Phuket | The Senses Resort

I know I’ve mentioned it a million times on this blog, but we aren’t really resort people. Not that there’s anything wrong with resorts, I can certainly see their appeal. In general, we have very simple tastes. We don’t need massive breakfast buffets, porters, satellite TVs, or concierge services. And we especially don’t need a minibar that charges $13 for a can of cheap domestic beer.

But…

We found a really great last-minute deal on a pool suite at The Senses Resort in Phuket and since we were celebrating our anniversary, we thought it was as good a time as any to go crazy…

bubble zone

private pool deck

Our Hotel in Phuket | The Senses Resort

Going “crazy” in Southeast Asia isn’t exactly hard to do on a budget. There are, of course, the name brand, monstrous resorts that gobble up every available bit of beachfront they can find. But these resorts were neither inexpensive nor appealing to us. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we found many budget accommodations. Most were barely one step up from a backpacker hostel and many of the interiors looked exactly the same, regardless of hotel.

We found this Phuket resort for not much more than the going rate of a mid-range guesthouse. Given it was our anniversary, we upgraded to the pool suite which came with a private deck and a private entrance to a mini pool…which then led to the larger pool that overlooked the city. When we opened the door and walked into our room we both thought, “we could get used to this.”

Maybe we are resort people after all.

DETAILS

The Senses Resort | COST: $90-$250/night. However, we paid about $75/night for our room (one of the more expensive options), weekend rate. We found the best rates through their website. | DESCRIPTION: Boutique resort on a hill overlooking Patong Beach. Since this resort didn’t have beach access, it was considerably cheaper than those that did. We didn’t mind it though because the pool (and swim up pool bar) was awesome, they had free parking out front (great if you have a scooter or car), and it was about 15 minutes walking to all the Phuket nightlife. They also had a free beach shuttle during the day, but we never used it. What I really liked about this resort was that it felt very casual, intimate, and private. Yes, we were staying in a touristy spot with a bunch of other tourists, but for some reason it didn’t feel that way, if that makes sense. The breakfast buffet, which was included in our room rate, was amazing. Lots of variety and healthy options, and an excellent staff. Plus, you can eat at a little table outside, overlooking Phuket! | VERDICT: Recommended, especially during the off-season when rates are over 50% off. I normally think that things like “pool suites” are a waste of money, but I would definitely recommend the deluxe sea view pool access room.