Enjoy a gastronomic adventure package in Phuket

The Slate is probably my favourite address in Phuket; a whimsical luxury resort with a serious gourmet offering. 

A new “Gastronomic Adventure” package features an immersive stay at the art-inspired resort with plenty of tasty treats in store. 

Guests signing up for the package are transported by private car to the resort, where they get either am upgrade or a complimentary bottle of bubbly. 

The tariff includes breakfast daily at the Tin Mine al fresco eatery, daily lunch or dinner at any of the resort’s venues, including one glass of wine, sparkling wine, beer, soft drink or juice per person per meal.

The half-board deal (try one of the food trucks on the beach for your other main meal) enables guests to experience Black Ginger, the award-winning Thai restaurant that appears to float above a tranquil lagoon and is only accessible by wooden raft. 

Alternatively they can choose to eat at Rivet, reimagined with an open-fired grill and smokehouse.

Packages also include 10% discount at Kru Precision Wellness and 20% off treatments at the serene Coqoon Spa, while those staying in Pearl Shell Suites will receive personal butler service, complimentary mini-bar items and a 60-minute Coqoon Rebirth massage for two people. 

There are a range of benefits available depending of accommodation choices. 

“At The Slate, we strive to curate amazing gastronomic experiences that delight and surprise in equal measure," says co-founder and owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. 

"It's not only about the food; it's the entire journey: the flavours, aromas, atmosphere and activities all come together to create immersive journeys that spark conversion and live long in the memory. 

"Our ‘Gastronomic Adventure’ gives guests the chance to explore our diverse dining destinations and enjoy truly unforgettable encounters in Phuket.” 

To start planning a Gastronomic Adventure visit www.theslatephuket.com/offers/gastronomic-adventure.html. 

Rates start from THB 8,250 ($345) +++ per room per night.

To learn more see www.theslatephuket.com.

Mix luxury and gourmet experiences in Phuket

 

Looking for a Phuket resort that also offers a range of gourmet experiences? 

Put The Slate into your diary for next time you are travelling to Thailand. 

Not only does the resort have a unique ambience created by leading designer Bill Bensley, it also features a unique restaurant that is recommended by the Michelin Guide, as well as offering cooking classes and serious wine choices. 

Located at Nai Yang Beach - not far from Phuket Airport - The Slate is within walking distance of food stalls, beach bars and massage options; meaning guests can combine a luxury retreat with some authentic Thai experiences.

The laidback vibe is another bonus. 

The Slate has an impressive collection of suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, all surrounded by pools and gardens. 

The Thai cuisine at Black Ginger is a standout, along with Sunday brunches at Rivet restaurant.

Black Ginger - worth a visit even if you are not staying at The Slate - appears like an ancient Thai village floating above a floodlit lagoon and is only accessible by raft. 

It is a delightful setting where chef Anongrat “Piak” Meklai uses locally-sourced ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques to reimagine authentic southern Thai recipes. 

Choose from a degustation menu or a la carte and dishes including sun-dried baby prawn with shredded mango tossed with cashew nut; spring rolls with crab claw meat and pork strip; crab meat curry with cha plu leaf accompanied by rice noodle; pork belly with soy sauce Phuket style and Massaman braised beef in thick spiced peanut curry, potato and onion. 

There is a wide array for curries and stir-fries from which to choose. 

With some Californian chardonnay and a taste of Argentine malbec, this was among the finest dining experiences of my recent Phuket visit. 

There are several other wining and dining options on site; perhaps a private tasting in The Cellar, with a high table, six stools and a global selection of wines. 

There are a range of cooking class options to choose from for those who wish to enjoy Thai food at home. 

Food Pilgrimage includes a visit to a local market to select herbs, vegetables and spices before a gourmet cooking session - a self-cooked lunch. 

Unique and whimsical design - based around Phuket's tin mining history - is one of the keys to The Slate's popularity.  

As a member of the Design Hotels Collection, every aspect of the resort is intended to be uplifting and invigorating, from the visual impact of original artworks and installations, which can be explored in a QR code-enabled ‘Art Journey’. 

Coqoon Spa, meanwhile, showcases a customised selection of organic essential oils for its wide range of treatments.

Activities range from yoga to Muay Thai, flowering arranging or snorkelling lessons, or simply strolling along the shores of Nai Yang Beach. This is also a resort where the service never misses a beat, thanks to Thai-speaking Swiss-born and raised GM Claude Sauter, who took over during Covid.

“It is an honour to be appointed GM of The Slate and to work alongside [owner] Khun Moo, who is a truly iconic figure in Phuket’s tourism and hospitality industry," Sauter said. 

"She has successfully created one of the most breath-taking resorts in Asia, which successfully weaves her family’s life story with Bill Bensley’s design and the finest five-star hospitality. 

"As the world starts to travel again, I look forward to ushering in an exciting new era at this outstanding resort, and creating exceptional experiences for all our guests.” 

For details and bookings visit www.theslatephuket.com.

# The writer flew with Jetstar, which has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/

Dogs welcome - and their well-behaved owners

The Slate is one of my favourite addresses - on beach at sleepy Naiyang on Phuket, it is inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past. 

The luxury resort blends Bill Bensley’s whimsical design with industrial chic elements to create a serious ambience. 

A collection of delightful suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surround serene pools and gardens, while Coqoon Spa offers a range of relaxing treatment. 

Dining options include much-awarded authentic Thai cuisine at Black Ginger and international tastes at Rivet. 

A hotel review will follow shortly but the hot news from The Slate is that dogs are now welcome to enjoy their beach holiday, along with well-behaved humans.

