Nestled amongst the swaying palms and blooming jasmine in the southernmost reaches of Phuket, Amatara Wellness Resort offers an unforgettable experience for those who make the journey.
This past year, I spent a week here starting my new year on the right foot with a wellness reset as part of a longer trip to Thailand. It’s a stunning resort that goes the extra mile in every way possible, with acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and a list on on-site activities so long that you’ll be tempted to never leave.
And if you do manage to peel yourself away, it’s just a short distance from the capital and several marinas, making it the perfect launching point for a slow-travel exploration of the region.
So, if you’re thinking about planning a getaway to Phuket, read on to find out about my experience at Amatara.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amatara Wellness Resort
When Did The Resort Open?
Amatara recently celebrated their ten year anniversary, and is in the process of giving many of their facilities a little facelift.
Is Amatara Part Of A Hotel Group?
No, this is an independent resort with just this one spectacular location.
Is The Resort Pet Friendly?
At this time, Amatara does not allow pets for the safety of both their guests and the fragile local ecosystem it inhabits.
Is The Resort Family Friendly?
Amatara strives to maintain very family friendly attitude, with an on-site kids club with programming that includes activities like painting and storytelling.
Is The Resort Accessible?
While some rooms are accessible, the resort is spread out on a very steep hill that may make enjoying all that it has to offer a bit difficult.
Location of Amatara Wellness Resort
Amatara is located in the southernmost reaches of the island of Phuket, in a sleepy little area called Cape Panwa. It’s about a hour’s drive from the airport, and just fifteen minutes from the bustling capital of Phuket Town.
The resort is located a short walk away from everything in town. It’s a small little seaside town with a couple of restaurants, spas, and cafes. Outside of the resorts, the businesses in Cape Panwa are a bit more basic and cater to the local residents, with prices to match. My favourites to keep in mind were Diva Massage, Sudsawas, and Little House Cafe.
Within walking distance on the other side of town, you’ll also find Sri Panwa and Cape Panwa Hotel – both are worth making an excursion out for their excellent dining options. At Sri Panwa, Baba Nest is an unforgettable birds nest dining experience that you’ll want to make reservations for well in advance. At Cape Panwa Hotel, you can dine in the historic Sino-Portuguese mansion just steps away from the shoreline’s crashing waves.
In the evenings, the main road by the beach turns into a bustling street market with street food specialties like giant Andaman shrimp pulled fresh from the sea. It’s worth taking a stroll here at least once during your trip just to experience it.
One additional thing to keep in mind is that Cape Panwa is home to a rather large Muslim community. Although Phuket itself is quite western, I felt more comfortable wearing slightly more conservative clothing while exploring outside of the resort.
Amenities at Amatara Wellness Resort
Bars & Restaurants
Amatara has such a great selection of dining options throughout the resort that its tempting to never leave. One of our greatest joys while staying here was waking up super early each morning to be the first to arrive for breakfast. We’d grab a smoothie, pick out our table, and watch the freighters slowly chug on by while waiting for our omelettes. Heaven.
In the evenings, the same restaurant space transforms into an elegant option called Siri that serves traditional Thai dishes. A little ways down the footpath, Scene is another more formal option with a focus on seafood and a great wine list.
My personal favourite was a place called The Beach Table, located down the long trails of stairs to the private beach. They have an incredible happy hour each day from 4-6 with the entire menu half off, and it became somewhat of a routine to head down for a late lunch alongside a Thai tea and fresh coconut.
It’s also worth checking out Sun & Moon for a cocktail at least once while you’re at Amatara. Located just a few steps from the pool, it offers some of resort’s most spectacular views of the Andaman Sea during sunset.
Other casual dining options at Amatara include The Library, Senses, and The Pool Terrace.
Spa & Fitness
As you can imagine, the facilities in this regard are amazing. In addition to a small sea-view fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, Amatara also has a steam room, infrared sauna, and fully equipped pilates studio.
The yoga sala, perched on the hilltop above the sea, is honestly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in a hotel. It is available for individual private practice as well as guided group practices, which I took advantage of every day.
Amatara also offers a wide range of other fitness activities, such as Muay Thai boxing lessons, guided Tai Chi, physiotherapy assessments, and water-sport rentals.
The on-site spa has a large list of treatments and massage options, all of which tend to lean holistic in nature. Most interestingly, they also have a Thai Hammam, which they advertise as being a more ‘gentle’ fusion of the traditional Middle Eastern practice.
The Grounds
There was so much peace to be found at Amatara just wandering though their acres of beautifully manicured grounds. I took great pleasure during my stay going for little walks just to admire the spectacular landscaping while listening to bird song and spotting little lizards darting across the pavement.
The main pool, while visually stunning, always seemed a little crowded for my taste except in the earliest hours of the day. I loved having the option to wander down with a book to the private beach front, which changed hour by hour depending on the movement of the tides.
Concierge
The concierge team at Amatara is small but mighty. I visited during the Phuket Sandbox Program, and the rules of our stay seemed to change day-by-day. The team here went above and beyond in helping us print documents, navigate glitchy government apps, and book appointments at testing centres.
The Rooms at Amatara Wellness Resort
Even the most basic category of rooms at Amatara are truly so nice. The beds are plush, the tubs are great for soaking, and every morning you’ll wake up to the sound of crashing waves and birdsong.
We had orginally booked an Ocean View Pool Villa, but had to change to a Bay View Suite due to last minute changes with our travel plans. My initial disappointment vanished as soon as I walked into our room.
I couldn’t believe how spacious it was, with double closets, a private area for soaking in the tub, and a separate living/working space from the bedroom. The private pool probably would have been nice, but I didn’t mind spending time watching the tide ebb and flow from our little balcony terrace.
Walking around the resort, I did notice how much we had lucked out with our room. Some of the rooms were stacked against the common areas and side walks or had views blocked by the foliage on lower floors, despite being in the same booking category as other rooms with more privacy and scenic views.
For this reason, I’d definitely take the time to request a map and talk through the exact room options with concierge ahead of your visit. If you can, the best to book is either Room 46 with the a stunning birds eye view of the Andaman Sea or Room 29 right on the beach.
Sustainability
Amatara’s commitment to sustainability was evident in many ways throughout our stay. Dining options always featured locally sourced in-season ingredients with an emphasis on organic produce. Their spa also utilises botanicals harvested from their on-site herb garden, and hosts green living workshops multiple times a week.
Perhaps most importantly for sustainability, Amatara encourages stays that are both longer and slower in pace, reducing the inevitable footprint that travel brings.
Overall
Amatara is stunning resort and a perfect getaway for a true reset. I’m still dreaming of the bright mornings filled with birdsong and cotton candy sunsets framed by swaying palms, and truly cannot wait to return.
The only instance I wouldn’t recommend staying here is if your goal in visiting Phuket is more for sightseeing. The resort is just outside of the complimentary pickup range for a lot of tours, which will add up if you plan on doing quite a few.
That being said, part of the allure of Amatara and Cape Panwa in general is how sleepy and far removed if feels from everything else. It practically begs you to slow down and relax. If you’re new to slow travel, this is a perfect place to start.
Overall, it’s is a great resort for anyone wanting to reconnect with their health and wellness while immersed in a fairytale-like tropical setting. Amatara’s spacious suites and villas are great for couples and families alike, and the concierge team here is sure to help you tailor your experience to suit your exact wants and needs.
