It is music to my ears when the biggest hotel company in the world decides to expand in Southeast Asia. It simply means more competition and choices for travelers to popular destinations in the region. Wyndham Hotel Group made a splash when it opened Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket in 2015, its flagship property in the region.
The Sea Pearl Club and Spa at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Perfect Getaway
Phuket is less than three hours flying out from Singapore, which makes it a popular short getaway destination among the locals. Low fares offered by budget airlines like Tiger Airways, which flies direct to Phuket daily, makes a trip even more compelling. With the formation of the Value Alliance, which Tiger Airways is part of, travelling in the region on budget has never been easier. My early morning flight to Phuket allowed me to get the most out from my short three-day itinerary to Phuket.
Blu Anda and Siam Niramit
Blu Anda is a new boat tour operator that left an impression. In a crowded field of boat operators offering tours out in the Andaman sea in Phuket, Blu Anda distinguished itself by using a larger twin-hulled catamaran instead of the ubiquitous speedboats. The 12-metre catamaran I took not only offered me a fast and smooth ride due to the hull-design, which is great for visitors who may get seasick, the roominess and airiness of the cabin allow guests to sit and enjoy the sea breeze and sights.
Swimming and snorkeling in the Andaman.
I went on Sawasdee Karos the Wonderland, one of the four packages that Blu Anda offers to kayak among mangroves and caves, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Even though it may seem steep at 4,500 baht per pax, the package offers round-trip shuttle, gear for snorkelling, breakfast and lunch on a private beach. Considering the attention and level of service, the whole package seemed reasonable enough.
Flippers, snorkel, scarf, towel and raincoat are thoughtfully provided by Blu Anda.
Kayaking in the Karos Wonderland with Blu Anda tour operator.
One of the evenings was spent at watching Siam Niramit. Originally available in Bangkok, the show has spawn a twin production in Phuket. Frankly, I think the show certainly deserves its label of “Thailand’s Must-See Show”. I went without any expectations, and left smiling as I left the theatre.
Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket
The 213-room Wyndham Sea Pearl resort is relatively new. Owned by a local developer and completed in 2011, the resort is operating as a mixed-use property managed by Wyndham Hotel Group, in partnership with Club Wyndham Asia.
The main lobby of Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket.
The sprawling 16-acre property sits on a hill over-looking the Andaman Sea, just 15 minutes away from the famous Patong Beach by a free shuttle service. The resort location is ideal for those who wish to experience the surf and sand along Patong beach or the action along the infamous Bangla Street in the evening, and escape back to the resort to rest their body and soul thereafter.
Something I don’t see very often at resorts: a sign points to the helipad at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket.
A helipad is perfect for those seeking to make an entrance to the Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket.
En-suite Jacuzzis and Private Pools
Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort offers a range of eight different room types, all of which come with a way for you to cool off in the Thai tropical heat. I enjoyed chilling in my private jacuzzi on the balcony of my spacious Deluxe Jacuzzi room. Although I had access to a shared cluster pool right at my door step, it is hard to beat the Deluxe Pool Access rooms. The Deluxe Pool Access rooms allow guests to wade straight into a semi-private azure pool from the hall. For guests in larger groups or travelling with extended families, the suites are also offered in one-bedroom or two-bedroom options, and feature dining rooms and kitchenettes.
My spacious Deluxe Jacuzzi room at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket.
Taking a soak in the privacy of my own balcony at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Wade directly into the pool from the living room from one of the Deluxe Pool Access rooms at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Semi-private pool for the Deluxe Pool Access rooms at Wyndham Sea Pearl.
To up the ante for luxury and exclusivity, Wyndham Sea Pearl offers the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool rooms and the range-topping Carissa Pool Villas. The contemporary-designed Carissa Pool Villas each come with a large terrace containing a private pool and an outdoor shower that overlooks the Andaman Sea.
One of the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Four-poster bed at the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool.
Toiletries provided at the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool.
The walk-in wardrobe and bath area at the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool.
Deluxe Suite with Private Pool.
Carissa Pool Villa at the Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
The luxurious Carissa Villa at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort
Private pool at the Carissa Villa at the Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
View of the Andaman Sea and Patong Bay from one of the Carissa Villa.
Outdoor shower at the Carissa Pool Villa, overlooking the Andaman sea and Patong Bay.
JBL speakers for iPod and iPhones at Carissa Villa at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Amenities and Restaurants
As if there isn’t enough water to cool guests off, the fitness centre at the Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort also features a 35-metre swimming pool beside the well-equipped gymnasium.
Fully equipped gym at Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Getting a spa treatment or a full-body massage seems to be a must when I travel to Thailand. The modern-looking Carissa Spa located just across from the clubhouse offers a range of rejuvenating and relaxing therapies. The coconut oil full-body massage I chose towards the end of my three-day stay managed to relax me further than I already was. Think peace and serenity after a deep slumber. That was how I felt.
Waiting for my coconut essential oil massage at Carissa Spa, Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort.
Couple’s room at the Carissa Spa, Wyndham Sea Pearl.
The modest-looking breakfast buffet at the Mook Talay Restaurant above the hotel lobby belies its comprehensive offering. Among other things, the buffet had all my favourite breakfast items in a spread – bacons, egg station, toasts and cereals, fruits and salad, and even porridge with condiments. I had missed the outdoor egg station on my first morning, but was relieved to be able to get my freshly done omelette on my second day. The restaurant also serves Thai and international dishes for all-day dining. Alternatively, the Blue Waters Seafood Restaurant offers fresh seafood buffet with live cooking stations amidst views of the surrounding pools.
Mook Talay Restaurant at Wyndham Sea Pearl, offers all-day thai and international meals.
Tom Yum Goong served at the Mook Talay Restaurant for lunch.
Inside Mook Talay restaurant at the Wyndham Sea Pearl.
Remember to look for the egg station on the balcony of the Mook Talay restaurant.
Wyndham Rewards
To take advantage of the rapidly expanding Wyndham Hotels and Resorts offering in the Southeast Asia region, travellers should sign up for their loyalty programme. Wyndham Rewards, an award-winning loyalty programme, is launching the new Member Levels enhancement on 18 May 2016 to its reward system for members. Now, “elite” programmes and special member experiences are no longer just for the rich and well-travelled.
Through four distinct levels—Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond—Wyndham Rewards members can now take advantage of a host of new benefits that increase by level, from rollover nights to annual point bonuses and more. And, when members redeem their points for a stay in one of the program’s top 25 destinations, they now automatically receive an additional enhancement to their award night for no additional points, helping them take advantage of exciting local experiences near their destination, from indoor skydiving in Orlando to breakfast with the Orangutans at Singapore Zoo.
The beach front at Patong comes alive, especially Bangla Street.
The sun never really sets in the Andaman sea.
Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket
12 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu,
Phuket 83150 Thailand
(About an hour away from Phuket International Airport)
Tel: +66 (0) 76 303500
Email: [email protected]
