Page 35 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

estled in the soft white dunes
of Karon Beach, surrounded
by lush greenery and rolling
hills, Centara Grand Beach
Resort Phuket is a property
with a powerfully-unique allure.
Having heard of its unique design; leisure
activities for the whole family including an
integrated water park; and of course, the
beautiful beach views and golden sands
quintessential to Phuket; I was looking
forward to a few days of rest and relaxation
in this luxe property.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As I entered the lobby to check in, any
fatigue remaining from my journey quickly
vanished. I sat down to sip on an iced
refreshment, a butterfly pea soda, and heard
the soothing streams of water trickling down
the cliff beside me - runoff from the resort’s
herb and vegetable garden. Soft warm
skylights illuminated the space, beautifully
contrasted by the rich wooden beams laid
along the ceiling. Surrounding the building
were patterned pastel pink walls reminiscent
of Old Town Phuket, decorated with the
same Sino-Portuguese touches prevalent
throughout the city. From the lobby and
hallways, to the spa and dining areas, these
soft pink hues and running streams of water
were consistently present throughout the
resort, creating a tranquil atmosphere that
blended seamlessly with the natural beauty
of the island.
Our room was the Premium Deluxe, which
came with floor-to-ceiling windows and a
large balcony overlooking the beach, the
palm trees, and the Andaman Sea. Inside
the room was the most comfortable king-
sized bed I have slept on, complete with a
pillow menu on the nightstand for guests
who prefer specific levels of firmness –
just one phone call away. Decorating the
walls were vibrant mandala-like art pieces,
adding character to the room, while the
wooden floors, doors, and ceiling grounded
us in a warm and distinctly-Thai aura.
The bathroom was spacious and elegant,
adorned with polished marble tile and earth
tones painting a sophisticated ambience.
It came equipped with both a rain shower
and a bathtub, and to our delight, lavender-
scented bubble bath!