Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket

Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket sits on a hillside, and is within a few minutes' walk of Kalim Beach. The traditional white buildings with pitched roofs and dark-wood trim occupy a property with plenty of trees, neatly kept shrubbery, and a natural vibe. Views of the Andaman Sea predominate, and are especially spectacular from the popular rooftop infinity pool, where guests can kick back in submerged loungers. The open-air lobby is filled with sunlight -- it's simply decorated with wood paneled walls, and wood tables and chairs with blue and red cushions. The restaurants, too, are mostly wood, with some colorful pillows and sparkly metallic lamps. The resort tends to draw families, and couples who come to soak up the beautiful natural scenery. The atmosphere is decidedly relaxed -- there's even a buggy system that transports guests throughout the resort, furthering the away-from-it-all vibe. 

Perched on a hilltop at Patong's northern end, the resort is a few minutes' walk from Kalim Beach. There's a large concentration of resorts and restaurants in the immediate area -- and guests can rent motor-bikes at the resort for getting around. The Bangla Night Plaza and Jungceylon shopping mall are a 10- to 15-minute drive away. Old Town Phuket is a 30-minute drive, and the airport is a 45-minute drive.

Guest rooms at the resort are bright and airy, with large windows and furnished balconies, which extend the space. The decor is either colorful and playful -- some rooms have bright-blue bedding and walls -- or subdued with natural tones, lots of dark wood, and woven furniture. Each room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air-conditioning, a safe, minibar, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Many bathrooms have beautiful tan tile, and separate showers and bathtubs, but some are still being upgraded. Deluxe Rooms have ocean-facing balconies, and Premium Deluxe Spa Rooms have outdoor tubs; Pool Villas have private plunge pools. One- and two-bedroom suites include dining and living areas.

The Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket offers an array of on-site features, and guests can use the free shuttle service to go into Patong. There are three pools with ocean views, as well as two kids' pools; some guests have noted dated lounge chairs on the pool decks. The colorful indoor kids' club offers video games, and there's a games room with billiards, ping-pong, and foosball. Blue Horizons restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, and international and Asian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Tropics Lounge & Bar offers Thai cuisine and barbecue dinners on a terrace overlooking the beach, and Star Bar serves cocktails and snacks in the evenings from its setting above the Blue Sapphire pool. Room service is available from early morning until midnight. The resort has a full-service spa with beauty salon, and a bright fitness center with modern equipment. A few computers are available for guests' use.