The Pullman Arcadia is one of the most impressive resorts I have ever had the honour to stay in. It’s not that everything is perfect here, but it’s the overall package that makes all the difference – you just feel good.
The best way to highlight this is with the help of a scene I experienced in the pool. There was a couple talking about the Pullman Arcadia and the man told his wife that he would normally need five days to a week to feel like he is on vacation – but here he already felt this after a day of arriving. That makes the Arcadia, you immediately feel that a real team is working hand in hand and at eye level.
All staff are extremely friendly and read your wishes from the lips, there is a totally relaxed atmosphere and that’s why the guests from all over the world quickly relax and connect with their loved ones. The Arcadia is fortunate to have a general manager – an Australian Brett Wilson – who knows what makes guests and staff happy. The always positive and constructive aura of the “captain” rubs off on employees as well as guests – this accounts for a large part of the hotel’s special informal atmosphere.
The location of the hotel is ideal, it is only 10 – 15 minutes to the airport – yet no aircraft noise. Depending on the traffic situation, Phuket Town is only 30-45 minutes away, and those who enjoy shopping will find some of the well-known malls and brand shops there to pass the time. If you prefer to relax, you can go to one of the two hotel pools, for example, the large infinity pool from which you can not only look at the sea but also on the Naithon beach.
The breakfast in Pullman Arcadia is worth mentioning – there is everything your heart desires in high quality which always gets the day off to a good start. There are two restaurants – on the one hand Elements, on the other hand the Italian VERO – since both restaurants in Google Maps have their own entries, I have placed the respective reviews there.
With the Dutch Food & Beverage Director Albert Jan van Beusekom all the threads come together, because he has the overall responsibility for the restaurants & events when it comes to the bodily wellbeing.
The Pullman also has a poolside bar and a lobby bar appropriately named C-bar with stunning sunset views – even better is social sunset where the General Manager invites all guests to cocktails, wine and soft drinks for two hours every Thursday. He is supported by the extremely charming Roxana Gheorghe, Director of Operations. Compared to many other hotel businesses this is a great feature, but certainly this “social event” is also one of the reasons for the success of the Arcadia.
The grounds of the hotel have been integrated in quite spacious and steep in the rock of the coastal headland, but it was very much in harmony with nature, which is why the system fits well here. The hotel offers 24/7 shuttle service to the rooms – in case of rain you have to wait a moment, but usually you are in your room after five minutes.
For many years now, the operator Accor has made strong efforts to adopt an ecological approach, which is why there are many elements in the Arcadia that help to protect the environment. This begins with the omission of the plastic straw, goes through the integrated “Organic Garden” as well as a proper service water management and much more.
There are a handful of different room types from the standard room to the villa with its own infinity pool – all boasting a similar upscale yet sleek design with marble, light lacquered wood, and beach house toned colour schemes. The beds are excellent – so good that you do not want to get out in the morning …
The rooms and the whole hotel area are extremely clean and well maintained – we have never encountered anything like mold or dirt within the last five years. Of course, there are a few leaves here and there in the pool and sometimes ants to see, but hello – we are in Thailand and surrounded by nature.
Naithon also offers one of the best beaches in Phuket but compared to Khao Lak this is not as nice, in my opinion, but that is not the focus for me – this time we wanted to relax in the hotel and escape the tourist hustle & bustle.
Of course, the Pullman Arcadia also has a well-equipped gym along with daily classes and a great SPA – but I have dedicated myself more to the culinary side of the holiday, with the “pounds off” I then start at home …
I particularly liked that in the minibar a daily contingent of soft drinks was left for free – a small gimmick but a feel-good gimmick! Then there were small surprises, which we found after returning to our room – chocolates, small chocolate works, fruits and chocolate puzzle for our daughter – everything prepared with love – these have sweetened us every stay in Arcadia!
I’ve already been able to visit a lot of good big and small hotels & resorts in Thailand, but I can say that over the years Pullman Arcadia and the team have grown so fond of me and my family that it has become our absolute number one holiday home. If you are looking for a relaxed, high level of relaxation away from the nightlife, I highly recommend this hotel.