Phuket, a paradise that sunseekers escape to, has never really been on my bucket list but I'm so glad I got to visit recently because I was attending a wedding there! While doing my research, I learnt that the entire island is filled with resorts and hotels, and proves to be a destination wildly popular with tourists. As I was browsing social media platforms, I was greeted with videos of bars with breathtaking views, happy visits to elephant sanctuaries, gorgeous accommodation options, fun island-hopping trips, and loads of local Thai food. Boy, was I excited.
With so many accommodation options available, it was real difficult to decide where to stay. For our 4-night trip, we decided to stay at 2 different places. For the first two nights, we picked The Slate because it was near the airport, and the sea, and we wanted to just relax in a very well-equipped resort. It turned out that we made an excellent choice — from the airport pick-up and welcome reception, to the room and spa service, everything was perfect.
We touched down at the airport in Phuket on a Wednesday afternoon. Airport transfer was included in our stay, so I simply opened my email and followed the instructions sent to us to locate the hotel staff waiting for us at the exit. We found her very easily as she was holding a card that said "The Slate". She made a quick call and a driver came right over to pick us up. The spacious car had towels and bottled water, and it was clear to us that our stay was going to be exceptional right from the get go.
Once we got to The Slate, we were ushered to a waiting area where a welcome drink, towels, and a flower corsage were served. A hotel staff came over to complete the check-in process right where we were seated. We were told to download The Slate app onto our phones so that we can access all information, make reservations, and also send in any queries there.
Then, we were given the option of taking the buggy or walking to our room. We opted for the latter because we wanted to explore the resort a little, and also get familiar with the routes to and from the reception desk.
As we walked around, it quickly became clear to us that The Slate is an industrial-style property.
Curious to why that was so, we read up more about the story behind the breathtaking property. The Slate was built as a tribute, and to pay homage, to Khaw Sim Bee Na-Ranong, Phuket's former governor and a prominent figure in the island's tin mining industry. The island flourished under his leadership, and the governor was awarded the royal title of Phraya Rassada Nupradit and his statue now stands on Khao Rang Hill, always watching Phuket Town.
Room
Our 65sqm Pearl Bed Suite is incredibly spacious! Once I stepped in, I noticed the large walk-in wardrobe area complete with a full length mirror. Here, you can leave your luggage (plenty of space to have 2 open luggage on the floor even), and you can find essentials such as a safe, umbrella, bedroom slippers, bathrobes and more.
The room exudes a welcoming warmth and the bed looks really inviting. They even offer a sleep comfort menu where you can request for pillows with different levels of firmness. There's basically everything you need for a comfortable stay here — espresso machine, well-stocked mini bar, daily housekeeping/turndown service, and we love the complimentary welcome treats of local bites and a bottle of sparkling wine!
Moving on the bathroom, there's a huge sliding door that separates the bathroom and the bedroom, so you can have complete privacy. With two sinks, both you and your companion can get ready at the same time. The entire room is studded with decorations that are congruent to the industrial theme. You can find decorations of rivets and screws etc
There's also a sizeable balcony with a daybed, a table and an oversized tub. The tub was calling out to me but I actually didn't find the time to catch a dip in it! That's one of my biggest regrets. The staff came over around evening time with mosquito coil so we could hang out on the balcony without being worried about getting attacked by mosquitoes.
Service all around was great — we had an issue with our aircon and called the reception desk. They came to fix it instantly. We also ordered food via Grabfood, and the food was delivered right to our door despite the resort being huge(I heard that in some other hotels or resorts, you have to pick up the food at the reception desk personally).
The Slate has a huge collection of different room types — from private pool suites and family suites, to two bedroom suites and a 1050sqm two bedroom pool villa, there's truly something for everyone here.
Facilities
To be completely honest, I have never been a huge fan of spas or massages. But the experience I had at Coqoon Spa changed that. When we headed to the reception desk at the spa, we had no idea what we were in for. After completing a quick questionnaire(which body areas you will like to focus on etc) and choosing the oil that we would like to be used during the massage, we were led on a serene walk to a LARGE HANGING NEST that just blew my mind. Upon stepping into The Nest, we were treated to a foot wash and massage before we were led to an adjoining room which holds the bath. Here, we found everything we needed to prepare for the beginning and end of a rejuvenating and restful spa programme which is specifically tailored to our needs.
So because I'm actually really sensitive to touch and pain, I opted for the gentlest pressure and the lady who attended to me was really so good, that I almost fell asleep, if not for the snoring of my friend haha. I really did feel refreshed and more relaxed after. My body is usually quite tense but I really felt less tension in all parts of my body. It's safe to say that I really enjoyed the massage. After that, I took a quick shower to wash off the oil before I was greeted by warm tea and local treats right outside the nest. 10/10 will recommend!
