Phuket's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Magic of Bannsuan Amaleena!
Phuket's Hidden Gem: Bannsuan Amaleena - Unfiltered Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget those glossy, overproduced hotel brochures. We're diving DEEP into Bannsuan Amaleena, Phuket's supposed "hidden gem," and I'm gonna be honest with you, warts and all. Because let's face it, real life is messy, and so are the best experiences. This review is NOT your typical, robotic travel blog post. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
First Impression: Accessibility (Or Lack Thereof… Sometimes)
Getting to the hotel? Easy peasy. Airport transfer was a breeze. You can figure out transportation on your own if you are travelling with your own groups and you are not in a rush - but its probably better to go for the convenience of booking a transfer through the hotel. Finding a car park [free of charge] was a pleasant surprise. But, the "hidden gem" aspect means it's not slapped right in the middle of everything. A little bit of travel involved to get anywhere from here.
My travel also included a small disability, so wheelchair accessible areas were important to me. This is one area where the "hidden" nature of the place shows. While the elevator was a HUGE WIN (seriously, thank you, hotel Gods!), maneuvering sometimes felt a little… awkward. Some of the walkways were quite tight. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say improvements are always ongoing.
WiFi Woes and Wonderful Connections (Sort Of!)
Okay, gotta be real. I'm addicted to the internet. It's a curse, I know. So, Internet access is a MUST. Good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HOORAY. Bad news: the signal in my room felt like it was on a dial-up modem at times. Internet [LAN] was offered too, but who carries a LAN cable anymore? Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit spotty, too. I found myself wandering around trying to find the sweet spot for a decent connection more than once. The hotel should really focus on this. It's a 2024 must-have.
Rooms: Sanctuary or Slightly Smelly? (Okay, Mostly Sanctuary)
My room? Gorgeous. Truly. It was a non-smoking room, (a HUGE plus for this smoker!), spacious, well-appointed, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver against the Phuket heat. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. Seriously, I'd trade my firstborn for those curtains. Features like bathtub, bathrobes, complimentary tea, safety/security feature and slippers, gave this room a special touch that enhanced the experience. My room was truly perfect for me, with the socket near the bed - perfect for late night phone charging! And the window that opens was a delightful touch. The mini bar was stocked, the refrigerator was cold and the complimentary bottled water kept me hydrated. Really, only one minor (and frankly, hilarious) issue: a faint whiff of… something. Not unpleasant, just… earthy? Like a damp basement from your grandma’s house. Nothing a bit of fresh air couldn't fix. You can't go wrong with this room.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly Good)
Oh. My. God. The food. Prepare to loosen your belt.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A decent spread, with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. But the coffee? Let's just say it was… functional.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants and coffee shop on-site. Asian cuisine in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, and vegetarian restaurant are offered. The food quality was okay to good, but not outstanding.
- A la carte in restaurant: A nice option for those who want something a bit more fancy.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a cocktail and a quick bite.
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend when you're jet-lagged and craving a midnight snack.
- Happy hour: Yes, please! Because who doesn't love a good happy hour.
- Snack bar: A super convenient option for a quick bite.
- Desserts in restaurant: Some great options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Sadly, the coffee was pretty poor.
I found a nice salad in restaurant - which was useful to offset all the amazing desserts! But I have to mention the bottle of water provided daily!
Things to Do: Relax and Recharge (Mostly Relax)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was stunning. Seriously, postcard-worthy. I spent hours floating around, feeling the sun, and pretending I was a mermaid. There were breathtaking views. Pool with view, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom were offered.
- Spa: The spa was wonderful. A bit pricey, but worth it. I treated myself to a massage and a body scrub, and honestly, it was heavenly.
- Fitness center: I actually used the fitness center! Okay, maybe just once. But it was there, and it was decent.
- Foot bath: This was a nice touch.
- Gym/fitness: A decent Gym, I really enjoyed it.
- Body wrap: Offered!
- Cleanliness and Safety: All the Details (Kinda Obsessive, Actually)
Okay, this is where Bannsuan Amaleena shines. They're SERIOUS about safety.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Doctor/nurse on call. Excellent!
- First aid kit. A necessity.
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Top marks for going above and beyond here.
- Safe dining setup: Feeling safe when dining in this facility isn't hard at all.
