I’ve written about the Westin’s mission to foster a feel-good vibe at their resorts before. Checking into a Westin feels a little like coming home. In this case, home was a luxurious and relaxing resort on the idyllic and exclusive east coast of Thailand at The Westin Phuket in Siray Bay.
View from one of the pool deck at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Westin weaves an element of wellness into each of their resorts’ services. That’s the Westin philosophy – they want you to feel good and Stay Well. For the health conscious traveller that makes life on the road much easier.
Skye Gilkeson relaxing in the pool at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Westin Phuket
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The Westin Phuket is actually on Siray Island, connected by a very short bridge to Phuket (just a few minutes by car from Phuket Town). The property overlooks the stunning Siray Bay. The resort was just what we were looking for to wind down at the end of our Phuket stay – a breathtakingly beautiful setting to rest, recharge and reset some of our healthy habits. We spent our days soaking up a little sun by the pool, getting in some much-needed training around the resort and exploring the menus of each of the restaurants.
We arrived at the Westin at about 8am in the morning. Thankfully, reception didn’t flinch when we announced we were checking-in so early. In fact, they rushed to get a room ready while we joined the other guests at the morning breakfast buffet. Fresh from a 3-day food-free cleanse, breaking the fast was at the forefront of our minds and the delicious spread was just what we had been dreaming about in the lead-up to our stay.
A healthy breakfast at The Westin Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Dining at The Westin Phuket
Seasonal Tastes
Seasonal Tastes is the setting for the delicious daily breakfast buffets. The feast features a menu built from local, seasonal finds. For the health conscious, there’s the signature bircher muesli, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, superfood smoothies, an egg station, stir fried vegetables and lean meats. A salad bar sits alongside cold meats, salmon, cheeses and a fruit on one table and an entire Asian smorgasbord including dumplings to curries sets silver trays steaming on the other side of the room.
For those treating themselves, there are baskets overflowing and glowing with golden fresh pastries and breads, while pancakes are poured and flipped and covered with syrup or honey (dripping from honeycomb). You’ll waddle away very full each morning, I promise!
Eating well at breakfast at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Prego by the Beach
Prego by the Beach offers Italian food in a casual, poolside setting. Overlooking the beach on the south side of the property, it’s a great lunch spot. We managed to juggle dips in the pool with a light lunch of Eggplant Parmigiana and a Smoked Salmon Salad. The food was delicious!
Delicious Italian fare at The Westin Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fresh, delicious salad at The Westin Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
EEST
EEST is a little more formal – perfect for date night. It offers an Asian fusion style menu including Thai favourites, fresh sashimi and even teppanyaki. We dined on fresh spring rolls, stuffed chicken wings, Thai-style steamed fish and a local style green curry with a kick. I would highly recommend this restaurant – the flavours packed the perfect combination punch of salty, sweet and spicy.
Poached local fish, EEST at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Green curry, EEST at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Eat Well Room Service at The Westin Phuket
Back in the day, room service was often seen as a last resort. It used to mean peeling open a menu with a list of horribly unhealthy, unappetising fried fast food options. But room service now includes a nourishing line up too at some hotel chains – the Westin is one of them. I credit that to their Eat Well philosophy.
The first page of the Westin in-room menu features a list of fresh juices and smoothies from the Juicery. The mouthwatering options continue throughout with sushi, salads, grilled meats, fish and vegetarian dishes all available. A key makes it even easier for vegetarians, vegans or allergy-cautious diners. Of course, you’ll still find decadent desserts or savoury indulgences for those after some late-night naughtiness, but it’s great to have healthy options on offer too. There is also a healthy menu for kids. I don’t even have children yet, but that makes me particularly happy.
Eating Well with room service at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
We took advantage of room service on our last morning at the Westin. We had a long night of travel ahead, so we ordered in some fresh sushi and a chicken caesar salad for a bit of tasty travel fuel before checking out.
Sunset cocktails at MIX lounge at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Whether you settle in on your room’s balcony or plunge pool, swim up to the bar in the Horizon or Prego pools or you dress up and take advantage of Happy Hour at MIX lounge, don’t miss the sunset while you’re at the Westin. The golden glow hits the water across the bay below and the vista is just beautiful.
Another beautiful sunset across the bay at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Deluxe Sea View Room at The Westin Phuket
Our room was more like a generously-sized studio apartment than a hotel room. I can only imagine what the pool villas look like. We were in a Deluxe Sea View room which had all the luxury extras you’d expect – from a large open bathroom, well-stocked mini-bar, cable TV and King Bed with cloud-like bedding.
Magical view from our room at The Westin Siray Bay, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
There are also two additional seating areas; one inside, in the comfort of air conditioning, and the other on the balcony with an inviting day bed and a table for two. It’s there that we spent our afternoons, taking in the ocean views over a coffee and getting a little reading and writing done. It was also a cosy spot to watch the afternoon storm roll through and the sunset that followed, once the clouds had cleared.
Working from the day bed on our room’s balcony, The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
How to Stay Fit at The Westin Phuket
Built into the steep hillside, walking around the resort itself could be considered a bit of a workout with narrow, windy paths connecting each building and sets of stairs running from the beach to the top of the resort (great for stair intervals). The resort has a running map available too for those want to clock up some kilometres while getting to know the grounds. The track is about 3.5km long and a morning running group is also scheduled for those who want a workout buddy or someone to push them up the inclines.
A treadmill with a view at Westin Workout, the gym at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
We hit the Westin Workout gym as soon as we unpacked. Like the rest of the hotel, the gym enjoys a gorgeous view out to sea. It was refreshing to find some great new cardio machines, fit balls, steps, medicine balls and a great selection of free weights, as well as a hanging boxing bag. The place was immaculate each time we went with the extra touches appreciated by The Fit Travellers of the world – cold towels, filtered water and very friendly staff on hand to help you find the equipment you need and check in on your stay. We trained in the Workout room each day and we were grateful for the space. It was first-class, as expected.
Forgot your gear? If you want to train but you didn’t pack your workout wear, the Westin offers top-to-toe set for hire. It’s only about $US5 and you get some sneakers and training clothes to sweat it out in. So there really aren’t any excuses.
Stairs link each part of the property & provide somewhere to train as well at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
If you get tired of the treadmill, there are a number of activities on offer at the hotel to keep training fun during your stay – think everything from aquasize to yoga and pilates. Holidays are the perfect time to try something new too with instructors on hand to guide you through the movements.
Check the schedule for classes or book in for a one-on-one with a boxing, windsurfing or kayaking instructor and soak up the beautiful island setting while getting a workout.
Heavenly Spa at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Heavenly Spa
A girl’s got to get her nails done, right? Well, that was my excuse for stopping in at Heavenly Spa. I was greeted with a cold towel, chilled hibiscus tea, comfortable lounge chairs and a couple of cheeky magazines.
The treatment room was just as well-appointed – fresh, white and peaceful. I let my mind wander as my hands were nurtured by the therapist. While the polish drip dried I sipped on fresh lemongrass and ginger tea and tucked into the latest Travel & Leisure, with the space all my own. It was absolute bliss!
The treatment menu extends well beyond a modest manicure for those who are due for some pure indulgence. From facials to massages and packages tailored to couples, men or women – they don’t call it Heavenly without reason.
Lounge at Heavenly Spa at The Westin, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Westin Phuket
21/4 Moo 1 T.Rasada A.Muang, Phuket, Thailand
The Westin is about 45 minutes drive from the airport. You can organise a transfer with the hotel (at cost) or pay a set price at the airport taxi desk inside the airport terminal.
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Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.