Marriott Phuket Beach Club

[englishowner]

Hi all

we have an exchange into the Phuket Beach Club in Thailand for July, anyone got any tips for me. Looking for ideas on which building to request, love to look at the water and also love spending time on the balcony reading. We realise that the weather might not be the best at this time of the year. Can you book excursions from the resort? Any help would be gratefully received

Thanks

Lynne

 

[abdibile]

Congratulations! Really great resort.

I sent an eMail requesting a higehr floor with a nice view to the garden and got unit 3441 whcih is fourth floor and looks towards the ocean in the south wing building closest to the beach. It is far away from the main building, lobby, restaurants, but other buildings are not really much closer.

But just a short walk to the south pool and beach.

Not many units have ocean view, but obviously not many people requested it, so I got it.

You can book excursions from the concierge. Definitel take the John Gray Sea Canoe tour (you can get for free if attending the Marriott presentation). it was really great. Went through caves to lagoon inside limestone islands. What an experience!

Besides that we only booked a taxi for the day at the small hut close to the Turtle Village (5-10 min walk from the resort). It was 3,500 Bath for the whole day. Expensive, but as the resort is so remote, no way to get really "local" cheap taxis.

There is a cheap food hut at the beach at the south fence f the resort which serves cheap food. If you walk 5-10 minutes south on the beach there are several small restaurants laid back alittle (you will not see them wehn you are down at the beach, so walk at the boarder of beach/woods) but nothign extraordinary.

If you take a cab for bath 1,000 to Nai Yan Beach you can ahve great restaurants in the sand at the beach and lots of tourist action.

There is also a good restaurant called KinDee (chef preciously worked for Marriott) few miles away, a cab will be 500 bath and food for two probably cheaper than 500 bath.

In turtle village, small shopping center 5 minutes form the resort, the Caffee is quite good and serves all kinds of food at resonable prices.

There is a supermarket downstairs in Turtle Village which is expensive.

On the way from the airport to the resort is a small 7eleven where food is probably much cheaper.

The "Marketplace" called Siam Deli also has good food at reasonable prices ($5-15) while the more upscale restaurants at the resort are much more expensive.

Do not hesitate to ask if you need more info.

Have a lot of fun!

 

[Cathyb]

You will love it!

Hi all

we have an exchange into the Phuket Beach Club in Thailand for July, anyone got any tips for me. Looking for ideas on which building to request, love to look at the water and also love spending time on the balcony reading. We realise that the weather might not be the best at this time of the year. Can you book excursions from the resort? Any help would be gratefully received

Thanks

Lynne

This resort is the most luxurious resort we had ever stayed in (30 years of timesharing alot). I believe most of the timeshares sit back behind the amenities, so beach-close may be difficult. There are multi-pools, all with unique, cement features and waterfalls (it is part of the JW chain); at least 3-4 concierges to help you do anything. It is somewhat isolated so either a car or tour people needed.

We did the Cooking class and loved it. They take you downtown to 'shop' in their open markets before class. Also did the elephant ride which was 'ok' (we did a second one in Chiang Mai which was much better). I think you can go online at the Resort and see the tours offered from them.

The units are soooo beautiful and large. Master bath is good enough for a movie star. Be sure not to keep cereal out -- ants got ours. Take some boat tours to the outer islands -- breathtaking!

 

[Ann in CA]

We also loved Phuket. We were there in March of 2008, and our trip report is here on TUG. We loved the on site Thai restaurant, the Japanese restaurant, and the Andaman Grill. We bought fresh fruit at the big open market in Phuket City before arriving at the Marriott.

Details are in the trip report, but if you have unanswered questions, please ask. I still know where my trip record is, so can look up things I have forgotten.

We want to go back! My husband is not wild about the long flight. Last time we broke it up with Japan, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi, working our way up the Peninsula to Phuket by air, train, ferry and finally bus. It was a great adventure just getting there, so we were happy to sit back and relax for a week. I read somewhere that the orphan baby elephants are no longer there, but I hope that is wrong. They were so much fun to watch!!

