Rupert Parker reviews the TwinPalms MontAzure in Phuket
’m always a sucker for up-market beach hotels – the sort of places where you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves, with no other distracting sounds, and leap out of bed and go for a refreshing morning dip before enjoying a wonderful breakfast.
The 5* Twinpalms MontAzure offers all these and also faces directly west so you also get glorious sunsets over the ocean.
45 minutes from Phuket International Airport brings you to, Kamala Beach, a three km palm-fringed stretch of sand, surrounded by forested hills with a tiny fishing village at one end. At the other quieter end is the Twinpalms MontAzure, newly opened in June 2019 and designed for up-market tourists, couples or families with big kids, who want to enjoy sun, sand and sea in peace.
The property features a total of 46 luxurious one and two-bedroom suites, including 7 penthouses and pool suites with their own private pool. All have balconies with either sea, pool or mountain views and surrounding gardens offer seclusion and privacy. As well as the bedroom, each has a separate lounge living area and a fully stocked kitchenette with Nespresso machines and tea making facilities.
My suite overlooked the ocean, at this time of year pleasantly noisy, with crashing waves. I must say that sitting on one of the two balconies watching the sunset with a cocktail in my hand was a perfect way to end the day. I also kept the windows open during the night so I could hear the sea, as there were no mosquitoes and it wasn’t so warm that I needed air conditioning.
The super king-sized beds are outfitted with 280 thread count cotton bed linen, goose down duvet and pillows. Free movies are streamed to the 55” and 43” flat screen TVs and there are USB ports for charging your devices. A walk-in closet allows you to store your luggage and clothes and the bathroom has twin washbasins and a spacious shower enclosure with rain and hand showers.
There are two swimming pools – the Lagoon pool located between the hotel buildings is 30 metres long, perfect for laps. Right by the sea is the triangular infinity pool, at beach level, with shallow and deep sections. Both pool areas offer sun loungers with bar and snack service. I did brave the sea, although the water was quite rough and I didn’t venture too far but, from December to March, the waves are minimal and swimming is perfectly safe.
To keep fit, the modern and well-equipped gym has new ‘Pulse’ equipment, including cardio and weightlifting equipment, treadmills, cross-trainers and exercise bikes. If you prefer something more relaxing, two massage pavilions offer massage on request. Guests can also access the Palm Spa at the sister hotel, Twinpalms Phuket, using the free shuttle service.
There’s also a Library with a selection of books and international magazines and a boutique selling items from local designers. In-villa dining, cooking classes, private chefs and personal trainers can be arranged. A useful hotel feature is that you are assigned your own dedicated member of staff who can arrange anything you require with a quick phone call or WhatsApp message.
Beach restaurant Shimmer, next to the infinity pool, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves fresh seafood, meat and local vegetables with an Asian twist. They also mix creative cocktails, perfect for enjoying the glorious sunsets. Just next door, the HQ Beach Club is open for lunch and dinner and serves international dishes.
Guests can also dine at the Twinpalms Phuket on nearby Surin Beach, using the free shuttle to access all its restaurants, including Catch Beach Club, Oriental Spoon and Palm Seaside. If you don’t fancy hotel dining, then Kamala Beach is lined with a selection of bars and restaurants. You can also rent surfboards and scooters here and take surfing lessons.
After a few days on the beach, you might want to explore more of the island. Andaman Cruises offers boat trips on the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay with its majestic limestone green-topped pinnacles. Phuket old town is 45 minutes away and the Sunday market is well worth a visit. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is home to rescued animals who roam freely in 35 hectares right next to the National Park. You can get right up close and even feed them.
Mostly though, I just enjoyed the facilities at the hotel and the high standard of service. Food was excellent, reasonably priced, and dining right next to the ocean at breakfast, lunch and dinner really was something special. The hotel is not cheap but, as they say, you get what you pay for.
Tell Me More About Twinpalms Montazure Hotel
Twinpalms Montazure 100/210, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
A double room for two people, with breakfast, at Twinpalms MontAzure, costs from THB16,400, around £430, and includes breakfast, 10% service charge, applicable government tax and provincial tax. It’s worth checking the website for special deals.
Emirates flies to Phuket from London Heathrow via Dubai. It’s a forty-five-minute transfer from Phuket International airport.
