InterContinental Phuket Resort by IHG — Hotel in Kamala

Stay: 11/28/24-12/2/24 (4 nights) Accommodation: Booked a Classic King room (upgraded even before arrival to a King Classic with pool access)

The InterContinental Phuket Resort was really a breathtaking and “instagramable” property that has a lot to offer, but it is maybe trying just a little too hard and is a bit overpriced. The structure and grounds are truly remarkable, and we would recommend a stay for anyone just to at least stroll through its picturesque scenery once.

We remarked on the grand lobby and layout of the overall resort as we arrived. We also appreciated our status being promptly recognized and a pretty sizable upgrade being offered. While we liked our room it is fair to say that if we had paid full price for the pool access category we probably would have felt disappointed. I think that speaks to the overall sense that this property is a tad overpriced. It felt like you pay for the style, and while the substance is really good, it is not quite at the same level.

It is also worth noting that during our stay I was a bit ill. We really appreciated the onsite nurse and the housekeeping staff. They were both great and really really accommodating. So much so that the housekeeping staff left us a special, get well soon note and bouquet of flowers. Their caring really made us feel welcome.

This great service also extended to the lovely (and really delicious) tea house - Devas’ Lounge. The staff who helped us there - Stang - really made our stay memorable and the food and beverages were the all on-point. We even got a sneak peek at the upcoming holiday menu as they were doing some taste testing and photo capping of the new creations. We really recommend making time to stop by this unique venue while on property.

As much as we loved Devas’ the rest of the food on the property was good, but just not great. Breakfast at Pinto, which was included in our rate, was kind of a letdown to the point that this is maybe the first breakfast we would not recommend including in your stay. While they had a decent number of offerings, things just seemed bland and the fact they did not have bacon or eggs as part of the buffet seemed like an unforced error. The Pine Beach Bar had a great atmosphere and the food was pretty good, but certainly nothing to write home about. Admittedly we did not try either of the Michelin restaurants on property, and while I am sure they are fantastic, it just felt like a bit much.

Even though our room may have been overpriced had we paid that rate, it was nonetheless a really nice space with plenty of room in the living areas. However it awkwardly had very little “storage” and closet space. Also, considering it was a pool access room with a sizable deck area, it would have greatly benefitted from some loungers or a larger piece of outdoor furniture. More than half the deck area was empty with just a small table and two chairs on the one side.

The pool areas were all really fantastic at the property and the expansive beach was wonderful to enjoy. Additionally, the spa was nicely put together and we appreciated our treatments during our stay.

We could probably give this property a 4.5/5, and maybe if I had been feeling better we would have been able to utilize more of what they had to offer (like the Michelin restaurants), it feels justified to stick with a straight 4. The resort is really good, and really unique in its layout and design. But it just seems to be missing a little bit at that price point for a full 5. There are a few things they could (maybe easily) address to enhance the experience: • Some minor room updates; like loungers or literally any additional outdoor furniture on the deck area in the pool access rooms • Improve the breakfast experience with more options, including “standard” items being on the buffet • More communication around large events on property; it was not a big hindrance, but large-scale “influence” events are not everyone’s cup of tea • Seemed like the bedding was a little lacking for this...

What a trip! My family and I had an unforgettable time at the Intercontinental Phuket. The resort is located in Kamala Beach in Phuket, one of the quieter places in the city away from the hustle and bustle. We stayed 10 nights in total and wished we could stay longer! The property was huge, very kid and family friendly, and offers lots of options for activities. There are three main areas for public pools (could be more but that’s the ones we used) and a beach that guests can use. There are many restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. There’s a club house for guests who purchased the option, and in my opinion, it is well worth it! More on that later. The service was superb - staff knows us by name and checks on us regularly to see if we have everything we needed. We will definitely come back (we love Thailand!) and cannot wait to enjoy the place again!

More specific reviews:

The Club Purchasing the club option includes services of butler who checks on you everyday and books excursions and activities for you. It also includes breakfast at the exclusive club house everyday, which gives another option for guests if they want a quieter vibe in the morning. The also offer daily afternoon tea from 2-5pm and also daily cocktails from 5-7pm. Some days, the club provides all the food we need for the day! Our butler was the amazing Honey, who helped us plan our stay and excursions, give us advice on where to go and call cabs for us when we needed. She anticipated our needs before we even knew we needed them! She was exceptional!