It is one of our favorite Marriotts. We were in villa 3211, and thought we were supposed to have ocean view, but there are not many ocean view units and the garden view was lovely, so we didn't push it. They said it was high season and there just weren't any open.

Have a great trip!

Ann

 

[jrhcolleton]

We loved Phuket as well

The Marriott timeshare in Phuket is the best of about 10 different Marriotts we've been to. Do the John Gray tour, absolutely the best tour we ever took. He runs them in Vietnam now and we want to do that if we can. The dining at the hotel is great. You will be blown away by the pool and the care they give you. Try the very inexpensive massages on the beach. The cooking class was also great. We want to go back as soon as we can muster up the courage to fly there.

Last time tacked it on the end of a 16 day Princess Beijing to Bangkok cruise with a few days in Bangkok on the end. Highly recommend the Marriott Courtyard in downtown Bangkok. Brand new and almost nextdoor to the Four Seasons.

 

[englishowner]

thanks for all the replies so far, I am so excited about going here as everyone who has been says the resort is amazing, despite being a little remote. Have wanted to go for so long but the length of flight always makes me think twice. We will also be staying in Bangkok and on the return journey Singapore, so that makes the trip even more worthwhile.

The John Gray tours do look amazing, but am a little wary of caves etc, is it scary in any way? Was in a cave once in the UK where you had to crawl along on your front to get through a small gap and did not like it at all!

Thanks

Lynne

 

[heatherw]

Hi Lynne,
I recommended the John Gray trip to another tugger who was not initially struck on the idea ( Hello Andy if you're out there!) but he really enjoyed it. basically you go in large inflatable canoes which seat 3 - two of you and a bloke that rows you, at times you have to lie back to get through small openings but it for V short periods of time and not claustophobic but well worth it. Most of the time you are in the open. Go on the full day trip as you then get to stay whilst it is dark and it is truly amazing. If you want to email me off forum i can send you a photo or two that we took to get you inspired.

You will love the resort, we go every 2 years and would go more often were it not for the long flight. We always hire a car as the place is quite a way from anywhere, then we use the local Tesco (yes!) to get the basics which are expensive on the resort.

If you are staying in bangkok book a meal at Sirrocco - expensive but worth every penny.

Let me know if you want to know anything else
Heather

 

[JonP]

We are also owners at Son Antem & Playa and also have a trip to Phuket booked for next January (using Travel Packages so booked earlier to get F airtkts). Firstly we will be in Bankok for a couple of nights then flying to Phuket to stay at the JW for 14 nights. Originally we had thought about doing a couple of destinations in Thailand but Mrs P wants to be based this time in one location. I'll be really interested in your recommendations for any activities, restaurants etc. Do you know if the resort has an arrangement with any golf courses in the area?

Looking forward to visiting Playa in May and Son Antem in the summer.

 

[Cathyb]

Other Marriotts on trip

thanks for all the replies so far, I am so excited about going here as everyone who has been says the resort is amazing, despite being a little remote. Have wanted to go for so long but the length of flight always makes me think twice. We will also be staying in Bangkok and on the return journey Singapore, so that makes the trip even more worthwhile.

The John Gray tours do look amazing, but am a little wary of caves etc, is it scary in any way? Was in a cave once in the UK where you had to crawl along on your front to get through a small gap and did not like it at all!

Thanks

Lynne

Lynne: We used Marriott points and stayed in downtown Singapore (great location) and also the Marriott in Bangkok that is across the canal. This one was away from hussle/bussle but you take the free Marriott ferry (5 minutes) over to the mainland where you can catch a bus to anywhere. Watching the long boats go down that canal was an eyecatcher too.

