GBP
The Slate
PRICE: Painless
The Slate is every bit a design-led hotel whose sheets you’ll want to get between. It’s glam, with a seriously smooth range of facilities, and tucked away well down Phuket’s road less travelled. Renowned American architect Bill Bensley worked the decor relentlessly to bring in the industrial overtones of the island’s tin mining past, which has created a sultry and sensual boutique bolthole.
We really rate The Slate. It achieves the seemingly impossible: something for everyone. It has a super set-up for families and is ideal for couples looking for a hip resort retreat, whilst delicately juggling excellent value with quality service.
For doting couples or for those desperate to escape the mayhem of daily life, there are a couple of tranquil adult-only pools: one with a sunken bar and uplifting beats floating over the airwaves and the other an altogether more serene affair with only the sound of cascading water to wake you from your slumber.
The family pool is a freeform masterpiece with a dramatic waterfall, gently sloping entry and endless water games to keep youngsters entertained. There is also a children’s pool which is ideal for babies and toddlers. And if this wasn’t enough, the Little Miners club suitable for children aged 3+ runs daily kid’s activities from zorbing on the pool to painting in an air-conditioned classroom to archery out on the lawns.
The rest of the Slate is no less impressive. There is a number of room categories, of which the Pearl Bed Suite and Pool Suites are our favourites. All are spacious, thoughtfully furnished and have sumptuous beds. The dining experience is superb with a range of cuisines across the eight restaurants. And don’t get us started on the delights of the Coqoon spa…
It would be remiss when talking of The Slate to overlook the quaint village on its doorstep. For us, its this village that makes a getaway at The Slate a truly awesome affair. Within seconds of stepping out of the hotel grounds, you’ll hit the beach and a series of laid-back restaurants all serving up tantalising Thai food along with sublime seafood. Throw in a couple of small shops and a few street vendors, and you’ll experience a little corner of old Thailand that has miraculously survived the rush to commercialisation.
The Slate: The Gallery
Yonder Insight
The spacious D-Buk and Pearl Bed Suites, surrounding the family pool and close to the Underground Cafe and Tin Mine restaurants, are ideal for those travelling with children.
On your doorstep
The hotel is separated from the beach by a narrow road. It’s a two-minute walk from the gates to the arc of sand and the plethora of restaurants.
