Amatara Welleisure Resort — Hotel in Wichit

I have never reviewed a hotel before. I feel obligated to do so now because I love the people there so much. I've read many negative reviews. They're hard to find because the reviews overall are overwhelmingly positive. The reviews saying the place is dirty, I don't believe for a second. Of course things may change over time but as of 2024, this place is pristine. I would eat off the floor. I would eat off the stairs leading to my room. You can't find a fleck of dust. There are bugs. It's an island in a tropical country. I found they did a great job controlling them. Of course there are bugs. I never saw any in my room in either of my two visits and bug spray is provided.

I'd also note none of the negative reviews I saw were from people there for wellness programs. I went twice. Both times for 5-day wellness programs. They changed my life. They aren't the first such programs I've been in. I've been in medical treatment centres and outpatient programs and I've gone on yoga and well ess retreats. They are by far the best. They have changed my life. If you're looking to party or you are looking for a typical resort, it may not be perfect for you but you'll find something to love.

The staff are truly incredible. Some of the best people I've ever met. Right from the woman changing my bedding to the head of the spa, amazing people and so kind and generous. I have a bad habit of forgetting people's names and I don't think I've ever remembered the name of hotel staff. I could list of half dozen off the top of my head that I looked forward to seeing each day a few of them were so beyond my expectations that I have to name them: Ed in the spa. I was born with a bad spine. I've had hundreds of massages in my life. Ed's was the best. No question. His experience showed in every moment. It hurt like hell when he was doing it, as many of many of my massages do, but I trusted him immediately because I could feel the experiences and he was hitting the right spots and doing it in his own way. I seldom trust a therapist like that because I've had so many bad experiences. I trusted him immediately and the trust paid off. No question it was the best massage of my life.

The same goes for Dr Harshana and Kampon in the spa. They are among the best people I've ever known. Saints. If I ever could, I would welcome them into my home as family. Their work has changed my life.

I was almost offended but to see that of the thousands of reviews, there were a few people who didn't think this was the best hotel they've ever stayed at. Of course no hotel could be perfect for everyone. This one's close.If you're looking for somewhere quiet to heal, stop reading and book it!

In addition to the staff, the rooms are perfection. I loved the layouts. Everything was high-tech. I'm demanding when it comes to technology due to my former profession in software. I was not disappointed. Not only was the internet great, it was easy to connect to the TV as a wireless display or wired, etc. in the spa, literally every room has a jaw -dropping view.

I only discovered the business center on the last day of my second trip. It's beautiful. I want to go there and work every day. I think I'll sneak in and steal somebody's Wi-Fi password just so I can use that room again.

Some people compare the price to other places, it's an apples to oranges comparison. To me there is nothing like this spa. The land is magical. I felt more at home there on my second visit than I feel in my own bed back in my own country.

If you're looking for somewhere quiet to heal, something I've looked for many times in my life, there is nothing else like it. If you're considering one of the wellness programs. Book it. Now. Stop hesitating. I've never written a hotel review in my life. I stayed in hundreds. I have six people on my Expedia account so I probably booked six times that many hotels. I feel obligated to write this review and more on every other site I can because I love the people there so much and I'm sure anyone considering a wellness program there should...

Firstly, allow me to say that my review and rating is of the actual resort itself as a property and experience, and not of the resort’s weight loss program, which was the main purpose of my stay (two weeks long). I’ve made some comments on the actual weight loss program below.

The resort itself as a property is fabulous. Gorgeous views all around: of the bay, the sea and the hills surrounding the resort. If you’re there for a short stay (a couple of days to a week) you’ll not only be amazed by the views but you will surely benefit from the serene atmosphere and the available treatments at the resort while enjoying some much deserved rest and relaxation. Good service, great food and a variety treatments.

In a nut shell, it took me a week to get over some of the initial discomforts I had from being in a new environment, difficulty in sleeping and then getting up in the morning. But the place slowly grew on me. And now that I’m leaving I can say it was in a fact a really good experience. Relaxing environment and treatments. Inspiring views. Lovely people. I highly recommend the Amatara Welleisure Resort.

Positives: Property: Serene, lush location. Great views of the surrounding hills. Awesome scenery of the sea and the nearby bay. If you’re lucky enough to get the Bay View rooms, you will be able to see the Big Buddha on the hilltops in the distance.

Spa: they spared no expense with their spa facilities. Various relaxing treatments with hammam/sauna/steam room facilities on the ground floor of the spa building. Private beach where you can unwind, sunbathe, enjoy the scenery and part take in some resort scheduled activities. Mind you, it’s not a big beach so just be weary of the occasional broken glass scattered in the sand. Staff: super friendly, hardworking, always smiling, and always prepared to assist. I would like to recognise the following members of staff for their exemplary work, going above and beyond during my staff. Oil (waitress) and Nin (waiter) both at the Senses restaurant: for being kind; extremely friendly; and attentive to my meal and tea preferences. Ed (masseur) at the spa: very good at his craft, very patient, and accommodating. Audi at reception (lobby): he was very helpful in getting me a small bag of ice for my leg injury early on during my stay. He was also kind enough to check up on me later on during that week. Nui at reception (lobby) for trying to help organise a trip to the elephant sanctuary for me last minute.

