The Slate, Phuket review: ultra-accessible industrial chic

While the crowds might flock to Patong and the Old Town, the north-western coast of Phuket island is a much more chilled, relaxing spot with Sirinat National Park and miles of long, golden empty beaches. The environs are absolutely lush, wide brushstrokes of green that become tangles of jungle which spill out onto the roads, vines snaking up telegraph poles and the air alive with the sound of birds. 

Why stay here?

The Slate’s owners made their fortune from Phuket’s tin-mining industry and the hotel is a playful homage to this – it’s a fusion of mining paraphernalia with a steampunk aesthetic that delivers industrial chic. This theme lives all the way through to the cutlery, custom-made with spanners, sockets and bolts all making an appearance. 

The hotel sits moments away from Phuket Airport, though you’d never guess – no deafening low flying aircraft overhead. It’s a distinct pleasure to have such a short trip from the airport before you’re cooling off in the pool, especially if you are travelling with young ones; there are plenty of activities for them to take part in once you arrive too, and one of The Slate’s three pools is also dedicated to them. 

The impressive lobby area

theslatephuket.com

It’s a sizeable hotel with paths that snake through it, twisting and turning with Black Ginger, the hotel’s restaurant, at its core. Despite this size, it feels intimate and village-like and buggies are ever at-the-ready to whisk you about. 

Sitting right on casuarina-fringed Nai Yang beach, a lovely curving stretch of sand replete with a few bars and vendors dotted along, there’s enough to make it feel alive without being busy; the swimming is fantastic and child-friendly. 

This being the tropics, there’s plenty of wildlife about. Our favourite, the monitor lizard, frequents the grounds and one next to our villa was a seriously sluggish heavyweight at around five foot from nose to tail. Regardless of size, these docile giants pose no threat and make for a great holiday snap.

Inside a one-bedroom private pool villa

theslatephuket.com

Rooms and suites

Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms and suites were designed by American architect ​​Bill Bensley and continue to leverage the Na-Ranong family’s tin-mining history featuring industrial-vibe furniture – hardwood chairs, for example, held together with heavyweight nuts and bolts. 

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/arts-life/travel/957337/the-slate-phuket-hotel-review-thailand