Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket

We are frequent travellers to Phuket and first time to Aleenta. First of all the positives - the resort sits on a lovely walkable beach, you can sit on the beach, enjoy the ocean and the sun sets are stunning. We found the resort itself overpriced and underwhelming. Rooms - average. Not well designed. Insufficient bench space, no desk, tiny side tables, poor lighting, not enough storage. The bathroom also badly designed - no bench space. We had to keep the curtains closed for privacy all the time. Food & Beverage - again mixed. The menu was quite extensive yet many dishes were not available. Our experience with the wine list was worse - they simply didn't have the wines on the wine list. Service was mixed - some great others not so. It felt like the whole resort lacked a capable general manager. We had booked the spa, received confirmation yet no booking when we turned up for our appointment. Overall we were disappointed with our stay and not somewhere we would return to.

Without doubt what makes this resort special is the attentiveness and genuine friendliness of all the staff. This along with the beautiful setting on a pristine sandy beach that is very private. No vendors selling goods or massages, no other guests from nearby hotels. Plenty of sun loungers and space to spread out. The sea was beautifully clear with a soft sandy bottom. From other reviews it seems at certain times of the year the sea can be rough. In March when we went it was calm for most of our 10 days, but not still, you get the occasional waves, some bigger than others, so maybe not suitable for young children. Beach boys are very attentive with filling up your iced water and helping adjust your sun loungers. Our entry level Grand Deluxe villa was excellent, huge very comfy super king bed, very efficient air con, large private pool with jacuzzi jets and a spacious dressing area and bathroom. The villas are very private, not over looked at all. Housekeeping was excellent and everything spotless. The Hotel is isolated, and you need a taxi to get to most places, the taxi company across the road was very good and reasonably priced. It’s about 30 mins to the airport and about 45mins to Phuket town. This Hotel is a member of the prestigious leading Hotels of the world, and this is where I have a few minor issues, leading to four rather than five stars. The restaurant service although very friendly was slow at times, very slow. Wait times were long between ordering and getting your food. The longest we waited was an hour from ordering our starters to receiving them. On a number of occasions we skipped dessert because we didn’t want to have to wait to firstly order and secondly to get the food. There are not enough staff either in the kitchen or serving, those that are there are run off their feet. The occasional evening entertainment is very good, especially the fire dancers. There is an under used Thai boxing ring that is crying out for a complimentary demonstration fight, I’m sure it would attract many of the guests and result in some bookings for lessons. The price of drinks was way too high. Wine was around £60 a bottle, cocktails were London prices, £14 approx. The mini bar ( we were half board) was similar. The room has orange flip flops, a hessian beach bag and the obligatory white slippers. The beach bag and flip flops are used, they are clean but used, and not to take home unless you purchase from the hotel shop. The bag was around £45, we thought this was mean spirited and not in keeping with such a prestigious hotel. Serviettes in the restaurant are very thin paper, the cheapest. We are aware of the Hotels eco friendly stance, but this annoyed us , due to the beach setting there was often a sea breeze, the serviettes just flew around and don’t stay on your lap. We took to asking for linen serviettes. A luxury Hotel however eco friendly shouldn’t scrimp on the necessities. The food was mainly good but often under seasoned. Note to chef, please put some salt in your mashed potatoes and pumpkin soup. lot of the dishes were overly sweet. The menu at The Edge was divided up into local, western and healthy sections. On half board you can choose from any section. Being far from local restaurants we ate here every night, we did start to get a bit tired of the menu and one night I asked if I could have something from the lunch menu, this was duly provided without hesitation. The lunch menu to me should be available in the evening as well, as I felt there were a lot of very appealing choices. For those with mobility issues, think carefully before choosing this hotel. There are a lot of different levels and steps.The Grand Deluxe villas are across the very quiet road up and down some steps and then spread out amongst the gardens. The villas have steps up to the entrance and no handrail into the swimming pool, which has steep steps. The main hotel has a number of different levels and steps, including some steep steps into the indoor section of the Edge restaurant. There is an al la carte restaurant which was rarely used, partly because of the position up high and not on the beach and also the menu was a set tasting menu and we didn’t think very appealing. The spa treatments we had were excellent, and the staff all lovely. The guests are a great mix of nationalities, and all age groups.

Very pleasant hotel, they took care of every detail of what I requested for my marriage proposal! They were very attentive and impeccable. I highly recommend the intimate dinner experience with your feet in the sand.

Prior to us deciding if we want to book there we went to visit the resort and decided to have lunch in The Edge Restaurant overlooking the beach. Our so called lunch was so off putting that we wrote a separate review and on the basis of such poor experience certainly would not waste time and money to get further upset. Good luck in getting your act together

Beautiful & immaculately maintained resort that enhances stillness & privacy. Staff cannot do enough for their guests. The beach is sensational with snacks & drinks regularly provided. Anna provided an outstanding service & maintained a brisk response when contacted. The bed is super comfortable and the villa pool area is lovely with a great day bed. Nothing to do but relax. Housekeeping staff efficient & thorough. Daily minibar wellness snacks absolutely delicious. The walled garden in our private pool villa was lush although a haven for mosquitos. Goy’s massage in Ayurah Spa was amazing. Food good BUT breakfast selection underwhelming. Wine selection could possibly be improved. My only suggestion would be to make the whole eating area smoke free. Thank you for a wonderful stay.