Some negatives from my experience: Being overwhelmed with information of the resort at the very beginning at check-in. Everything felt rushed on first day. Communication challenges with staff: English is not a strong point for most of the staff there (housekeeping and doormen especially), so expect so difficulty in communicating specific requirements outside the resort’s norm.

I joined the weight loss program offered at the Amatara. I stayed for two weeks, Dec 1-16. My impression is that Amatara’s weight loss program needs tweaking. They basically give some direction in the beginning; inform you of the activities and meals setup during your stay; and then they let you get on with it.

My starting weight was 103.3 KGs, with plenty of body fat to lose. In two weeks I managed to drop down to 100.8 KGS. A few constructive criticisms

Treatments and personal training (PT) sessions were plenty but this may be overkill. 10 PT sessions in 14 days plus 3 Aqua fitness and 2 stretch. You’ll also get 1-2 spa treatments daily. Meals: the options were: to select my breakfasts from the buffet but then for lunch and dinner select from a healthy menu on the day to have the resort pre-select all my meals to mix between the two options, which is what I went with: they pre-select my breakfast and I would select my meals at lunch and dinner On the weight loss program, for lunch and dinner you get to choose one appetiser or salad and one main meal. Dinner you get to choose a dessert. The meals were delicious and more than satisfying,...

Hotel location: It is in the south of Phuket, and at first, I thought it would be too remote, but it is about 20-30 minutes from Old Phuket Town and close to doing some island hopping.

Villa: Our Bay View pool villa is a 10/10.

• Bed: The bed is huge and comfy. • Lounge area: The room size is huge. It is like the video/photos online. • View: We could see the water in the bay when it was high tide and when low tide set in. • Bathroom: It is a huge bathroom with a teacup-shaped bathtub in the middle of the room. There is a shower and toilet inside the bathroom (extra toilet outside near the wardrobes). And his & her vanities, which are separated from each other instead of side by side. The weird/off-putting part is that the windows have no blinds or shutters. So at night time, anyone could see in if the light is on in the bathroom. However, due to the locations of these villas, privacy is not so big an issue. • Pool: The villa we selected had a pool approximately 5-5.5m long and 1.3m deep. It was just enough for me to do mini laps in during the morning and then relax and hang out during the day. There is a button to turn a small section of it into a Jacuzzi. The water temperature was perfect during our stay - warm but not like sitting in bathwater warm. • Pool deck: There are two sun lounges and a table and two chairs to sit and eat at on the deck. The space is huge and easy for one to even do private yoga on. • Location: It is solely because of the location of the Bay View would I recommend these than Ocean. Villa numbers 40 to 46 are flat and can easily access the lobby, the bar, and the restaurants. They seem more secluded as no one can see in from the sides (no neighbors) or from the front/back (unless someone had binoculars in the Bay area). Ocean view villas we saw while walking down to the beach are accessible via a steepish incline and one could easily see and hear guests in their pools and the villas from the footpath.

Airport transfer - 10/10: Our package included the transfer, and it was one of the best I’ve taken for a while.

Restaurants/food - 8/10: Breakfast is at Siri. The selection is good and has something for everyone.

Sun&Moon rooftop bar: the views are breathtaking both night and day. The drinks were ok.

There are some restaurants outside the hotel and at a fraction of the price and taste similar. The hotel will drop and pick you up from the front gate via a golf buggy.

Spa - 8.5/10: In a typical Phuket-type hotel, I might have rated it higher, but I live in a country where they do spas at an incredibly high standard. My husband and I went over three days for massages and traditional Chinese medical procedures (acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang). The therapists were all excellent. The drop in rating is purely the amenities and rooms - they were not as luxurious as other 5* resorts.

Staff - 10/10: From reservations- reception- airport transfer- spa- cleaners- restaurants - the entire hotel - the service was incredibly amazing. They all live up to the Thai hospitality that they are famous for. Every opportunity the staff were super lovely and tried to accommodate, and they seemed genuine.

Miscellaneous: Buggy service - 10/10 Water - 9/10 Housekeeping - 9/10 Laundry - 10/10 Fitness classes - 10/10 Beach - not great for swimming as it’s rocky and there were lots of jellyfish

Value - 10/10: This is, of course, subjective as it depends on the deal you get. This hotel is by no means cheap or ‘affordable’ for many, but it was a fab splurge and with all the inclusions, we found it great value.

Would I recommend / would I return? Yes! Overall, our experience at Amatara was exceptional, with fantastic amenities, stunning views, and exceptional service. We highly recommend choosing a Bay View pool villa for added privacy and convenience. From airport transfers to dining options and spa services, Amatara exceeded our expectations...