The Slate’s new dog-friendly policy means that up to two pooches can experience the life of luxury in a one-bedroom pool villa or two-bedroom family and pool villas - as long as they are accompanied by a well-behaved owner. 

During their stay, pampered pups will be able to unwind in their beautiful villa, sleep in their own comfortable dog bed, which will be provided by The Slate, and even cool off in their private pool! 

Food and water bowls will be set up in the room, daily doggie treats will be provided at turndown, and The Slate will give every canine guest a signature badge for their leash – the ultimate fashion accessory for the discerning dog.  A series of “Furry Services” will also be offered at an extra charge, including a nutritious and delicious gourmet menu, plus dog walking and sitting services for travellers seeking some human time. For complete peace-of-mind, veterinary services will be available on call.  To ensure the comfort of all other guests, The Slate has created some house rules for its canine clientele. All dogs must be free from fleas or ticks, their vaccinations must be up-to-date, and they must be kept on a leash when not in the villa.  Poop bags will be provided to owners who must take care of their pets’ mess, and while The Slate loves all tail-waggers to be happy and playful, they must also be relatively quiet and under control. “At The Slate, we understand that for many people, their dogs are an important part of their family. We want to make it easier for every guest to travel and stay in style with their pooches. Our pool villas will let pets unwind and live the life of luxury – swimming in their private pool, dining from a gourmet menu and even wearing The Slate’s dog tag with pride! We can’t wait to welcome our four-legged friends to Phuket this summer,” said the hotel’s co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong.   Under The Slate’s dog-friendly policy, up to two dogs are permitted per villa, with a maximum weight of 7.5kg each. A fee of THB 1,500 per dog per night is applicable. For information visit www.theslatephuket.com.

Entering Thailand is now as simple as ABC

There is reggae music coming from the beach. The massage ladies are in full voice and the food stalls are back in business.  

At The Slate hotel on Nai Yang beach the Vegemite is back on the breakfast buffet and all the world is back at play.

  

I flew in on Jetstar two days before travel restrictions were lifted but even the Covid-test and overnight quarantine were handled deftly and swiftly.  

Now vaccinated travellers can fly into Bangkok and Phuket with very few rules in place.  

The crowds may be starting to return to Nai Yang, but the beach (above) was still close to deserted yesterday.

Vaccinated travellers must still have the following documents for entering Thailand: 

• # A valid passport, and a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/), or a Border Pass for arrivals via border checkpoints. 

• # An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000. is requirement. 

• # A Certificate of Covid-19 Vaccination

• 
  

• # Unvaccinated travellers, or fools, as we call them, must provide proof of prepayment for five-night quarantine at government-approved hotel/s.  

•  

• # The quarantine is excluded for unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system.

The Slate (above), previously known as the Indigo Pearl, meanwhile, remains a stylish delight.

A full review will follow once I have discovered all its charms. See theslatephuket.com.

# Jetstar flights between Sydney and Phuket operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays (twice per week return services). 

Melbourne flights operate on Tuesdays and Sundays.  

Sydney to Phuket fares start from $319 and Melbourne to Phuket from $289. There are economy and business class options on the comfortable Boeing 787-8 aircraft. See www.jetstar.com.au  

Phuket resort showcases gender-fluid fashions

I stayed at Phuket's The Slate resort back when it was known as Indigo Pearl. A delightful spot, quite different from your cookie-cutter seaside hotel.

Conceived by Bill Bensley, the maverick architect and interior designer, this eclectic retreat is home to original installations and sculptures that reflect the area’s rich industrial heritage and tin mining past.

The Slate is a member of the Design Hotels collection and is again showcasing its creative credentials by collaborating with This Is Fred, an edgy London fashion label.

Crafted by British designer Frederick (Fred) Morrison, who has presented his collections at the Paris and Berlin fashion weeks, This Is Fred produces pioneering gender-fluid urban wear.

The Slate and This Is Fred have created this exclusive “THE SLATE X FRED” collection, which is influenced by The Slate’s architecture and interiors. Each hand-stitched item features black and white stripes that appear almost magically when the cloth is in movement. The unisex collection comprises trousers, tops, ponchos, jackets and more.

The collection is being exhibited at Shades, The Slate’s gallery space, and each piece is available for purchase at The Stockroom, the property’s online and onsite retail store.

“I discovered Fred in Shoreditch, a very creative and artistic area in East London where you can find one-of-a-kind vintage shops and independent fashion labels," said resort co-founder and owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (known to her friends as Khun Moo).

"I always prefer small independent brands to well-known international ones. His geometric cut and shape, use of materials and the gender-fluidity of the brand immediately reminded me of The Slate.

“This Is Fred has a similar brand philosophy to The Slate. Our brands have an avant-garde approach and a very bold way of thinking. 

"I invited Fred and his partner to stay at The Slate at the beginning of 2020, just before the pandemic, to discuss our collaboration. Fred was very much inspired by the resort’s architectural attributes and we decided to create THE SLATE X FRED collection together.”

The hotel has previously hosted “Artist in Residence” programs and one of Thailand’s most famous “Sak Yant” tattoo artists for a three-month residency, which allowed guests to get their own traditional tattoos.

Guests can also learn the art of flower arrangement and southern-style Thai cooking or enjoy a treatment at the Coqoon Spa.

Culture lovers can learn about The Slate's interiors and Phuket’s history on the Art Journey, a QR code-enabled tour that reveals the vision behind the resort’s artworks and sculptures.

See www.theslatephuket.com.