Duangjitt Resort & Spa

The Duangjitt Resort & Spa is a lush, green sanctuary with plenty of open space. Presided over by many beautiful Buddha statues, it exudes peace and tranquility; Traditional Thai altars filled with colorful offerings are also placed around the resort. There are birds, including funny mynahs, living on the property, and many fountains and lotus ponds that add to the feeling of being in a natural paradise. Patong, just outside the hotel gate, is busy (and sometimes sleazy), but upon entering the Duangjitt grounds, guests leave the hustle and bustle behind. The architecture and even the cuisine reflects Thai culture, and that feeling is not lost even in the large dining room that seats several hundred guests. There are sizable distances between the buildings and the pools, but guests can walk along well laid out (if sometimes dark) paths lined with bamboo; even the islands in the lagoon-style pools are planted with brightly flowering trees, and the pool waterfall is not a simple spigot but a rocky outcropping with a hidden cave. The Duangjitt is luxe but not ostentatious, a peaceful place to sit (or float) and drink a fruity cocktail, or recline on a carved Thai sofa.

The Duangjitt Resort & Spa is located in western Phuket, in Patong’s entertainment district. The hotel’s front gate is in a busy area, but the buildings are set far back from the road and don’t get the noise from the crowded streets. Patong Beach is a five-minute walk from the resort, and popular attractions, such as Simon Cabaret, Bangla Night Street, and Jungceylon Shopping Center, are about a mile away. Taxis and tuk tuks can be found just outside the hotel gate. Phuket town is 25 minutes away by car, and the airport is within a 45-minute drive.

Rooms at the Duangjitt Resort & Spa are decorated in traditional Thai style, and have private furnished balconies or terraces. All the rooms have authentic Thai touches, including pretty, dark-wood cabinetry and luxe brocades. The Deluxe Bungalow Suites are especially atmospheric. Bathrooms are large and spotless, with rainfall showerheads; some have whirlpool tubs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, laptop safes, coffeemakers, and free bottled water, although Wi-Fi comes with a fee. Rooms lack drawers for storing clothing. Non-smoking, family, and disability-accessible rooms are available upon request. Beds can be hard, so ask for a topper.

The Duangjitt Resort & Spa has the Wimarn Spa, a temple of relaxation, with a massive menu of spa and beauty treatments, sauna, steam, and private spa villas. There's a fitness center with lovely garden views from the cardio equipment. Live music is offered in the Lobby Lounge every evening. The resort includes three large, beautifully landscaped, lagoon-style pools with sunbeds, poolside, and swim-up bars. There are two restaurants, both serving traditional Thai and international fare, and a breakfast buffet is offered daily. The strikingly attractive conference center accommodates 2,000 visitors, the largest in Patong Beach.