Ondigo Gym
Gym goers will not have to miss a day of exercise while at The Slate because the gorgeous Ondigo Gym beckons with well-maintained high-end gym equipment. You can also sign up for muay Thai, pilates, and yoga classes. While the only running I do is running away from my problems, I love walking by the gym everyday because it's really gorgeous, even more so in the dark.
Kru Precision Wellness
Kru Precision Wellness is an independent regenerative retreat centre located within The Slate that offers a unique range of health care concepts including the KRU diagnosis program which comprises a full check-up and screening session, and vitamin services such as the KRU Signature VitaDrip, weight loss program, liver detox cleansing and more. We didn't try any of the services here but the VitaDrip honestly sounds amazing!
Activities
- Moo's Kitchen Cooking Class
- Tin Box Kid's Club
- Heliconia Flower Gallery - Flower arrangement classes
- Shades Gallery - art gallery
- Tours & Treks
- Diving/snorkelling excursions
Free activities
While we were walking past the gym, we realised there was this huge board stating free activities that we could do : archery, paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling, tennis
So we made a booking for archery and went for it around 430pm. It was my first time trying my hand at archery and it certainly wasn't easy! You need SO MUCH strength! But it was fun!
Restaurants
All day dining restaurant, Tin Mine, offers an international selection and Thai favourites. The daily breakfast buffet served here boasts delectable Thai local dishes, freshly baked bread and pastries, a wonderful assortment of deli meats and cheeses, an egg station, and even a live crepe station. Get ready to pile your plate with dimsum, bacon, fruits, Thai snacks, curry, the rice/noodle dish of the day, eggs Benedict, waffles and more. They also have plenty of cereal, juice, and beverage options. You will definitely be spoilt for choice here!
I rarely get out of bed for breakfast but I was excited to wake up both days for it!
Black Ginger
Helmed by Chef Piak who has spent 35 years whipping up traditional Thai recipes imbued with modern flavours and twists, Black Ginger has cemented a spot in the Michelin Guide for years. Housed in a traditional Thai mansion hovering over a luminescent lagoon, where diners have to be transported across the waters on a moving platform powered by a strong rower, the restaurant draws inspiration from ancient local recipes and sends out signature specialties such as som tam, tom yum and phanaeng curry, and rare Southern delicacies.
There was a tasting menu, and also a 3-course menu that we could build with a myriad of appetizers, mains and desserts. I got the tasting menu while my friend opted for the 3-course menu. We shared all of the items and we really enjoyed dinner! The Phuket Fish Soup and curries were great!
Chef's Table
Look forward to an intricate meal where you can enjoy one course in each of four fascinating venues(The Stock Room, Heliconia, Moo's Kitchen, and The Cellar).
Private Dining
Dream big and convey your wishes to the competent team at The Slate. They will make magic happen for you. Whether it's in-villa barbecue or a bespoke dinner on the beach, they have you covered.
Shore Thing
A barbecue is always a good idea, and one on the beach is an even better idea. Scrumptious the Beach BBQ night promises fresh seafood and imported meats grilled to perfection
Bars
Tongkah Tin Syndicate
This lively sports bar is where guests can watch live sports, play pool, darts, and table tennis, all while snacking on snacks and sipping on yummy cocktails and whiskies. We were there both nights, to grab a quick drink and also went head to head in many rounds of pool.
Pulley Pool & Bar
Sitting right in the middle of an adults-only pool, this swim-up cocktail bar is extremely popular with those who love to soak up the sun, or enjoy a drink in the pool. When we visited, the bar was full and everyone looked like they were having a blast at the bar!
Rebar 
Located above Rivet, Rebar offers a great view of the resort and they also have live music. The vibes are great and this might be my favourite bar in the property.
There are happy hour deals at all the bars, so you can look forward to 1 for 1 cocktail at various timings.
Pools
From kid-friendly pools to adult-only pools, The Slate promises that you will find your spot in the sun
Beach
The Slate sits right next to Nai Yang Beach and lively streets populated with street food vendors, massage parlours, and restaurants. Take a stroll on the beach, catch the sunset while munching on local street food, or pop in to eclectic stores for some shopping.
Our stay at The Slate was no doubt one of the best experiences I've had. I'm not much of a resort person but I actually said that I could live here! We were so well taken care of, everything was so flawless, and there's so much to do! Will really highly recommend that you guys get a stay here. We could get taxis very easily via a local taxi app InDrive which requires payment in cash. This app is about 1/3 the price of Grab and 1/2 the price of Bolt. And all our experiences have been very pleasant, and safe. You could also potentially take down the contacts of the drivers to hire them as private drivers for the day if you like. Otherwise, The Slate is very on the ball when it comes to transport arrangement and shuttle services, so you don't have to worry!
Recommendations
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Jadjan by Ko Dan
Club No.43 for cocktails with Thai flavours
116 Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
T : +66 76 327 006
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