Shanaya Beach Resort & Spa

Looking every bit the typical Thai structure from the outside, this hotel greets guests with a lovely garden area and open-air lobby. More suited to solo travelers, couples or groups of friends than families, this resort is small but has a unique layout. Interestingly, there seems to be a large number of Russian guests and the hotel caters to that clientele by having employees who speak Russian available to assist (in fact, they speak better Russian than English). 

While the beach is close by, the water can be murky, but the easy access to the shore is still a plus, as is the fact that the vibrant Phuket nightlife is also out the hotel's front door (including, believe it or not, an authentic Irish Pub right at the entrance). Just don't try to bring it back with you...the hotel has a strict policy against carting in outside food, alcohol or guests. 

Literally two minutes from Patong Beach -- the hotel overlooks the ocean and it's just across the street -- this property is also conveniently located near area shopping (Bangla Night Market is about a five-minute walk and Jungceylon Shopping Mall is 10- to -15 minutes away). There are many restaurants surrounding the hotel, and a Starbucks within walking distance for those who need a caffeine fix or taste of home. A big Thai boxing gym is also opposite the resort. If flying into the area, keep in mind that it's about an hour from the Phuket International Airport to the Amaya. 

In general the rooms are simple, clean and modern. Accent walls (most in a burnt sienna color) are offset by white tiled floors and wood-paneled wall units house flat-screen TVs and minimally stocked minibars (bottled water is free). Wall art is kept to a minimum; a large mirror and an above-bed burgundy/gold wall mural are pretty much it, but the simplicity supports the modest decor. 

Towel "sculptures" and flowers are a nice welcome placed on the extremely hard beds (which will have clean linens only if you ask during your stay). Robes and slippers are available for guest use and the bathrooms are good-sized with modern fixtures. Most only have showers (though rainfall showerheads are a plus); a few of the pricier suites offer bathtubs. Hairdryers and toiletries are also available (one less thing to pack).  

Some of the rooms can be a little noisy as they overlook the street (the less expensive rooms), but even those without street views can have some internal noise and clunky individual air conditioners. 

If you select a "Pool Access" room, you can literally walk out of your room and into the pool (a sliding glass door and small tiled area will lead you right into the water via your own inlet). All rooms have some sort of private balcony, terrace, or patio area.

The daily free breakfast buffet can be hit or miss in terms of quality and quantity, but there are often options like eggs and pancakes that will appeal to Western visitors (though bacon is nowhere to be found and the menu mostly seems to cater to the Eastern European crowd). The Restaurant Maya is open for lunch and dinner and is reasonably priced, serving Italian and traditional Thai entrees. The bar is also full-service and poolside drinks can be ordered up during the day at the small but uniquely configured pool (which closes in the early evening so get your swimming in during daylight hours). The beach has nice sand and blue water that can get murky. 

The full-service spa has five separate treatment rooms and offers a good selection of choices including Thai massage, aromatherapy, and facials. You have to actually go to the spa to find out what's available, however, since the rooms don't seem to have menus in them (odd for a hotel that has "spa" in the name) and the signs are in Russian. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.