- Sterilizing equipment. They are really taking care of their guests.
- Hygiene certification. Well done Bannsuan Amaleena!
- Individually-wrapped food options. Great job!
- Cashless payment service. They really provide everything.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping. The room was always spotless. Truly impressive.
- Concierge. Super helpful with booking tours and giving recommendations.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service. A lifesaver when you're sweating buckets every day.
- Luggage storage. Always convenient.
- Currency exchange/Cash withdrawal. Essential.
- Convenience store. Great for stocking up on snacks and essentials.
- Air conditioning in public area. The air-con's a must.
- Facilities for disabled guests. A good feature.
- Ironing service. Always a plus.
- Elevator. Always a blessing.
The hotel also offers business facilities for people wanting to work from the location.
For the Kids: No Kids, But… Maybe?
I didn't see a ton of kids running around, which was fine by me.
- Babysitting service: Offered!
- Kids meal: Offered!
- Kids facilities: Offered!
- Family/child friendly: Yep!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: Smooth and efficient.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Car park [free of charge]: A huge perk.
- Car park [on-site]. Another bonus.
- Valet parking. The convenience.
- Bicycle parking. Available.
- Car power charging station: For those with electric vehicles.
Overall Vibe: A Bit Rough Around the Edges, Utterly Charming
Bannsuan Amaleena isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi could be better. The food could be a bit more consistently amazing. But it has a certain… je ne sais quoi. A genuine charm. The staff were lovely, the location was good. The pool was fantastic. But I loved this hotel because it's not trying too hard to be anything it isn't. It's real. It's authentic. And honestly? That's what makes it a gem.
My Honest Assessment: 4 out of 5 stars. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just pack your own coffee.
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Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Magic of Bannsuan Amaleena in Phuket!
Are you dreaming of a stress-free getaway? Craving crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views, and a truly relaxing escape? Look no further than Bannsuan Amaleena in Phuket, a hidden gem waiting to
Escape to the Harz: Your Dreamy Julius 4 Apartment Awaits in Sankt Andreasberg!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your cookie-cutter brochure itinerary. This is a truth-bomb of a Phuket adventure at Bannsuan Amaleena – a place that claimed to be a slice of paradise. Let's see if it lived up to the hype, shall we?
Bannsuan Amaleena: The "Relax & Recharge" Edition (with a Side of Existential Dread & Mosquito Bites)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- 10:00 AM: Landed in Phuket. The heat hit me like a wall. A sweaty wall. My carefully coiffed travel hair immediately surrendered to the humidity. Already regretting the whole "chic travel influencer" vibe. More like, "hot, sticky mess."
- 11:00 AM: Taxi ride to Bannsuan Amaleena. The driver, bless his soul, probably saw my soul leave my body with every swerving hairpin turn. I white-knuckled the whole way, muttering prayers under my breath. (Note to self: research Thai driving habits. It’s like… organized chaos.)
- 12:00 PM: Arrived. Bannsuan Amaleena. The pics were promising - lush greenery, a serene pool… In reality? The lobby smelled faintly of frangipani and something vaguely resembling mildew. My inner critic, already in high gear after the taxi ride, started whispering insidious things.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. Smooth enough. Greeted by a girl with a forced smile. My bungalow wasn't quite as picturesque as the photos, but you know, still a decent size and private pool - a win!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Ordered some Pad Thai. It was… edible. Not the best Pad Thai I've ever had, but hey, fuel is fuel. Plus, I was starving and the air conditioning was blasting so, it was decent overall.
- 2:00 PM: The pool. FINALLY! Sinking into the cool water felt like a religious experience. This is what I came here for. Bliss. Until…
- 2:30 PM: Mosquito attack. Oh, the horror! My legs were suddenly a buffet for bloodsuckers. Swatting, scratching, and cursing under my breath. This "relaxing" thing was proving to be more of a challenge than I anticipated.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the bungalow for a tactical retreat and bug spray application. I was already dreaming of bug spray stock options.
- 4:00 PM: Napped. It seemed a good idea to hide from the sun and the biting insects.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Tried the Massaman curry. It was ridiculously delicious and for a moment, I forgot all about the mosquito massacre and actually thought maybe this place was worth it, after all.
