which in my opinion is one of the best on the island. But why would you want to leave? Stay and enjoy the mountain breeze, the pool scene and stunning views. The restaurant is excellent (I only eat Thai food whilst in Thailand) and above Reception is the bar, which is the highest point of the hotel and therefore offers the best views.
Who would love Mangosteen? If you are looking for a hotel with character and excellent amenities, then this is for you. If you want to celebrate a special occasion with friends or loved ones, then this is for you. If you want peace and quiet, then this is for you.
The Golden Tulip Mangosteen Boutique Resort & Spa, Phuket Thailand
http://www.mangosteen-phuket.com
reservation@mangosteen-phuket.com
Tel: +66 76 289399
Fax: +66 76 289389
No comments:
Post a Comment