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Cape Panwa Hotel: A Serene Oasis in Phuket

Overview of Cape Panwa Hotel

Cape Panwa Hotel stands out with its stunning white-sand beach, offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay. This luxurious resort hosts ten restaurants and bars, among which Panwa House, situated within a historic Sino-Portuguese mansion, offers authentic Thai cuisine. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, the low-rise design of the property harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding natural beauty, featuring a selection of sea-facing suites and villas equipped with five-star amenities and spacious balconies.

The much-anticipated Season 3 of The White Lotus has returned, and viewers are excited to see the unfolding drama set against the picturesque backdrop of Thailand’s islands and beaches. Notably, the resort will be highlighted in an upcoming episode, adding to its visibility as a desirable destination. Cape Panwa Hotel, located on Phuket’s east coast, is among the picturesque settings used for filming.

“Excitement is palpable as the new season of The White Lotus approaches,” said Khun Waew Taechaubol, owner and project development manager at Cape Panwa Hotel. “The show effectively captures the essence of our locale, and we anticipate its positive influence on local businesses and communities.”

Established in the early 1980s, Cape Panwa Hotel is recognized as one of Phuket’s premier luxury hotels, previously frequented by celebrities seeking tranquility, including Elizabeth Taylor and Pierce Brosnan. The resort sits gracefully within a former coconut grove, providing captivating views of the Andaman Sea and direct access to a private beach, featuring elegantly designed accommodations across 205 rooms and suites. Notably, Panwa House remains a signature dining choice amidst its nine restaurants.

For guests desiring an exclusive experience, the hotel offers yacht charters for idyllic island-hopping adventures, distinguishing itself from the bustling tourist boats typically seen in the area.

Beyond the hotel, Cape Panwa offers a tranquil environment with views of Chalong Bay and Lone Island, boasting luxury villas and condominiums that take advantage of the stunning scenery. This serene locale attracts repeat visitors, many of whom come to savor the leisurely pace of life prevalent in this less frequented section of Phuket.

“The allure of Cape Panwa lies in its tranquil and secluded setting on Phuket’s east coast,” Taechaubol remarked. “We have cultivated a luxurious retreat featuring one of the island’s few private beaches, allowing guests to relax in intimacy and comfort.”

Upon arrival, I wasted no time indulging in the fresh coconut water provided in my suite before heading for the beach via the hotel’s cable car. The serene beach met my expectations for sunbathing and swimming, complemented by refreshing stops at the hotel’s fruit cart for delectable local mango and pineapple.

Below is an in-depth review of Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

Accommodation Choices

The resort’s accommodations are diverse, catering to various preferences with a total of 205 rooms, many offering direct or partial sea views. Superior rooms ensure comfort, while junior suites provide more space with amenities like private balconies and sizable sunbeds. The two-bedroom family suites further expand on comfort with over 1,200 square feet and an outdoor whirlpool.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the cape suites feature ample living space and modern bathrooms. My choice, the cape signature corner suite, was a generous 1,365 square feet with stunning ocean views from a large balcony, providing serene mornings filled with espresso and sunshine.

The pinnacle of luxury is found in the two-bedroom pool villas, which cover around 1,485 square feet and include private pools. For the ultimate experience, the cape absolute suite is a lavish penthouse measuring 5,703 square feet, with features including two bedrooms, expansive living and dining spaces, and a full-sized infinity pool positioned just steps from the beach.

Culinary Delights

The hotel prides itself on its ten dining venues, each offering distinct atmospheres and specialty drinks curated by food and beverage executive assistant manager Jakub Goduš. My standout experience was at Panwa House, a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese mansion where culinary offerings marry Malay Peninsula influences with Southern Thai flavors. Their chef’s prix fixé southern platter is exceptional, especially the crab curry.

Café Andaman serves all-day casual dining with both Thai and international dishes, while Bamboo Bar, located on the beach, quickly became my favorite, particularly for its Pad Thai and fresh coconut water gathered from local trees.

Guests can also enjoy a buffet with various choices, with Top of The Reef offering continental dishes with a hint of French flair. Italian cuisine can be savored at Uncle Nan’s Restaurant, complete with breathtaking views and a taste of la dolce vita. For evening socializing, Dolphin Bar and Otter’s Bar provide lively atmospheres to unwind.

Seafood aficionados will find a summer paradise at Laem Panwa Restaurant, with a menu filled with fresh local fare, while Café Kantary offers light refreshments like premium coffee and homemade gelato.

On one of my evenings, I ventured into the romantic beach dining offered outside Panwa House. Although it would have been even more delightful with a companion, I enjoyed a private dining experience while savoring a traditional Thai dinner enhanced by local dishes like Tod Mun Pla and mango sticky rice.

Activities and Amenities

Cape Panwa Hotel caters to dynamic guest expectations with excellent recreational facilities that include two pools and a fitness center. For a more immersive approach to fitness, kayaking around the cape was invigorating, allowing me to observe vibrant marine life.

Other nautical adventures await those interested in snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (the first hour is complimentary), windsurfing, and a variety of beach games. Guests can also participate in Thai cooking classes or Batik painting workshops for cultural enrichment. Fitness-seekers can engage in Muay Thai boxing or enjoy yoga sessions tailored for relaxation.

For extraordinary escapades, **Cape Yacht Charters** provides lavish boating experiences. The Panwa Princess, their newest yacht, come with amenities like a whirlpool and premier hosting for luxury island explorations around Phang-Nga or Krabi.

Wellness and Relaxation

The resort features a spa that serves as a tranquil sanctuary away from the main hotel complex, surrounded by lush vegetation. I indulged in the signature Cape Panwa Blossoming Spa Treatment, a delightful 120-minute experience featuring an herbal foot bath, invigorating body scrub, and a relaxing oil massage with uplifting geranium oil.

Family Amenities

Cape Panwa Hotel is well-suited for families, offering spacious family suites with separate bathrooms and balconies, ensuring privacy for all. Children over five can participate in the complimentary Monkeys’ Club, which provides a range of engaging activities from nature walks to cultural classes, allowing parents to relax while their children enjoy supervised activities.

Accessibility and Sustainability Efforts

The hotel incorporates accessibility within its design, with wheelchair-friendly entries and lounges, as well as stair-free paths ensuring ease of navigation for all guests.

Committed to responsible practices, the resort avoids using products that involve animal cruelty, such as shark fin, bird’s nest, or foie gras in its culinary offerings.

Location and Transportation

Nestled on the picturesque eastern edge of Phuket, Cape Panwa Hotel is an ideal retreat for those seeking serenity. Located about an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT), visitors can conveniently book a Grab ride or arrange transportation through the hotel.

There’s little need for car rentals, as affordable Grab rides provide reliable transport options for exploring the island or visiting local attractions, including Old Town. It’s essential to note that while beaches are public in Thailand, Cape Panwa’s beach offers a unique sense of privacy.

Maximizing Your Experience

Cape Panwa Hotel is part of the Cape&Kantary Hotels’ loyalty program, known as the Cape and Kantary Privilege Card. This multi-tier membership entitles guests to various discounts and benefits. Staying during the rainy season, which runs from mid-May to mid-October, can also lead to significant savings and a chance to experience the area with fewer crowds.

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