The Slate

The Slate -- formerly Indigo Pearl -- is a gem of a boutique-style hotel. It was designed by Bill Bensley, with his inspiration drawing from the Na-Ranong family's tin mining heritage as well as the heritage of Phuket in general. Many items in the hotel are actual remnants from the mines, which creates a contemporary, industrial-chic look that helps elevate this property above almost all of the area competition. It's clear upon stepping into the huge lobby that this place is special. Industrial cobalt blue pendant lights hang over the four-sided front desk, which is illuminated from below. It's a super-cool, welcoming space that's much of what we've seen in Phuket in our travels. Many comfortable blue sofas with bright orange pillows invite guests to have a seat and hang out, while modern art and sculptures give everything just the right amount of edge. Given this sharp design ethos -- and bevy of luxury in-room services -- guests here are generally well heeled and looking for a splurge. The resort is most popular with couples, especially honeymooners, but all sorts of travelers who appreciate unique style and design make their way here. 

This resort is located on the northwest side of Phuket, about a 10-minute drive south of Phuket International Airport and Sirinat National Park. Nai Yang Beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, though some have noted that the beach in this part of Phuket can be littered with debris on occasion. The hotel is fairly isolated and most of its neighbors are other hotels, though the immediate surroundings are country roads and fields. A few restaurants and bars are near the beach, and there are more out on the main road, plus a 7-11 -- a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Bustling Patong Beach is a 40-minute drive south of the hotel, and driving to Phuket town takes about 30 minutes.

Offered as suites or villas, rooms, like the rest of the hotel, were designed by Bill Bensley and inspired by the Na-Ranong family's tin mining heritage. They feature attractive industrial-chic style and use genuine remnants such as old tin mine railway sleepers. The look is equal parts vintage and contemporary, Eastern and Western. Expect to see details like chevron-tiled or polished hardwood floors, shelves thoughtfully arranged with knick-knacks, and vibrant contemporary art. Colors remain cool and calm for the most part, with beiges and grays accented by just a touch of magenta or other bright hues here and there. 

Half of the rooms look onto one of the hotel's three pools, a quarter face the gardens, and another quarter have their own courtyards or private pools. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, balconies or terraces, tea/coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Higher category suites have extras like Bose sound systems. Even the smallest rooms, the Pearl Bed Suites, are spacious, with two arm chairs and an ottoman for lounging as well as a work desk. Balconies are furnished, and many include daybeds and outdoor deep soaking tub. Bathroom are modern and sleek, with above-counter sinks and super-cool industrial faucets. They come with robes, slippers, and toiletries. 

At the top of the offerings, the Private Pool Villas are huge and ultra-luxurious. They are available with one or two bedrooms, and offer dining space, living space, and gorgeous outdoor spaces with a private pool and gardens. They even have their own saunas and massage tables under a palapa. Butler services are offered in the villas. 

The day here starts with a free international breakfast buffet, and brunch is served on Sunday with champagne accompanying the expansive selection of hot and cold items.  The open-air Tin Mine serves the breakfast buffets, and guests can watch the chefs at work in live cooking stations showcasing Thai street-style dishes. Fine dining is available at Black Ginger, with a menu featuring local and regional specialties. Tongkah Tin Syndicate is a casual sports bar serving whiskies and snacks, and the Underground Cafe is a casual space by the family pool for light fare and ice cream.

The largest of the resort's three lovely pools is the family pool, which has a separate kids' pool offering games and activities. The other two pools are for adults only. One is partly an infinity pool, with a swim-up bar and jets for a whirlpool experience. The infinity pool is longer, suitable for swimming laps, and is surrounded by gardens and water features. Lounge chairs and umbrellas invite poolside relaxing. 

Coqoon Spa is a luxurious space offering a full array of services in eight treatment rooms. In addition to massage and body treatments, it has a sauna and special showers and baths. The modern fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens. It offers a variety of cardio and weight-training equipment as well as free weights. There are also two tennis courts. Other activities include yoga and Pilates classes, Muay Thai, paddle boarding, biking, and water sports including diving and snorkeling. Golf is available nearby and cooking classes are also available.

Children ages 4 and older are entertained in the Tin Box Kids Club with arts and crafts and other activities. Babysitting services can also be arranged. Events spaces accommodate social and business gatherings of various sizes, including weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.