Pros

  • Chic, contemporary resort set in tropical garden
  • Three infinity pools -- two with swim-up bars
  • Hilltop spa with massage rooms, steam bath, and outdoor whirlpool
  • Tastefully finished rooms with furnished balconies or terraces
  • In-room amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
  • Spacious bathrooms finished in slate with large bathtubs
  • Free yoga classes
  • Wedding packages available
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Cons

  • Steep hill setting not suitable for mobility impaired
  • No child-friendly facilities
  • Beach shuttle not convenient
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Bottom Line

Opened in 2013, Mandarava Resort and Spa is one of the area's more recent arrivals and it shows in its chic, contemporary styling. This luxury property is set on a hillside, which means captivating panoramas though it also means a 10-minute walk to Karon's beachfront and a steep climb back up. Rooms are elegant with furnished balconies and superb views. Three infinity pools are impressive and the hilltop spa is a relaxing spot for a massage. Although it's one of the pricier options around, the Mandarava is also undoubtedly one of the best (though maybe not for the little ones).  

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Oyster Hotel Review

Mandarava Resort and Spa

Scene

Chic and contemporary grown-up resort with panoramic vistas

Guests arriving at the Mandarava follow a long, traditionally Thai-styled portico that leads up a regal stairway to an airy, open-sided hexagon-shaped reception area illuminated with globe lamps and dotted with wicker furnishings. A lemongrass-infused drink and cooling towel are also offered to new arrivals. Opened in 2013 and one of the newer kids on the block, this upscale resort complex shows its youth with a contemporary, chic vibe that extends throughout the property and fresh ideas that fuse 21st-century decor with traditional Thai design. The hotel makes full use of its lofty, hilltop setting, with most of its 39 villas strategically positioned to take full advantage of the superb views. Its seven acres of grounds are brimming with tropical plants, exotic flowers, and palm trees. 

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Location

Hillside setting overlooking north end of Phuket's Karon Beach

The resort is situated on a steep hill towards the north end of Phuket's Karon Beach with views over the Andaman Sea and a backdrop of jungle mountains. Karon’s beachfront, with its numerous shops, bars, and restaurants -- not to mention beautiful white sands -- is about 10 minutes away by foot, though getting back uphill might be an issue for the mobility-challenged. The Mandarava does offer a free shuttle service to the beach, though it's not very frequent and you have to make bookings in advance. The area's capital, Phuket City, is about 30 minutes northeast by car. Phuket International Airport is about 50 minutes north while flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding time.

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Rooms

Tastefully uncluttered rooms with sliding doors opening to furnished balconies

The hotel's 130 rooms are spread across 39 one and two story villas. Tropicana Superior Rooms are positioned on the lower level, with pool or garden views while Panoramic Deluxe Rooms occupy the second story with vista-style resort views. Horizontal Deluxe Rooms are housed in the single-story villas and are the resort's top end units. Interiors are tastefully finished in natural woods with a simple, uncluttered design with clean lines and white-tiled floors. Sliding doors open out onto furnished terraces or balconies, while spacious bathrooms are finished in gray slate with marble topped sinks. Many include tubs big enough for two. Free Wi-Fi and 40-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are also standard. 

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Features

Three infinity pools, two with swim-up bars, though little on-site for kids

The resort offers three elegantly-designed infinity pools, two of which include swim-up bars with daily happy hour drink deals. The other has lovely sea views. The on-site Cheeva Spa, positioned at the top of the hill, is home to three massage rooms, a steam bath, and an outdoor hot tub while Chomtalay Restaurant has views over Karon and beyond, accompanied by a refreshing breeze. Additional on-site activities include free weekly yoga classes and Thai cooking classes (for a fee), with the Mandarava also offering wedding packages. Although kids are allowed at the hotel, there's little specifically catered to them. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Mandarava Resort and Spa

Scene

Chic and contemporary grown-up resort with panoramic vistas

Guests arriving at the Mandarava follow a long, traditionally Thai-styled portico that leads up a regal stairway to an airy, open-sided hexagon-shaped reception area illuminated with globe lamps and dotted with wicker furnishings. A lemongrass-infused drink and cooling towel are also offered to new arrivals. Opened in 2013 and one of the newer kids on the block, this upscale resort complex shows its youth with a contemporary, chic vibe that extends throughout the property and fresh ideas that fuse 21st-century decor with traditional Thai design. The hotel makes full use of its lofty, hilltop setting, with most of its 39 villas strategically positioned to take full advantage of the superb views. Its seven acres of grounds are brimming with tropical plants, exotic flowers, and palm trees. 

See More Scene

Location

Hillside setting overlooking north end of Phuket's Karon Beach

The resort is situated on a steep hill towards the north end of Phuket's Karon Beach with views over the Andaman Sea and a backdrop of jungle mountains. Karon’s beachfront, with its numerous shops, bars, and restaurants -- not to mention beautiful white sands -- is about 10 minutes away by foot, though getting back uphill might be an issue for the mobility-challenged. The Mandarava does offer a free shuttle service to the beach, though it's not very frequent and you have to make bookings in advance. The area's capital, Phuket City, is about 30 minutes northeast by car. Phuket International Airport is about 50 minutes north while flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding time.

See More Location

Rooms

Tastefully uncluttered rooms with sliding doors opening to furnished balconies

The hotel's 130 rooms are spread across 39 one and two story villas. Tropicana Superior Rooms are positioned on the lower level, with pool or garden views while Panoramic Deluxe Rooms occupy the second story with vista-style resort views. Horizontal Deluxe Rooms are housed in the single-story villas and are the resort's top end units. Interiors are tastefully finished in natural woods with a simple, uncluttered design with clean lines and white-tiled floors. Sliding doors open out onto furnished terraces or balconies, while spacious bathrooms are finished in gray slate with marble topped sinks. Many include tubs big enough for two. Free Wi-Fi and 40-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are also standard. 

See More Rooms

Features

Three infinity pools, two with swim-up bars, though little on-site for kids

The resort offers three elegantly-designed infinity pools, two of which include swim-up bars with daily happy hour drink deals. The other has lovely sea views. The on-site Cheeva Spa, positioned at the top of the hill, is home to three massage rooms, a steam bath, and an outdoor hot tub while Chomtalay Restaurant has views over Karon and beyond, accompanied by a refreshing breeze. Additional on-site activities include free weekly yoga classes and Thai cooking classes (for a fee), with the Mandarava also offering wedding packages. Although kids are allowed at the hotel, there's little specifically catered to them. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Spa

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.