Infinity Pool
by Gayatri Bhaumik
Who doesn’t love a good island getaway? And when it’s one of the best design-friendly resorts in Phuket, you know it’s going to be good.
The Slate is the first property completely created by award-winning, Bangkok-based hotel designer Bill Bensley – and it shows. Inspired by Phuket’s tin-mining past, the expansive property features industrial nods in every little detail. When abacuses taken from former mine offices sit on the walls of the casual Tongkah Tin Syndicate bar, you know this hotel is a stickler for attention to detail.
Who doesn’t love a good island getaway? And when it’s one of the best design-friendly resorts in Phuket, you know it’s going to be good.
The Slate is the first property completely created by award-winning, Bangkok-based hotel designer Bill Bensley – and it shows. Inspired by Phuket’s tin-mining past, the expansive property features industrial nods in every little detail. When abacuses taken from former mine offices sit on the walls of the casual Tongkah Tin Syndicate bar, you know this hotel is a stickler for attention to detail.
My first stop is – naturally – my room. Or more accurately, the Pearl Shell Suite that’s mine for two days. There are only five here, and as soon as you step in you can see why these rooms are much sought after. There’s a cosy living room decked out with a plush sofa, massive flat screen, fully-loaded minibar, and small dining nook. The behemoth bathroom features a massive walk-in wardrobe and two spa beds, along with a granite double vanity. But the best part is the expansive outdoor patio that’s perfect for lounging.
It’s only when I spend the afternoon wandering around that I realise just how big The Slate is. There’s a dive centre where guests can borrow kayaks and snorkelling gear – and bicycles, come to that – and head out to explore Nai Yang Beach, which is right outside. The fully-loaded fitness centre is decked out with all manner of equipment, including a mind-body studio, and a boxing area.
And there are three pool, each catering to a different calibre of guest. At the resort’s centre, a kid’s splash pool allows families to swim in comfort; a short walk away, the main pool features dramatic water features and a swim-up bar. At the further edges of the resort, a smaller infinity pool fringed by palm trees and sunloungers is strictly adults only. So this is where I while away the afternoon in perfect serenity, in the company of a good book and fresh coconut.
It’s only when I spend the afternoon wandering around that I realise just how big The Slate is. There’s a dive centre where guests can borrow kayaks and snorkelling gear – and bicycles, come to that – and head out to explore Nai Yang Beach, which is right outside. The fully-loaded fitness centre is decked out with all manner of equipment, including a mind-body studio, and a boxing area.
And there are three pool, each catering to a different calibre of guest. At the resort’s centre, a kid’s splash pool allows families to swim in comfort; a short walk away, the main pool features dramatic water features and a swim-up bar. At the further edges of the resort, a smaller infinity pool fringed by palm trees and sunloungers is strictly adults only. So this is where I while away the afternoon in perfect serenity, in the company of a good book and fresh coconut.
At 7pm, the evening kicks off with sunset cocktails at Rebar, an airy space which – at least at the moment – is decked out in dramatic Moroccan style. Later, I head downstairs to Rivet, the resort’s new Japanese restaurant, where an array of fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and other delicacies are on offer.
Did I mention there’s an oversized sunken bath on the edge of my bedroom here? Well, there is. So after dinner, I head straight back to my room, draw a bath, and watch a movie before tumbling into an impossibly cloud-like bed.
Bright and early the next morning, I head down to the resort’s main lawn for a private yoga session - spoiler: it was hot – before dropping into Tin Mine for a buffet breakfast.
The Slate offers Thai cooking classes at Moo’s Kitchen, the property’s onsite cooking school. So the order of the day is to whip up four dishes, including friend appetisers, tom yum goong, and larb gai. It’s very much a group activity, so everyone pitched in and we were able to enjoy a delicious lunch that paired well with the local Chalawan beer.
Did I mention there’s an oversized sunken bath on the edge of my bedroom here? Well, there is. So after dinner, I head straight back to my room, draw a bath, and watch a movie before tumbling into an impossibly cloud-like bed.
Bright and early the next morning, I head down to the resort’s main lawn for a private yoga session - spoiler: it was hot – before dropping into Tin Mine for a buffet breakfast.
The Slate offers Thai cooking classes at Moo’s Kitchen, the property’s onsite cooking school. So the order of the day is to whip up four dishes, including friend appetisers, tom yum goong, and larb gai. It’s very much a group activity, so everyone pitched in and we were able to enjoy a delicious lunch that paired well with the local Chalawan beer.
After all that effort, it was definitely time to for a spa treatment. Most guests head to the Coqoon Spa, which is famous for its exclusive treatment room which looks like a bird’s nest. Since I’m staying in a Pearl Shell Suite, I get to enjoy the Coquoon Signature Relax Massage in the privacy of my own room. The massage was great – but being able to stay on the table for a nap afterwards? Priceless.
Black Ginger deck at twilight
Tonight, dinner is at The Slate’s signature Thai restaurant, Black Ginger. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but getting there is an adventure. And the food? A sublime medley of flavors and textures that is de rigueur in Thai fine-dining.
I check out the next morning, thoroughly rejuvenated for the week ahead. The Slate may by inspired by the rigorous work of tin-mining, but it specializes in idyllic relaxation.
I check out the next morning, thoroughly rejuvenated for the week ahead. The Slate may by inspired by the rigorous work of tin-mining, but it specializes in idyllic relaxation.
Editor’s note:
Back in Hong Kong, we’ve met w/ Krystal, the owner of The Slate, for a nice chit-chat on travel and Phuket.
Learning among others that The Slate is a member of design hotels, which is no surprise given the attention to details and design Gayatri has noted during her stay there.
Hong Kong Madame loves: that even though being a luxury hotel, The Slate is also perfect for family featuring:
Back in Hong Kong, we’ve met w/ Krystal, the owner of The Slate, for a nice chit-chat on travel and Phuket.
Learning among others that The Slate is a member of design hotels, which is no surprise given the attention to details and design Gayatri has noted during her stay there.
Hong Kong Madame loves: that even though being a luxury hotel, The Slate is also perfect for family featuring:
Three large swimming pools including the Family Pool
Nine restaurants and bars to cater all tastes and appetites
An inspired family-centric programme offering fun and educational activities such as Little Chef, Evening Safari, Batik Painting or Kids Thai Boxing
We also love that The Slate offers you to discover the local life and tradition of Phuket through experiences such as alms-giving excursion with the Morning Monks, mountain bike ride across rural areas or sailing across the Andaman Sea to discover the world heritage site of Phang Nga Bay or witness underwater wonders.
We are looking forward to our next stay at The Slate!
The Slate
Nai Yang Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand
About Gayatri Bhaumik
Always ready for her next adventure, Gayatri Bhaumik took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she's now based in Hong Kong when she isn’t globetrotting. She contributes travel and lifestyle content to titles like The Loop HK, Buro 24/7 Singapore, Elite Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, RBS ContentLive and Destination Deluxe.
Always ready for her next adventure, Gayatri Bhaumik took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since. After long stints in Bangkok, Melbourne and London, she's now based in Hong Kong when she isn’t globetrotting. She contributes travel and lifestyle content to titles like The Loop HK, Buro 24/7 Singapore, Elite Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, RBS ContentLive and Destination Deluxe.