The Room We booked a room with pool access, which is a beautiful and large room that opens up to a private jacuzzi and a little canal that feeds into one of the main pools. It was beautiful! We stayed there for 3 nights and then transferred to a 1 bedroom villa with its own private pool. It was out of this world! This is an amazing room with its own pool in the back! Our family enjoyed this immensely and swam day and night. The bathroom in both rooms included a beautiful tub, a separate shower and toilet. They are well lit, has natural light coming in from a floor to ceiling window (has blinds so you can shut it if you want). The hotel also includes all the amenities you would need, including shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, baby oil, mosquito spray, bath salts, soaps, nail filer, etc etc. The bedding is soft and they provided down pillows and blankets. I’m sure you can ask for down alternative bedding if you’re allergic. But for my own preference, I prefer down. The mattress is a medium firmness, not too soft and not too hard. We had very good sleep there!

The Service What sets this property apart from others is the service they provide. Our butler, Honey, was incredible. Staff from the restaurants, front office, and even housekeeping and bellmen knew our names and greeted us enthusiastically on a daily basis. We felt safe to ask for anything we needed whenever we needed it.

The Restaurants There are so many restaurants on site, with options that suits everyone’s needs. We frequented The Club Lounge for breakfast and afternoon teas, and visited Pinto for cocktail hours almost daily. We also tried out Tengoku and the Pine bar at the beach. Unfortunately we couldn’t try Jaras or Hom, because we had our child with us and the tasting menus at those restaurants take too long (2-3hrs). But overall, we enjoyed our dining experiences at the property.

The Location As I said, Kamala beach is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday Phuket life. That’s usually a good thing if you want to enjoy some quiet moments by yourself or with your friends and family. If you wish to go into nearby town, it will cost you 200-300 baht one way. If you wish to go into the city, it’ll run you 500baht one way and 1000baht one way to the airport. We managed but would probably rent a car next time, so we can have more...

Nestled on the pristine shores of Kamala Beach, the InterContinental Phuket Resort is a 5-star sanctuary that effortlessly blends luxury with the natural beauty of Phuket, Thailand. This beachfront resort, awarded Two Keys in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, offers an unforgettable escape with breathtaking views, impeccable service, a sumptuous breakfast, and a serene, relaxing vibe that captivates every guest. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a tranquil retreat, this resort delivers an unparalleled experience.

The views at InterContinental Phuket are nothing short of spectacular. Cocooned by jungle-covered hills on one side and the turquoise Andaman Sea on the other, the resort boasts panoramic vistas that create a postcard-perfect backdrop. Guests can wake up to sparkling ocean views from spacious balconies or relax by one of the five stunning outdoor pools, each offering a unique perspective of the beach or lush gardens. The Pine Beach Bar, in particular, is a highlight, where you can sip curated cocktails while watching kaleidoscopic sunsets over Kamala Beach. The resort’s design, inspired by Thai architecture with earthy tones and warm woods, enhances the visual appeal, making every corner Instagram-worthy.

Service at the InterContinental Phuket is exceptional, with staff consistently praised for their warmth and attentiveness. From the moment you arrive, the team, including standout members like Nira and Bo, ensures personalized care that makes you feel truly valued. Guests rave about the prompt resolution of queries, such as room issues, with managers personally addressing concerns to ensure satisfaction. The Club InterContinental Lounge elevates the experience with exclusive benefits like complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and sunset canapés, served with genuine Thai hospitality. Whether it’s a beach attendant proactively offering an umbrella or a butler arranging a seamless itinerary, the service here is a masterclass in luxury.

The breakfast at Pinto restaurant is a culinary delight, earning high praise for its lavish buffet. Guests can indulge in a diverse spread of international and Thai dishes, from fresh seafood and made-to-order noodle bowls to healthy options like yogurts and seeds. The quality and variety, including local touches like freshly brewed premium coffee and tropical fruits, make it a standout. For a more intimate experience, the floating breakfast in private pool villas is a luxurious treat, perfect for starting your day in paradise. The resort’s dining extends beyond breakfast, with Michelin-recommended restaurants like Jaras and hom offering sustainable Southern Thai cuisine and innovative tasting menus.

The vibe at InterContinental Phuket is effortlessly relaxing, striking a balance between upscale elegance and laid-back comfort. The resort’s serene ambiance, enhanced by the soft sands of Kamala Beach and the soothing sound of ocean waves, creates a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The Sati Spa, set under a temple-inspired pagoda, offers rejuvenating treatments that complement the tranquil setting. Guests describe the resort as a peaceful oasis, ideal for couples and families alike, with amenities like adults-only pools and family-friendly facilities ensuring everyone finds their zen.

In conclusion, the InterContinental Phuket Resort is a gem that delivers on every front—stunning views, world-class service, delectable breakfast, and a relaxing vibe. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a luxurious yet tranquil...