My sister and I recently visited Phuket, Thailand, and chose to stay at the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort. It wasn’t a long-planned trip, more of a spontaneous decision, but we had a great time!
The resort itself is beautiful: large, spread out across multiple wings, with lush greenery everywhere. We stayed in the main wing, where the main lobby is located, and from there it’s easy to access the pools and gardens. There are several swimming pools scattered across the property, and the resort sits just across a narrow road from Karon Beach.
Arrival Experience
I had pre-arranged a car through the hotel for airport pickup. It was a little more expensive compared to outside options, but for me the peace of mind makes it worth it. After all, when you land in a new place, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your ride unless it is Japan!
Immigration at Phuket Airport took a while, and when we finally came out, I couldn’t spot anyone holding my name on a placard. For a few moments, I felt that familiar anxiety and I started scrolling back through my emails, trying to find the contact number the hotel had given me. While I was busy on my phone, a gentleman appeared holding my name on the board and asked if I was the guest. I was happy to see him appear!
Walking into the Pullman lobby, the first impression is of space and greenery. The design feels open, welcoming, and relaxed, which is exactly what you want after a long journey. The best part? Knowing that the beach is right across the road, just a few steps away.
First Evening & Next Morning
By the time we finished checking in, it was already late, and the first task was to figure out dinner. Instead of heading out, we decided to keep it simple and try the room service. The staff was courteous, and the food turned out to be quite good.
The resort has a virtual concierge system, which I tried out for the first time. It made ordering really convenient, I could browse and request what we wanted without any hassle. The food arrived promptly, and we enjoyed a relaxed dinner in the room.
After a good night’s sleep, we woke up to a lovely morning. The sound of birds chirping outside set the mood for the day, and when we stepped out, we were greeted by the sight of a beautiful swimming pool right behind our room. It felt like the perfect way to begin our first full day at the resort.
Breakfast at Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
The next morning started with breakfast, which turned out to be a highlight in itself. The spread was impressive, with plenty of vegetarian options, and if you’re non-vegetarian, even better. I was pleasantly surprised to find masala chai, a thoughtful touch for the many Indian guests who frequent the property.
Another detail I really appreciated: breakfast is served until 11 AM. At a beach resort, this makes so much sense. After all, who wants to rush out of bed early when you’re supposed to be on a relaxed holiday?
A Leisurely Day: Beach & Evening at the Lounge
After breakfast, we crossed over to Karon Beach, which is just a few steps from the resort. My sister had a slight ankle sprain, so we took it easy and spent a long, leisurely time at the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea.
In the evening, we discovered the Panorama Lounge, and it quickly became our favorite spot. We ended up going there every evening. The views from the lounge are stunning, the atmosphere is warm, and the staff made the experience even better. Complimentary drinks and coffee are served, and the dress code is smart casual, a fun excuse for my sister and me to dress up a little each night and head over happily.
Dining, Pools & Activities
During our stay, we tried several of the resort’s dining options—the café, the main restaurant (where breakfast is served), and the Thai restaurant, which I’d highly recommend. The food throughout was consistently good, and the staff made every meal feel special with their warmth and courtesy.
Another highlight was the swimming pool near the beach, which has a beach hut serving excellent drinks. Thanks to my member status with Accor, I had complimentary vouchers and got to sample a few, definitely worth it.
Because of my sister’s ankle sprain, we couldn’t venture much into the city, except for a short half-day outing. But honestly, the resort itself kept us more than occupied. Between the multiple swimming pools, evening fire shows, a variety of listed activities, and even a spa (which we didn’t try this time), there’s plenty to do without ever leaving the property.
The Heart of the Resort: The People
If I had to give the biggest shout-out, it would be to the staff. They were always courteous, polite, and approachable, ready to help, share information, or simply chat if you felt like it. Their warmth added a personal touch that made the stay even more memorable
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had a wonderful stay at Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort. From the convenient location right by Karon Beach, to the food, pools, and above all the staff, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and comfort. It is also special because we had our first flying dress photoshoot there. My sister and I both agreed that we’d happily return here on another trip to Phuket.