Sugar Marina Resort – FASHION

From its exterior, Sugar Marina Resort - FASHION could pass for a luxury shop on Rodeo Drive. Its crisp white walls topped with a sharp black awning printed with the word "FASHION" (in all caps) communicates the type of high-end experience typically documented in the pages of "Vogue." That impression continues in the lobby, a stark black-and-white space fronted with a white marble check-in desk, which vaguely recalls Miranda Priestly's office in "The Devil Wears Prada." Leather sling armchairs give a trendy spot for guests to lounge. The dining room of the hotel's Black Pearl restaurant picks up the theme as well with white table-clothed tables and jet-black chairs, though here the chair legs are dipped in a vibrant coral red. It's these little details that give the property an extra layer of style.

Although public spaces are attractive, they're no match for the vibrant and playful guest rooms, which are decorated to reflect 10 famed fashion houses. Various design aesthetics are represented, from the British plaids of Burberry to the French chic of Chanel. Sugar Marina's owner was previously a fashion designer before changing over to hotels, and a deep love for fashion of every stripe shines through.

This property is part of a local mini-chain of boutiques, each one with its own fun, thematic decor, from "art" to "surfing." Those that appreciate this resort's playful approach and service but don't care for the fashion-esque approach, could consider other Sugar Marinas in the area. One down point, despite a full renovation in 2013 some past guests have complained that they've spotted a touch of wear on the decor here and there.

For beach-goers, Sugar Marina Resort - FASHION offers a prime location, a mere two blocks from Kata Beach. This stretch of sand is a lively spot loaded with vacationing sunbathers, swimmers, and peddlers selling anything from salty snacks to photo-ops with tame lemurs. Water-sports is also part of the scene. (The smaller, slightly less bustling Kata Noi beach to the south is a five-minute drive away, too.)

Kata Beach folds around Phuket's coastline in a J shape, and this Sugar Marina sits toward the bottom hook of the J. The surrounding blocks are pedestrian-friendly with proper sidewalks (not a given in this area), and it's chockfull with restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, and cheapie massage spots. There's also plenty of conveniences close at hand, such as ATM kiosks, money exchange venues, pharmacies, and mini markets -- a 7-Eleven sits just a minute's walk away. 

While the Kata area is lively, it doesn't have the same nightlife reputation as Patong, just to the north. Those looking to indulge in Patong's party-till-dawn scene and the famed clubs of Bangla Road will need to get a lift from a taxi or tuk tuk as it's a 21-minute drive. Likewise, the region's major cultural attractions also require a car. The temple complex of Wat Chalong is a 17-minute drive, while the towering alabaster sculpture of Big Buddha is a 27-minute drive. Reaching Phuket's historic old town, with its Portuguese-style buildings, takes 35 minutes by car. Phuket International Airport is an hour's drive away to the north of the island.

Fashionistas will delight in the Sugar Marina's guest rooms, which exuberantly reflect 10 famous fashion houses in their decor. Burberry-themed rooms are decked out in houndstooth pillows, windowpane wallpaper, and swing-arm silver lamps on nightstands. A photo of Kate Moss in a Burberry trench coat adds a final flourish. Paul Smith-themed rooms on the other hand display cup-shaped pendant lamps, X-leg nightstands, and little shadow boxes with a Union Jack toy car mounted inside. A decal of Big Ben in the bathroom drives the theme home. Other fashion brands represented include Gucci, Prada, and a chic, black-and-white take on Chanel. Bathrooms also vary, decorated to reflect their various fashion brand, but all have roomy bathtubs and walk-in showers. It's worth noting that a few past guests have complained that the decor is starting to show wear in a few spots and housekeeping can be a bit spotty.

Room categories are split among Deluxe, Deluxe Pool View, and Deluxe Pool Access Rooms. All offer the same size and amenities, so their only real different is their position within the building, with Deluxe ones looking out over the street and Pool View ones facing the interior courtyard and pool. All rooms offer furnished balconies, with Pool Access ones circling the ground-floor pool and giving direct access to the water below.

Amenities across all rooms are stellar: Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and electric kettles with tea and coffee come standard. Wardrobes hold flashlights, safes, bathrobes, flip flops, and umbrellas, plus beach mats. Guests rave about the minibars, which are lightly stocked with a few beverages and a Snickers bar, all of which is free of charge and restocked daily. Hairdryers and pump toiletries are provided, and toothbrushes and toothpaste can be requested from the front desk. Families appreciate that the rooms' streamlined loveseats can be converted into extra beds for kids.

While Sugar Marina Resort - FASHION is small-scale and boutique, it provides all the features expected of any upper-middle-range resort, starting with its pool. The hotel's swimming pool forms an H shape around the property's courtyard. At the base sits a whirlpool area with bubbling jets; because the water is shallow here, it also doubles as a kiddy pool. Astroturf sundecks surround the water, which are topped with a handful of loungers for sunbathing. Some young palm trees here provide a decorative backdrop, but give little in the way of shade. 

For dining, the property offers a few venues. The Catwalk Cafe serves up a buffet breakfast. Its AM spread covers both Eastern and Western tastes with items like fresh fruit, pastries, breads and cereals, and an egg station. But breakfast isn't always included in room rates. The resort's Black Pearl restaurant, serves lunch and dinner in a space with lively club music, black-and-white decor, and framed mother of pearl accents. A third restaurant, Mama, is just outside of the hotel on the street corner. It also serves lunch and dinner and gives a spot for people-watching. A cafe in this space also gives a spot for coffee, tea, and sweet treats, and room service is available as well.

A small but serviceable glassed-in fitness center sits right by the hotel's entrance. It has a handful of machines such as a treadmill, stepper, and weight-lifting machines, along with items like balance balls. However, unlike some other Phuket resorts, there's no on-site massage center or treatment room.

Other features include two public computers, free Wi-Fi, and free on-site parking. Staff can arrange airport transfers and assist with securing rental cars or bikes.