- 8:00 PM: Walked around the resort. Checked the place out in the dark. The place was lovely in a unique way. Everything had a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
- 9:00 PM: Slept. Praying for no more bug bites.
Day 2: Beach Day & Existential Crisis
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Relatively bite-free. Result!
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More mediocre Pad Thai. But the view of the pool was lovely.
- 10:00 AM: Off to a nearby beach. The water was picture-perfect turquoise. The sand? Powdery white. Instagram jackpot! Until…
- 10:15 AM: Found out the beach was crowded. Like, sardines on a beach kind of crowded. The romantic notions of a deserted paradise immediately evaporated.
- 11:00 AM: Tried to find a less crowded spot. Success! Sort of. Found a patch of sand slightly less populated by screaming children and selfie-stick wielding tourists.
- 11:30 AM: Jumped on a kayak. Exploring the coastline was pretty cool. The sky was blue, the sea sparkling, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of… peace.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside shack. Greasy but delicious Thai food. Stared out at the sea for a solid hour, contemplating the meaning of life. I was thinking, like, "Am I a good person? Am I living the life I should be living? Will I ever find the perfect pair of jeans?" Deep thoughts, folks. Deep thoughts.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the resort, feeling surprisingly philosophical (and slightly sunburned).
- 3:00 PM: Another Pool session. And you know what? The pool was still lovely.
- 4:00 PM: A Thai massage. This was absolutely amazing and worth the cash.
- 6:00 PM: Tried a different restaurant for dinner. Found a small place with amazing cocktails.
- 8:00 PM: Stayed there until closing. Had an amazing time and the cocktails were on point.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 3: The Double-Down & The Waterfall Fall (More Like, Minor Injury)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The restaurant was starting to feel like home. Even the Pad Thai.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to make the most of the resort! That meant, another session in the pool. And another. And another.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. More Pad Thai, yeah, I know. But I swear it was growing on me.
- 1:00 PM: I tried not to think about what was to come.
- 2:00 PM: Explored a waterfall. Found a lovely waterfall. It was gorgeous. I thought I was quite the explorer. Decided to climb on the rocks.
- 2:15 PM: I slipped. My foot turned. Screamed.
- 2:20 PM: Limped back. Seriously, I felt so dumb! That was the worst thing I have done, and it was entirely my fault for thinking I was Indiana Jones.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the resort. The pool was feeling a little more familiar.
- 4:00 PM: Decided to rest the foot, apply some ice, and make a cocktail.
- 5:00 PM: Tried a different cocktail. Tried to forget about my humiliation.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Comfort food.
- 8:00 PM: Called it a night.
Day 4: Departure & A Fond Farewell (or Not?)
- 8:00 AM: Packing. The worst chore.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Yep, you guessed it: Pad Thai. But, hey, I almost liked it.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. The girl with the forced smile gave me a genuine one. Maybe I’d softened her up.
- 11:00 AM: Off to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight.
Final Verdict:
Bannsuan Amaleena? It was something. The place was pretty. The food was kinda meh. The bugs were ruthless. The adventures were unpredictable. I survived, I got a tan, and I have some stories to bore my friends with back home.
Would I go back? Hmmm… Maybe. If they promise an all-you-can-eat Pad Thai buffet, a non-existent mosquito population, and a personal masseuse. And a hefty dose of luck. Until then, I'll be chasing waterfalls of a different kind: the ones in my dreams.
Escape to Paradise: Hostal Mar de Frente, Los Caños de Meca!
Bannsuan Amaleena: The Truth (and Possibly a Few Lies) About Phuket's Secret Eden - FAQ
Buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is the real deal, warts and all... and hopefully a few breathtaking sunsets.
1. Okay, seriously, what *is* Bannsuan Amaleena? Is it just another fancy resort?
Alright, so *technically*, it's a resort. Think bungalows nestled amongst lush green... *stuff*. Seriously, the greenery is INSANE. Like, you walk around and feel like you've stumbled into a National Geographic magazine. But, *fancy resort*? Nah. It's way more intimate. It feels LESS like a place for the rich and famous (though I saw a couple of people who *looked* pretty well-off) and MORE like… well, your cool aunt’s ridiculously gorgeous, slightly eccentric, Thai-inspired vacation home. That's kinda what it felt like anyway. You know, the aunt who always knows the best hidden spots.
