Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand
The Avista Hideaway Resort is situated just south of Patong, the main beach on Phuket island. The resort is spread out against a hillside and has a calm, quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
It takes a little bit longer to get to the resort from the airport when using public transport or the minivans, since they will make their way through Patong and dropping off travelers along the way.
There is a shuttle service available from the resort to Patong shopping area, but we opted to rent a scooter from a shop across from the resort, which was cheap and gives you freedom to come and go as you please. There is a designated parking area on the premises for guests.
The check in process was quick and easy. A cold drink, snack and ice cold face cloths are provided while waiting for the paperwork, and all of this takes place in the big and spacious lobby with great views.
Due to the location, rooms are spread out over various levels and buildings, so the rooms have both advantages and disadvantages.
Rooms closer to the lobby means shorter and quicker walks when returning from outings, but a further walk away from the pools and the restaurant and breakfast area. And rooms further away from the lobby, other way around with walking distances.
The rooms are nice and big, lots of dark wood which gives it a darker feel and ambience. Our Superior room had a balcony with outside seating as well. The bathroom has latches which can be opened and closed, making it feel slightly larger and even more spacious.
The rooms are quipped with the standard amenities like toiletries, drinking water, safety deposit box and mini fridge.
There are 3 pools, the smallest of which is only for adults, and 2 big pools. One is situated between two wings of rooms, and this pool tends to have more activity and noise because it seems like families with kids stay around here and some of the rooms here have access to the pool.
The last big pool is at the end of the premises, furthest away from the main building and lobby area, but a bit more quiet and peaceful, leading to more relaxed afternoons next to the pool enjoying the views and sunsets, as well as the swim up pool bar.
Breakfast is your standard buffet spread, with a decent selection and variety of food, juices and coffees.
We also had a dinner buffet one evening which was also a good and tasty selection of dishes. The waiters and waitresses are all extremely friendly and helpful and the manager on duty will do rounds and chat with guests to make sure all is in order.
All in all, this is a big resort, just outside of Patong, away from the noise and bustle, but still very easily accessible. The employees are all friendly, efficient and helpful and just adds to creating and experiencing a nice stay.
The ambience is calm & relaxed, which for me is a bonus, nice to relax and unwind and recharge.
I can surely recommend staying here for a relaxing, affordable and comfortable stay, yet still close enough to where all the action is.