We actually spent 5 weeks doing our trip: Singapore, Orient Express train to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. We saw the long-necked ladies in one of the Chiangs -- now that was something special! Some of their necks had baubles around them that made their necks at least 7-8 inches long (maybe even 10 inches)! I wish we could go back

 

[Cathyb]

Jon - Playa info pls

We are also owners at Son Antem & Playa and also have a trip to Phuket booked for next January (using Travel Packages so booked earlier to get F airtkts). Firstly we will be in Bankok for a couple of nights then flying to Phuket to stay at the JW for 14 nights. Originally we had thought about doing a couple of destinations in Thailand but Mrs P wants to be based this time in one location. I'll be really interested in your recommendations for any activities, restaurants etc. Do you know if the resort has an arrangement with any golf courses in the area?

Looking forward to visiting Playa in May and Son Antem in the summer.

Jon: For us Californians, could you briefly describe the highlights of both Playa and Son Antem? TIA

 

[JonP]

Jon: For us Californians, could you briefly describe the highlights of both Playa and Son Antem? TIA

Firstly, the attraction for us to own at both resorts was that they provide an entirely different vacation experience despite being in the same country (however Son Antem is located on Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean).

Club Son Antem shares the resort and amenities with the Marriott Son Antem Hotel and is a large complex which includes an Holistic Spa, 2 x 18 hole golf courses, Tennis Academy, Basket ball Courts, Volley Ball Courts etc. The ‘townhouse’ villas are located around the East Golf course with no development around the West. The hotel has several restaraunts and a large pool; each group of 8 villas also have a small pool which provide a feel of privacy.

Son Antem is only 15/20 mins from Palma Airport and 20/25mins to Palma. The nearest town is Llucmajor which is approx 5/10mins drive. It is an ideal destination for relaxing and an excellent base for exploring the island. Mallorca has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and the most renowned ‘Es Trenc’ is approx 20mins away however the closest beach is Arenal.

The island is our favourite destination. There are so many wonderful places to visit, some great restaurants, beautiful beaches and lots of culture (all within 1 hour’s drive). It surprises me that this resort seems to sit in the shadow of the other two Spanish MVCI resorts as both Son Antem and Mallorca has so much to offer.

Playa is located close to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. The resort is a beach front property and presented to a very high standard with the apartments being very well appointed. The beaches at the property are well kept but not as beautiful as in other parts of the Mediterranean. It has a single restaurant on site and a Chiringuito on the beach. There are a three outside pools (one dedicated for children) and a large inside pool.

Whilst we always spend two consecutive weeks in Mallorca we only ever spend one week at a time in Marbella. Again the location is ideal for sightseeing in the region however it can get extremely busy as this one of the major tourist destinations in Europe.

The area provides a large variety of restaurants and places to visit within a short drive. However, we do tend to frequent the same places every year.

After enjoying our purchases at Son Antem we wanted to extend our ‘portfolio’. We did look at other resorts however on visiting Playa, when construction had only just begun, it was immediately apparent that this would provide us with an entirely different vacation to that in Mallorca.

We believe both locations are terrific (as are the other MVCI we have visited) and there is so much what could be said. Despite our numerous visits we have never tired (yet!) of visiting both locations each year. If you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to send a pm.

 

[englishowner]

Jon

will let you know how we got on when we get back,

have good time in Playa and Club Son Antem, we haven't been to Playa for a few years now and I really miss it. Hopefully we will get there this October. As for Son Antem, have not been there since we bought it, but this is mainly because we own a Silver Week so not always best weather. I would love to go back though because like you I think it is seen as the poor relation in the Marriott system in Spain and it really is not at all. My intention is to go there more often as my children fly the nest, so I can just go and chill out in the beautiful surroundings

Lynne

 

[abdibile]

The John Gray tours do look amazing, but am a little wary of caves etc, is it scary in any way? Was in a cave once in the UK where you had to crawl along on your front to get through a small gap and did not like it at all!

The caves thing is not at all scary!

You are completely passive an sit or lay in the inflatable canoe and the guide pushes the canoe through the cave. It only takes 1-3 minutes or so until you are through the cave in the lagoon inside the island.

It does not really get claustrophobic as there is a lot of water below you but not too deep to be able to stand.

