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.
Ano