A CULINARY ADVENTURE AT AMARI PHUKET – UNIQUE TREE POD DINING EXPERIENCE
A culinary adventure at Amari Phuket
Nestled within the lush embrace of a tropical almond tree, a unique dining experience at Amari Phuket was a highlight of our stay. Seated comfortably within one of the three Tree Pods at the resort, we were suspended above the ground and treated to the spectacle of culinary preparation that was unfolding just steps away on a blazing grill.
Choosing a 7 pm dinner slot proved to be a slight misjudgment, as we missed the sunset by a mere half-hour. Nonetheless, the dusky pink hues of the evening made for a perfect scene for our meal.
Dining Amidst Nature in Amari Phuket’s Tree Pods
The Tree Pods at Amari Phuket offer a unique dining setting, hidden amidst matured trees along a nature trail path leading to the Jetty. Elevated and eco-friendly, these pods provide unparalleled views of Patong Bay, offering a secluded retreat from the bustling crowds below. It’s by far the best view we’ve had of the area from here in the pod, and it is decently far enough from the hustle of Phuket’s busiest beach (although the sound from the world’s first floating beach bar hums away in the near distance).
Exquisite Culinary Creations by the Sea
Under the attentive care of our host, Aoy, we embarked on the six-course Chef’s Table Menu. From the Cajun-spiced tiger prawns with avocado balsamic dressing to the succulent Wagyu strip loin, each dish was a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity, especially as it was prepared without any of the kitchen comforts with the team cooking on the open outdoor grills.
The Perfect Ambiance for a Memorable Evening
The highlight of the meal, a cold seafood platter featuring Phuket Lobster, Tiger Prawns, Oyster, Alaskan King Crab, and Hokkaido Scallop, was, like the rest of the meal, a very generous portion. Even the indulgent mixed berry cheesecake, accompanied by macarons, managed to overwhelm us with its size. We’re just glad the Almond Tree was strong enough to take the additional weight we’d gained after the meal.
Exploring Amari Phuket’s Scenic Beauty
After dinner, a stroll along the Jetty provided the perfect opportunity to take in the gentle sea breeze and panoramic views of Patong Bay. Most guests enjoy this spot for either sunbathing or sundowners as it provides a more private space from the rest of the resort.
Rim Talay – Beachside Dining with a Twist
On the beach level, Rim Talay offers up a mix of traditional Thai food with a Sunday night ‘Silk Road’ buffet of Mediterranean and Indian selections. Just to the side of the restaurant, the nicer of the lower-level pools has cabana-style day beds and loungers.
Relaxation and Recreation at Amari Phuket
The other side of the resort is mirrored with a smaller pool which sits above the Italian La Gritta restaurant. Our preferred daytime hangout was the Clubhouse pool which we’d found by accident in search of the gym. This quieter pool is available to suit guests and is elevated into the hills.
Navigating the Multi-Layered Resort
The resort itself is multi-layered, with hotel rooms and suites cascading up the mountainside, so it’s worth noting that navigating the resort can be a challenge, with numerous steps and steep inclines to contend with. Yet, for those willing to embrace the workout, it is well worth the effort. And for those that aren’t, the hotel’s army of buggies can help with that. The hotel rooms on the lower level are closer to the two pools, restaurants, and bars, while the suites are elevated further into the hills and accessed via winding pathways and steps.
Luxurious One Bedroom Suite Ocean View
Our One Bedroom Suite Ocean View came with Coral Lounge access, which included breakfast with daily a la carte choices served up by the awesome Palm and Sara alongside a great buffet selection. We particularly enjoyed the substantial Thai omelette with shrimp and the chicken noodle soup alongside whatever curry they had on offer that morning, washed down with fresh coconut water. The suites themselves are a great size and include a kitchenette, living room area, separate bedroom, and large bathroom. The modern-style suites are subtly decorated and include a complimentary mini-bar that is stocked with snacks and beverages.
Discovering Patong’s Vibrant Life
Once you’ve tried out the resort’s food and beverage offer, a walk to the bars of Bangla Road (or Walking Street) takes around a 20 to 30-minute steady stroll depending on how busy the narrow pavement is, but there are plenty of tuk tuks willing to take you. The roads around Patong are busy, so we preferred to walk, and the beach is a great way to get around the area from one side to the other.
We won’t pretend Patong is the prettiest of Phuket, but it has its advantages. There are plenty of nightlife and dining options, beach bars, and known brands to keep all tastes catered for. The beach is clean and welcoming with smatterings of casual beer-selling stalls or up-market beach clubs. You’ll find all kinds of tourists here from Cruise Ship one-dayers buying up gifts and souvenirs, to backpacking groups enjoying beach life, and everything in between. For people watching, it is a great place to head.
Amari Phuket: A Superior Balcony Room in the Ocean Front Wing starts from GBP 115 net per room, per night, including daily breakfast, based on two sharing a room. The One Bedroom Suite Ocean Coral Lounge in the Ocean Suites Wing starts from GBP 170 net per room, per night, including daily breakfast, based on two sharing a room. For more information and to book visit www.amari.com/phuket.
Fused flew to Phuket with Air Asia via Bangkok. To find the best prices and dates for your visit book here.