2. The pictures look amazing. Is it *actually* that beautiful? (Come on, be honest.)
Okay, here's the deal. The photos... they don't lie. Mostly. Sure, they're touched up a bit, like everyone’s profile pic. But the core beauty? Totally real. The infinity pool looking out over *that* view? Magnificent. The sunsets that turn the sky into a swirling canvas of orange and pink? Forget about it. I almost cried the first night. Not in a "sad I'm-alone-on-vacation" way, but in a "wow, this exists" kinda way. The problem is, the internet just *can't* capture the smell of the frangipani or the way the light filters through the leaves. It's better. Much better.
3. Is it easy to get to? Or do you need Indiana Jones skills?
Getting there isn't *quite* a treasure hunt, thank goodness. You can get a taxi or arrange a transfer. Be prepared for a bit of a drive, especially if you are coming from patong or from the airport. It's off the beaten path, which is part of the charm. But it also means it’s not right in the middle of the action. Which, personally, I *loved*. Gave me the peace and quiet to actually, you know, relax. But If you are looking for excitement, maybe look at a busy hotel, or make sure you get a scooter you can easily get around in, especially if you love going to markets or the beach.
4. The food... tell me about the food! Is it good? (I'm a foodie.)
Okay, the food. This is where things get… complicated. The *flavors*? Incredible. Seriously, some of the best Thai food I've ever had. Fresh, vibrant, bursting with that signature Thai complexity. The Pad Thai? To die for. The mango sticky rice? Heaven. But and this is a big but - the restaurant can get *slow*. *Really* slow. Like, "contemplate-the-meaning-of-life-while-waiting-for-your-spring-rolls" slow. One morning, I saw a couple just... give up and walk out. They were hangry. I don't blame them. I suggest to always order an extra appetizer, and ask for some nuts or snacks while you wait. Trust me, make sure you are ready to wait and have something to munch on to keep the hunger away.
5. Is it kid-friendly?
Hmmmm. It’s more geared towards couples or people looking for a relaxed, peaceful getaway. There isn't a ton for kids to do, other than swim in the pool. There's a definite vibe of quiet contemplation. So, if you've got little ones who bounce off the walls after 20 minutes, maybe not. Might be best to leave the little angels at home. On the other hand, if your kids are the type who appreciate a good sunset and a quiet pool day, then they can come!
6. What's the vibe like? Is it a party place?
Absolutely not a party place. (Thank the gods!) It's more ‘whisper-soft-music-under-the-stars’ and 'reading-a-book-on-your-balcony-with-a-cocktail’ kinda vibe. Tranquility. Peace. Escape the world. You can wander to a beach, or just relax. The staff are friendly, but you can't just start a party. You can easily find a good time here.
7. Okay, spill. Any *real* downsides?
Okay, honesty time. I'm not perfect, I have some flaws. The service, though friendly, can be a *little* slow. And the bugs. Oh, the bugs. Bring bug spray. I got eaten alive one night. AND the wi-fi in my bungalow was spotty. (First world problems, I know, I know). But honestly? These were tiny annoyances. The beauty and the feeling of being truly *away* from it all more than made up for it. You'll be having such a good time, you'll forget to put the bug spray on, and the wi-fi will be a nice break in the end!
8. Can I walk to the beach?
Yes and no. There is a Beach nearby, which is not that far from the resort at all. But you would have to walk for a couple of minutes. So, the beach is not right on the doorstep, sadly!.
9. This all sounds lovely... what’s the ONE thing you’ll never forget?
Okay, this is gonna sound cheesy, but bear with me. One night, I was sitting by the pool, watching the sunset, and drinking my ridiculously overpriced but utterly delicious cocktail. The colors in the sky were insane. And then, a monkey swung down from a tree nearby and started drinking from the water fountain. I mean, first off, it was adorable. Second, there was a weird sense of ‘This is life. This is what it's all about, isn't it?’ It was a moment that felt… perfect. It all clicked. The beauty, the magic, the little imperfections, the monkeys drinking from the fountains. It was… *everything.* It's something I will never forget. And yes, I did get a photo. It's my screen saver now. Don't judge meSerene Getaways
