Romantic Resorts Novotel Coralia Phuket

by Sofia Rays

A group of young elephants greeted me at the entrance. Frozen half-way through the stone, water running from their tusks, these creatures had a promising smile on their faces. Before I could think of a reason, the car sloped its way up the steep driveway.

Next thing I know I,m standing at the Novotel Coralia Phuket gazing at Kalim Beach, surrounded by bougainvillea and well groomed gardens. The sea lies in front of me, so close that I can almost touch it. My first thought: how I wish we had a room with this view!

As I enter the spacious lobby of the Hotel with its magnificently high beams and ceiling, I can see the sea yet again. This time, it is Patong bay. Waiting to check in, my partner and I look around with interest, small details catching our eyes. A traditional Thai wooden bird cage is used in place of a post box. I notice a large room with a warm wooden interior in front of the reception, the Hourglass bar. There is also down an outside seating area with comfortable chairs, the lobby bar.

The receptionist offers us a drink and the key to our room wrapped in a ‘welcome passport,. Another member of the reception staff shows us to our room. To my utter surprise -not to mention joy, I realize that my unspoken wish has materialized. For when she opens the curtain, the view that pours into the room is that of Kalim Bay, of endless ocean! I try to conceal my excitement, and ask the lady for some directions around the hotel. She opens my welcome passport and shows me: ‘Pools are here,. ‘Pools?,, I ask, confused about the plural. ‘Yes,, she explains, ‘there are 3 pools, one cascading into the other. ‘I,d love to see that,, I say looking at my partner. ‘The restaurant is here, the coffee shop here, the massage place here,, she points at the little map and we nod. We would love a little exploration, but later on!

After a short rest, we take the stairs down past reception and find the first pool. Dark blue tiles, compete with the colour of the sky and the sea beyond. We descend down to the second level, past the Mirage Bar and see some guests sitting there. We found a spot on this level -the third looks like it is for children and water sports- to lie under an umbrella with our backs towards Patong beach. We take in the palms and the distinctly sweet smell of frangipani, the sound of cascading water, which relaxes our ears and the fine decoration which pleases the eye. Looking around I notice that most of the people at the pool are couples, couples talking softly to each other while swimming, or playing with each other in the water.

I decide to take a dip and after a few leisurely strokes I see a lady with a tray and the swimming pool guests all eagerly coming to the edge of the water. Since I do not know her name, I will call her the fruit lady, for her tray is laden with slices of fruit: pineapple, papaya, watermelon deliciously waiting to be devoured. I couldn't have asked for anything better after my dip!

Lying back in my chair, I contemplate today,s schedule and conclude that it's going to be a busy day. The following are on my list: laze around the pool, read my book, relax. Isn't this what people are coming to Novotel Coralia for? That is certainly what the General Manager, Mr. Trutwein said, and it is what I intend to do. I am certain that the hotel staff will be more than happy to assist me!

Back in our room, we slip out onto the balcony and await the glorious sunset. The sea has changed attire three times today: in the morning it was wearing a pale turquoise, in the early afternoon silver sequels on blue, now it is wearing dark blue with a fading stripe of gold. The sun plunges slowly into the water in front of us and the clouds take on that pink hue that makes sunset so irresistible.

The hotel itself assumes on a different atmosphere at night. We stroll down towards the Old Fisherman,s restaurant, Novotel,s seafood restaurant. On our way there, the pools, lights, combined with the sound of traditional Thai instruments, heightens the romantic atmosphere. We enjoy a delicious feast of new experiences at the restaurant, while looking over Patong Bay with its night lights. After dinner we decide to take a walk to the beach. Only a few steps away from the hotel, this is a perfect spot for swimming during the day and for romantic, quiet strolls in the evening. We contemplate for a moment walking further down towards Patong, to join the hustle and bustle of night life there, but decide to end the evening in the quiet of our private balcony.

Next morning, after consulting the map on our welcome passport we find the coffee house restaurant, where breakfast is served. Both of us rejoice in the fact that there is an outdoor area to dine, which is not only cosy but also overlooks the dark blue pool. We feast on the large selection of western and eastern breakfast delicacies and enjoy the ambience and the service.

It is this service and its commitment to the guests, privacy that has earned Novotel Coralia Phuket its reputation. The fact that the hotel has a high occupancy rate and many returning guests is testament to the quality one will experience here. In addition to that, Novotel Coralia Phuket indisputably boasts some of the most sought after sea views in Phuket. Is all this not enough to make it an excellent spot for honeymooners and couples?

 Benjarong Magazine - June 2003, Volume 6 Issue 6