So the worst thing that could happen is that a really fat person can not lay flat enough to make the canoe go through one of the tight sections of the cave then the guide can let some air out of the canoe.

If really everything went wrong, all the air could be taken out of the canoe and you have at least four feet of water below you where you can walk through (some guides walk and pull/push the canoe)

So really nothing to worry about! And well worth the experience of being inside the island in a great lagoon!

We went into three such islands on our tour and even saw monkeys at the beach. They were neither shy nor did they beg for food. We just sat in the canoes and watched them.

And the food abourd the big boat was really good!

 

[abdibile]

Jon

will let you know how we got on when we get back,

have good time in Playa and Club Son Antem, we haven't been to Playa for a few years now and I really miss it. Hopefully we will get there this October. As for Son Antem, have not been there since we bought it, but this is mainly because we own a Silver Week so not always best weather. I would love to go back though because like you I think it is seen as the poor relation in the Marriott system in Spain and it really is not at all. My intention is to go there more often as my children fly the nest, so I can just go and chill out in the beautiful surroundings

Lynne

I love Mallorca a lot in the off season!

There are way less tourists than in high season and you can enjoy the beauty of the island, mountains and small towns.

Son Antem Hotel is not really up to the standards of a 5-Star Marriott in Europe but the resort has its own character being around an old finca and the two golf courses. You have to experience it to love it! I do not think you get what it is like from pictures.

Weather is not often really bad and even if it rains there is so much to do at the resort (indorr pools, spa etc) and in Palma or around the island.

 

[Cathyb]

Thank you so much!

Firstly, the attraction for us to own at both resorts was that they provide an entirely different vacation experience despite being in the same country (however Son Antem is located on Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean).

Club Son Antem shares the resort and amenities with the Marriott Son Antem Hotel and is a large complex which includes an Holistic Spa, 2 x 18 hole golf courses, Tennis Academy, Basket ball Courts, Volley Ball Courts etc. The ‘townhouse’ villas are located around the East Golf course with no development around the West. The hotel has several restaraunts and a large pool; each group of 8 villas also have a small pool which provide a feel of privacy.

Son Antem is only 15/20 mins from Palma Airport and 20/25mins to Palma. The nearest town is Llucmajor which is approx 5/10mins drive. It is an ideal destination for relaxing and an excellent base for exploring the island. Mallorca has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and the most renowned ‘Es Trenc’ is approx 20mins away however the closest beach is Arenal.

The island is our favourite destination. There are so many wonderful places to visit, some great restaurants, beautiful beaches and lots of culture (all within 1 hour’s drive). It surprises me that this resort seems to sit in the shadow of the other two Spanish MVCI resorts as both Son Antem and Mallorca has so much to offer.

Playa is located close to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. The resort is a beach front property and presented to a very high standard with the apartments being very well appointed. The beaches at the property are well kept but not as beautiful as in other parts of the Mediterranean. It has a single restaurant on site and a Chiringuito on the beach. There are a three outside pools (one dedicated for children) and a large inside pool.

Whilst we always spend two consecutive weeks in Mallorca we only ever spend one week at a time in Marbella. Again the location is ideal for sightseeing in the region however it can get extremely busy as this one of the major tourist destinations in Europe.

The area provides a large variety of restaurants and places to visit within a short drive. However, we do tend to frequent the same places every year.

After enjoying our purchases at Son Antem we wanted to extend our ‘portfolio’. We did look at other resorts however on visiting Playa, when construction had only just begun, it was immediately apparent that this would provide us with an entirely different vacation to that in Mallorca.

We believe both locations are terrific (as are the other MVCI we have visited) and there is so much what could be said. Despite our numerous visits we have never tired (yet!) of visiting both locations each year. If you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to send a pm.

Wow, where are my suitcases: great, concise yet so informative! Which months are the most ideal if you cannot tolerate heat over 85 degrees? If you need any info on Desert Springs Villas or Newport Coast, we own there (in California) and live close to Newport so know the area very well.