The very first thing that struck me when I set foot on the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa was: What a big big resort this is! “Big” does not even start to describe this huge property sprawled in 75 acres of idyllic greenery facing the Andaman Sea.
The gorgeous Karon Beach just across the resort
The resort faces Karon Beach and a 45- minute drive from the airport.
The grand main entrance of the resort
The super spacious Main Lobby/Reception
Surrounded by mountains, the resort’s lush grounds are made prettier with waterfalls and well-maintained landscaped gardens. The resort is so huge that there are actually two main lobbies: one Meet-and-Greet Lobby at the outer fringe, where vehicles drop off guests. From there, guests will have to transfer to the resort’s buggies & trams to get to the main registration lobby.
There are several shrines on the property – this is just one of them!
Lots of lush greenery everywhere!
One of the spa buildings
The rooms and suites are housed in several buildings interconnected by wide walkways and beautiful garden pathways. With a total of 665 rooms, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is easily the biggest resort in Phuket. Due to its size and space and also its comprehensive facilities, the resort is popular for MICE and also as an events venue. Of course it is also a perfect venue for family vacations as kids will have lots of activities to keep them happily occupied.
Here are some of the swimming pools …
Our suite was located in the Andaman Wing, a short distance from the main lobby. The weather was perfect when we were in Phuket so walking around the property was totally enjoyable. The sea breeze was strong and cooling – really nice!
This bed faced the Andaman Sea! It was a treat waking up every morning to the gorgeous view!
We loved our suite. The polished wooden floor immediately exuded a warm welcoming feel and we were wowed by the king bed facing the glass door looking out into the ocean! The breeze blowing in and the phenomenal sunsets were a real bonus. There were 2 balconies actually, one from the bedroom and another from the lounge. There’s a separate entrance to the spacious cloakroom-cum-bathroom. For entertainment, there’re two TV’s, one in the bedroom and one in the lounge. Talk about being spoiled!
View from our suite
Have you ever seen this much of “welcome refreshments” in a hotel?
In our short stay there, of course we did not get to experience all the 10 F&B outlets, 5 outdoor swimming pools or the 15 spa treatment rooms in the resort. What we did get to experience were these eateries in the resort:
CAFFE CINO
As we arrived rather early in the morning, we were completely famished. After a quick registration to get our room keys, we proceeded to this cafe, located just beyond the reception lobby.
The moment we entered through the glass doors, our attention was immediately drawn to the glorious display of freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes right at the front of the cafe. There were baskets and trays of the most gorgeous breads and LL was absolutely riveted by their giant doughnuts!
We loved the warm happy tones of the cafe!
And the bright colourful notes as well!
And the coffee – oh my, there were some really unique twists to this heavenly beverage. We got to taste some of Khun Chalalai’s award-winning concoctions like the outstanding “Kluay Kluay” which was practically a “breakfast in a coffee”! The cute “Kluay Kluay” was a combination of coffee, milk and bananas served with chocolate flakes and crunchy cereal on the side.
Care for some Kluay Kluay – it’s very nutritious, I assure you!
Coffee & chocolate made our day!
Salads and sandwiches in Caffe Cino were fresh and tasty and bursting with bright flavours thanks to the Thai-influenced ingredients and sauces.
Thai Seafood Salad
Caffe Cino’s Club Sandwich
Oh did I say the cafe’s macarons were simply delightful, every piece perfectly executed!
OCEAN BEACH CLUB
“Soaking up the sun” took on a whole new meaning here. With the swimming pool (one of them anyway!) on one side and the ocean beckoning at another direction, this eatery exuded cheerful sunny vibes everywhere. The menu listed a variety of fast food like burgers, hotdogs, pizza and also a selection of local Thai dishes. Service was fast and friendly – everyone was in a happy carefree mood there!
View of Karon Beach from Ocean Beach Club
Tuna Salad
This is the other view from OBC
Any time is a good time for some cocktails here. As the afternoon heat eased a bit, we settled down to enjoy some of the bar’s concoctions.
THAI THAI RESTAURANT
As the name suggests, this elegant restaurant serves traditional Thai food. Well, not exactly fully traditional as the chefs let their creativity run a bit so some of the dishes were presented with some interesting fusionistic twists.
I loved the decor with its traditional elements juxtaposed against a modern backdrop. The glass etchings of Thai figures looked impressive framed within the modern lines of the decor.
Diners can also choose to dine outside where tables have been set up for couples or smaller groups. The al fresco dining there is more cosy and with the sea breeze fanning the diners, it’s no surprise that most of the tables were occupied.
Enjoy the cool sea breeze if you choose to dine al fresco
Isn’t this just so romantic?
Service was impeccable – gracious and friendly service crew was attentive and knowledgeable about their menu offerings and you just gotta love them for their big smiles.
We started off with this amuse bouche
Based on their recommendations, we savoured these delectable dishes at Thai Thai…
Saku Sai Gai – steamed tapioca dumplings with minced chicken, peanuts and crispy peanuts
Tord Man Goong – deepfried shrimp cake wrapped in crispy wantan skins
Spicy and tangy – everything a good tomyum should be!
Tom Yum Goong – hot and sour soup with river prawns, mushrooms, lemongrass, chillies and Thai coriander
Goong Yang Phuket – grilled tiger prawns, Thai herbs and green chilli sauce
Nuea Yang Nam Jim Jaew – grilled beef sirloin with tamarind chilli sauce and coriander leaves
Kanom Hua Chai Thao – Grilled daikon cake with garlic chives
Hanglay Moo – braised crispy skinned pork belly in Northern Thai curry with rice crackers
Khao Phad Poo – fried jasmine rice with crabmeat, vegetables and curry powder
Sang Kayha Ma Maung Khao Niew Dum – mango custard on sweet black sticky rice
There were so many other interesting dishes on the menu that we wanted to try but those will have to wait for another time. Thai Thai should not be missed if you are staying in the resort and want a taste of Thai.
We will be back!
Coming up soon: post on SAILS RESTAURANT for the “Breakfast at Hilton” and “Sunday Brunch” experiences.
HILTON PHUKET ARCADIA
RESORT & SPA
333 Patak Road, Karon
Mueang Phuket District
Phuket 83100
THAILAND
Tel: +66-76-396-433
Get the best rates for the resort by booking directly with them through their website here. There’s no booking fee, you can do digital check-in and be assured to get the lowest rates.
Hilton Honors members get free wifi at the resort too! Yes, the wifi was super fast there – we loved it!