A journey to tranquility at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay

Arriving at the Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay in the early afternoon felt like walking into a peaceful oasis. The team greeted me with big smiles as I entered the Villa Lobby, where a staff member gently put a garland around my neck and offered me a refreshing drink. As I sank into a comfortable seat, I could already sense the delightful experience that awaited.

The check-in process was a breeze. Using an iPad for digital check-in streamlines the process and supports the hotel’s efforts to cut down on paper waste. This initiative is part of their eco-friendly efforts, backed by a handy app that puts all the hotel information at your fingertips, eliminating the need for paper compendiums.

A friendly staff member showed me to my Top Floor Pool Villa Ocean View. As I walked in, the stunning Andaman Sea stretched out before me. The villa felt like a sanctuary, blending modern elegance with comfort. A private outdoor pool was inviting me to chill, while the balcony offered the perfect spot to soak in the panoramic views.

Inside, the cozy sofa and bed promised a restful stay, with the mini bar and espresso maker ready to indulge my whims. Thoughtful details—from bath amenities in refillable containers to seamless Wi-Fi—ensured that every moment spent here was a harmonious blend of relaxation and luxury.

Dining at Latitude 98

Dinner on my first night at Latitude 98 restaurant was a real treat. I was warmly welcomed by the restaurant manager who called me by my first name, which added a nice personal touch to the evening.

I always opt for local dishes, so I couldn’t resist ordering the classic Tom Yam Goong. This hot and sour soup with prawns and fragrant Thai herbs was one of the best I’ve ever had. Each spoonful was a vibrant mix of flavors, truly capturing the essence of Thai cuisine.

The next morning, breakfast at Latitude 98 was just as welcoming. Once again, the team greeted me by name, a gesture that made me feel more than just another guest. The restaurant manager made sure I had my second cup of brewed coffee and everything I needed. The friendly, personalized service made each meal feel special.

Pond, the executive secretary I met at breakfast, was exceptionally hospitable and attentive. Her warmth and genuine interest in making my stay comfortable highlighted the excellent service at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay. She even arranged my transportation to Patong Beach, and her handwritten note was a sweet touch, showing the staff’s dedication to creating an unforgettable experience for their guests.

Going green

After breakfast, I was greeted by Dominic Egger, the Director of Thailand Operations and General Manager of Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay. He graciously offered to give me a tour of Wyndham Grand Orchard.

Once an unused piece of land, this space has blossomed into a bustling organic garden. As we walked, Egger shared how it all started by planting discarded pineapple tops from the kitchen. Initially met with skepticism, this effort soon bore fruit—literally and figuratively—giving new life and purpose to the land.

The orchard is now a vibrant mosaic of life, alive with butterflies and flourishing with herbs, fruits, and spices. Pineapples, bananas, passion fruits, kaffir lime, galangal, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and citronella are among the many plants thriving here. These fresh ingredients spice up the hotel’s dishes, from aromatic curries at the restaurants to the refreshing cocktails at the bar.

The garden has become a focal point for guests eager to learn about the origins of their meals and connect with nature. It also serves as a scenic venue for cooking classes where guests learn to prepare Thai dishes using the freshest produce.

Egger also shared how staff from various departments unite to form the WynDGreen team, driving their sustainability projects. Barbecues and gatherings at Wyndham Grand Orchard bring the staff together to celebrate their shared successes. Listening to Egger, it was clear this initiative is more than just growing food—it’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility and awareness.

The hotel also hosts starlight dinners in the garden, keeping them cozy and intimate. Under the stars, guests enjoy dishes like grilled snapper wrapped in banana leaves and prawns skewered with lemongrass from the garden. These events are not just culinary treats but also a gentle nudge about our connection with nature and the need to protect it.

Stargazing at Wyndham Grand Orchard

The hotel’s initiatives—like introducing chickens and planning for stingless bees to help with pollination—set a sustainable example for others in the industry.

“Our next step is to bring in stingless bees, completing our sustainable cycle,” Egger explains. “It starts with planting, where flowers attract bees for pollination. We harvest fruits for the kitchen, and any waste feeds the chickens or is composted. The chickens provide eggs and manure, which, along with the compost, nourish our farm. It’s a complete circle of sustainability.”

Eco-friendly hospitality

As you wander around the hotel, you’ll notice gardeners using bags made from recycled materials to collect fallen leaves, cutting down on single-use black plastic garbage bags.

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay is also making big moves in water conservation. With innovative aerators, sink taps now consume significantly less water—dropping from 5 liters per minute to just 1.9 liters. Each suite and villa has a pool timer that automatically shuts off after 15 minutes to save water.

Energy efficiency extends beyond water usage. The hotel has installed sensor-controlled lighting and efficient heat pump systems to ensure smart energy use throughout the property.

Helping the community

Getting involved with the community is another big passion at Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay. The hotel takes part in efforts like beach cleanups and food donations, highlighting a strong commitment to giving back.

Collaborating with organizations like Scholars of Sustenance and donating to local foundations amplify this positive impact, supporting local communities in a meaningful way.

Romantic vibes

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay has established itself as a perfect escape for couples, even bagging the titles Best Honeymoon Hotel in Asia, Best Pool Villa in Asia, and Best Romantic Hotel in Thailand by Haute Grandeur.

Being named Asia’s Premier Romantic Retreat by Haute Grandeur highlights the resort’s dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for couples looking for a romantic escape. The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards honor the highest achievements in the global hotel industry, recognizing exceptional contributions by outstanding hotels across 172 countries and 90 categories.

Beyond the gorgeous scenery, the hotel offers curated experiences to bring couples closer together. Dining turns more special with “Dine Under the Stars,” a unique floating meal right by your private pool. Couples can also indulge in the “Romance over the Sea” dinner, with ocean views creating a breathtaking backdrop. And the ZANA Wellness Center offers a variety of spa treatments, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay goes beyond traditional romantic offerings. Couples can lock their love at the Infiniti Love Padlocks installation or take part in Thai cooking classes for a cultural and fun twist to their stay.

A tour of the Wyndham Grand Orchard further enriches the experience. Couples can wander through the lush gardens while enjoying the beautiful views of Kalim Bay.