Phuket's Mai Khao Beach welcomes a new luxurious beachfront retreat

Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand and overlooking the sky-blue Andaman Sea, Melia Phuket Mai Khao is slated to open in December.

This new resort in Phuket is close to an array of attractions, such as Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and Wat Phra Thong Temple. Phuket International Airport is only a 15-minute drive.

“With its breathtaking beauty and serenity, there isn’t a more desirable place to be on the water than Mai Khao Beach,” said Magdalena Martorell, Melia Phuket Mai Khao’s General Manager. “We’re looking incredibly forward to unveiling a bleisure resort defined by a distinct focus on customer wellbeing with Meliá’s sunny Spanish hospitality and passion for service.”

An island haven

The new resort’s saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools, a reflection pond with sunken seating areas, water gardens, vertical falls and irrigation mist evoke a restorative atmosphere. The overarching design pays tribute to contemporary aesthetics and traditional Thai touches.

The light-filled and spacious Mediterranean-inspired accommodations comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas, each accommodating up to two adults and two children. All feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers, and vast outdoor terraces.

travel-asia-now-MeliaPhuketMaiKhao-one-bedroom-suite-with-bathtub — *One-bedroom suite with a large private terrace comes with a Balinese cabana and an outdoor bathtub*

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas, and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools.

travel-asia-now-MeliaPhuketMaiKhao-one-bedroom-villa — *Luxurious one-bedroom villa with a private pool*

Fifteen “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, a fitness ball, and a yoga mat.

Shaded by a broad spectrum of native plants, the resort’s design deploys a neutral palette of colors that complements Mai Khao’s sandy shore. Its high ceilings, floor-to-roof glass panels, and decorative metal screens take advantage of the natural surroundings and abundance of sunshine.

Melia Phuket’s culinary landscape

Melia Phuket Mai Khao will explore a diverse culinary landscape from four outlets.

Near the beach pool with its cabanas and sun lounges, chic Gaia Beach Club is “the place to be”. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins, Gaia celebrates Spain’s famed gastronomy. Indulge in Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open kitchen and enjoy an imaginative cocktail selection from a long bar.

travel-asia-now-Melia Phuket Mai Khao_GAIA — *Gaia Beach Club is a refreshing spot for bites and sips.*

Elegant all-day dining restaurant SASA specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine. In a warm setting adorned with timber finishes, SASA serves freshly made breakfast and offers casual fine dining at night.

Elyxr Café serves decadent croissants and cakes, freshly squeezed juices, and locally brewed liquors. The Swim-Up Pool Bar serves refreshing drinks.

Exclusive services and facilities

Meliá’s signature YHI Spa has five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

travel-asia-now-YHI-spa — *YHI SPA, a peaceful sanctuary at Melia Phuket Mai Khao*

Keep your fitness routine on track while away from home. Melia Phuket’s fitness center is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weights machines.

Kidsdom, the resort’s kids club, offers a wide variety of engaging activities and workshops to keep the little ones entertained.

The resort’s conference facilities include a grand ballroom and two additional multi-function rooms. Its event planners offer customized catering and mini mindfulness sessions, making it an idyllic venue for weddings and events.

travel-asia-now-Melia Phuket Mai Khao-ELYXR CAFÉ — Elyxr Café is a gorgeous spot to enjoy coffee or *freshly squeezed fruit juice*.

Launched by Meliá Hotels International and owned by Thailand’s Phuket Villa Group, this five-star resort in Phuket is part of a roll-out of the Meliá brand in key destinations across Thailand, including Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

“Through our partnership with Spain’s leading hotel group, we are thankful that we can significantly contribute to Phuket’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19 by creating much-needed jobs for the local tourism sector and setting a new benchmark for hospitality on Thailand’s largest island,” said Mr. Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group’s Managing Director.

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