Thomas Jones visits The Westin Siray Resort and Spa on the east coast of Phuket and finds a place walking to the beat of its own drum.

What do you do when all the prime ocean facing west coast land on Phuket is taken? You get innovative and move to the other side of the island where the pickings are equally as good, if not better – it’s an island after all and there is an abundance of scenic coastline and serenity for the taking.

Not only is The Westin Siray resort and Spa located on the island of Phuket it has gone one step further and built on the smaller ‘island within an island’ no less where the water’s are calm and the tourist hordes are not abundant. This contour hugging, hillside holiday destination on Phuket Island in the southwest corner of Phuket offers a luxury experience far from the overpopulated east coast.

And while the beaches on the western side of the island aren’t the best looking in the world The Westin got around this by building their own white stretch of sand to compete with the east coast – and compete they do.

The thing that sticks out most about the resort is the peace and quiet. No crashing surf, no jet skis or speedboats arrogantly rushing past, in fact the loudest noise you will possibly hear will be the gentle rhythm of a fishing boat’s diesel motor skipping across the waters. The location amidst the quiet protected waters make it perfect for kayaking, stand up paddling and windsurfing through the bays and, by far the best and most relaxing ways to explore Phuket’s quiet side of the island.

Starting with the lobby, everywhere in the resort has vistas to let you know the decision to visit Phuket was the right one. Whether it is from high on the hill or down by the water’s edge each of the resorts 261 rooms, suites and villas has a sea view. It may be tucked away in a far corner of Phuket but that’s not to say that it’s remote, not by a long shot. Connected by a bridge to the mainland it is perfectly located to take in many of the island’s best excursions and tourist attractions from the nearby ferry port. Within easy reach by boat are paradises like Phi Phi and Similian Islands and the gravity-defying limestone karsts that line the protected waters.

Opened in late 2010 the resort is only a short drive from the Phuket Old Town and a respectably average 45-minute drive from the airport (not too bad for Phuket). It provides guests with a cultural alternative to the fleshpots and tourist touts on the eastern coast and if it’s shopping you are after, Phuket’s major sights, shopping malls, entertainment and world-class attractions are also only a short taxi ride away.

The Westin Siray Resort and Spa
21/4 Moo 1 T.Rasada
A.Muang Phuket
Tel: +66 7633 5600
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

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