Santhiya Strikes Again? Our Family Review of Santhiya Phuket Natai Resort & Spa
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie here again. After our blissful escape to Santhiya Koh Yao Yai (you can read about that [Link to previous Santhiya Koh Yao Yai blog post here]), we weren't quite ready to leave the Santhiya magic behind as we moved on to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Loving our previous experience and spotting an amazing, budget-friendly rate – perks of traveling in July during the off-peak season! – we decided Santhiya strikes again! We booked into another gem in their crown: Santhiya Phuket Natai Resort & Spa.
So, did this resort on the Natai Beach coastline live up to our high expectations set by its sister island property? Let's dive into our family review of this hotel experience – me, hubby Milos, and kids Sofija & Matija – exploring the unique charm of this Phuket spot in the south of Thailand.
Welcome Back to Santhiya Style
From the moment we arrived, that signature Santhiya warmth was there. The staff were super welcoming, making check-in smooth and pleasant. First impressions count, especially with kids in tow, and they nailed it, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
The Suite Life: Private Pool Paradise!
Okay, the absolute highlight for us was our accommodation – our stunning villa. We splurged on a suite with its own private swimming pool, and wow, was it worth it! The suite itself was incredibly spacious, easily fitting our family of four. It had a huge comfy bed, a separate area with a big living room table (perfect for snacks and drawing!), a spot for the kids' bed, and even a handy sink – blending comfort with modern amenities.
The best part? Direct access from the living room right into our private pool! The water temperature was perfect, and honestly, we spent SO much time out there. It felt like our own little secluded world, the perfect blend of luxury and privacy. Even the entrance to our suite area felt special – the door design was beautiful!
Green Escapes & Exploring Nature's Beauty
Just like its sister resort, Santhiya Phuket Natai is incredibly green and lush, showcasing Thailand's incredible natural beauty. We loved the abundance of palm trees and seeing tropical birds and harmless little lizards darting about – part of the diverse wildlife here. Sofija and Matija were always excited to spot them! It really adds to that feeling of being immersed in nature, a welcome change from our Dubai home base.
Resort Amenities: Hits, Misses, and Muscles!
Gym: Now, you know how it is on a relaxing vacation... well, most of us relax! Milos, however, managed to channel his inner athlete and squeezed in a few workouts. He reported the gym was surprisingly well-equipped for a resort gym. So, while I was soaking up the laid back atmosphere, he was ensuring those holiday treats didn't stand a chance! Gotta admire the dedication, right? We even got photographic evidence!
Kids Club: They had a Kids Club, always a plus on the amenities list. However, we felt it needed a bit of work, and the main drawback was that parents had to stay with their children. This limits its use if you're hoping for some adult-only time. It’s something to be aware of if a drop-off kids club is high on your list.
Beach Bliss vs. Pool Fun on Natai Beach
Let's talk about Natai Beach. It's a truly beautiful beach – stunning, with lovely golden-brown sand stretching out invitingly. While maybe not the pristine white sandy beach found on some other Thai islands, its natural, rugged beauty was captivating. Milos and the kids had an absolute blast walking the shore and hunting for crabs!
However, it's important to know that this part of the Phuket coastline often has high waves, especially during the season we visited (July). This meant swimming in the sea wasn't really feasible or safe most of the time. While beautiful to look at and play on, if you dream of calm crystal clear waters for swimming, this specific beach might not be ideal compared to some of the best beaches elsewhere. We missed the calm clear waters we'd experienced before near those famous limestone karsts further out in the bay area.
Thankfully, the main resort pool was lovely and offered a great alternative for swimming and cooling off. One small quirk is that you do need to cross a small, quiet road to get from the main resort area (where our suite was) to the beachand main pool – not a huge deal, but worth mentioning.
Rainy Day? Still Paradise!
We had one day where the tropical rain decided to make an appearance. But honestly? Even rainy days in Thailand are warm and pleasant! We didn’t mind at all. In fact, it was the perfect excuse to spend even more time splashing around in our amazing private pool – rain just adds to the amazing laid back atmosphere sometimes!
Food, Massages & Evening Sparkle
Dining: Overall, the food from the resort restaurants was good (we'd rate it 8/10). We mostly stuck to delicious authentic Thai food – it rarely disappoints – but it's good to know their pizza was tasty too, always a win for families! The breakfast was a classic buffet with a wide array of options, and as always in Thailand, the fresh fruits were divine local delicacies.
Morning Treat: A lovely, unexpected touch reflecting local customs of hospitality was the free 5-minute head and neck massage offered near the breakfast area each morning. What a fantastic way to start the day!
Entertainment & Sunsets: We were treated to some wonderful evening entertainment showcasing local culturetoo! One night featured graceful traditional Thai dancers, and another night brought the excitement of a fire show. These added a special cultural flair to our evenings. And let's not forget the sunsets! The view as the sun dipped below the horizon over the sea was truly one of those breathtaking views that make a memorable vacation.
The Final Verdict: Santhiya Phuket Natai - Our Honest Take
So, how did it compare? We loved our stay and would give Santhiya Phuket Natai Resort & Spa a solid 7.5/10.
What we LOVED:
The incredible private pool villa (10/10 for space, comfort, pool access!)
The super welcoming staff (10/10)
The lush, green environment showcasing natural beauty
Great value for money, especially off-peak (9/10)
Fun evening shows and the lovely breakfast massage
Points to Consider:
Having to cross the road for the main pool/beach (though the security always ensures safe passage).
Beach not ideal for swimming due to waves (though beautiful for walking and playing).
Kids Club needing improvement and requiring parental supervision.
It's a fantastic option, especially if you prioritize having your own private pool sanctuary and appreciate great service at a good price point for a Phuket hotel. While we rated Santhiya Koh Yao Yai slightly higher overall, Santhiya Phuket Natai delivered a wonderful, relaxing family vacation filled with stunning views and its own unique charm.
Thinking about a family trip to Phuket or other popular destinations in Thailand? Finding the right resort with the features that matter most to your family is key. At Destinationz, we use our first-hand experiences (like this one!) to help you navigate the options, whether you're looking for a vibrant atmosphere near Patong Beach or a quieter escape like Natai.
Let's chat about your dream Thai vacation! We can help customize an itinerary that perfectly suits your family's style and budget, ensuring a truly memorable vacation.
Schedule a free consultation today and let's start planning your Thailand adventure!
Find out about our stay in Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort which we rated a strong 8/10!
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