Evason Hotel

My wife and I have visited Phuket for ten years, staying for periods between 3 and 6 weeks. We have always stayed in Rawai, and in particular at the Phuket Island Resort, now renamed the Evason. We have witnessed the vast changes that have taken place throughout the Island, some good and some bad! One of the better changes was when the Phuket Island Resort was transformed from a mediocre 3 Star hotel to the splendid 5 Star Evason. Although the Phuket Island Resort was a nice hotel, it was very ‘run of the mill’ in its style and appearance. When we visited the new Evason when it first opened its doors we were absolutely amazed at the transformation that had taken place. The whole hotel is very much 21st century in style, design, and appearance. The rooms are spacious, well furnished, and nicely decorated. The various restaurants, swimming pools, and Spa, provide all the amenities and services expected from a superior hotel. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Many of them have been at the hotel since our first visit to Phuket. One downside to the hotel is the lack of entertainment. Previously, under the Phuket Island Resort banner, there was nightly entertainment. This gave guests the opportunity to enjoy a show, at the same time the opportunity to mix with other guests. Great friendships were made. We still correspond with numerous people we met during our vacations in Phuket. Sadly, under the Evason banner, live entertainment is almost non existent. Evenings can be very lonely! Venture out of the Evason to enjoy an evening in Rawai. When you reach the end of the drive at the hotel, turn right or left. Turning left you will encounter numerous small bars, restaurants, Mini Marts, and other small businesses. Continue walking for about ten minutes and you will arrive at the Sea Gipsy Village. Continue past the village and you will arrive at Rawai Beach. Here you will find small bars and restaurants, all serving traditional Thai food and seafood……. you can wine and dine for a fraction of the price you would pay in Patong! On turning right from the Evason you encounter a few bars, together with a French/Thai Restaurant. Situated some 150 yards from the hotel entrance is one of our favourite ‘watering holes’, the Islander Beer Garden. Owned by an Aussie and an Englishman, it is a ‘must’ to visit during your time in Phuket. We have been ‘regulars’ with Neil and Paul since the bar opened some five years ago. Good music, good Thai/Western food, Live Sports TV, free Pool, good atmosphere, and great fun! They will also provide transport back to the hotel for those ‘worse for wear’! (We know that the walk back to the hotel is long and tiring, especially after 10 pints of beer!). Anyway, venture out and see for yourselves! There is life beyond the Evason! Enjoy your stay in Thailand!

We loved the Evason. The staff were amazing and seemed very motivated, there is a choice of three pools and a private island. We went here as our first family holiday with a one year old and having thought our days of boutique hotels were over, we were delighted that the hotel catered to family needs whilst maintaining an air of sophisticaton and luxury. We spent alot of time at the spa and were impressed with their standard of treatments. Our standards are VERY exacting and we can't praise it enough.

Words will never be able to explain what an amazing Honeymoon we had in Phuket; in fact I don’t even know where to start? We stayed at The Evason Resort in the deluxe suite. I was a little un-sure about it prior to going as there had been many poor reviews on the Trip Adviser site but I was amazed from the moment we arrived. We were greeted by very friendly staff in an incredible environment, our room was beautiful and we were given champagne, chocolates and fresh fruit. To say that the staff around the resort could not have been more helpful, polite and obliging would be an understatement. (Although a little slow in one of the restaurants) We ate in all of the restaurants and the Into Thai and Into the Beach were our favorites. I must admit we ate out of the resort more than in, as there was too much to see and do and too many amazing experiences to be had to stay in the resort for the two weeks. It was also a great deal cheaper!!!!! We went to Bon Island twice, we hired the day Sala which I would highly recommended. It was about $50.00 Aussie dollars for the day but it gave you privacy, a shower, mini bar and somewhere to get out of the heat. We also stayed in the Honeymoon suit one night on Bon Island. Everybody leaves the island except you. It was just heavenly. They served us dinner on the beach, surrounded by candles. We listened to the breeze go thru the trees and the sound of the water on the sand. Breakfast was served on the deck of our villa. In fact we awoke early and watched the sun come up. The experience bought tears to my eyes!!! We used the pool areas often and I must admit I am not sure if the’ green flag’ system to order your drinks works or not, as I didn’t see any body using it. Drink prices are expensive when you add17%, and if you love wine like I do, forget it! its incredibly expensive. Do as has been suggested before, take everything out of your mini bar and go to a seven 11 and buy your supplies, including snacks. There is also a store at the bottom of the driveway that sells beer, vodka nibbles etc. You must must must go to the Sunshine bar which is at Rawaii beach, about 5 minutes from Hotel. The ladies sing some great songs and we spent our last night drinking there with Richard. I will finish on the Evason by saying that you will love this resort and we would go back again.It was just beautiful Now I start on Phuket- Do not book any tours thru the resort they are very expensive as are taxis and transfers. We met Richard on the trip adviser site as a ‘Phuket expert’ and I can’t thank him and Megumi enough for helping to make our Honeymoon amazing. He took us to The Elephant rehabilitation place and we rode the elephants. This is not a typical revolting tourist experience, it is breathtaking. The animals are treated with respect and they have WILD Gibbons that pay you a visit. We ended up going back to this place four times just to sit with the animals and enjoy conversation around the bar. It will be one of the most amazing experiences you will have, especially if Charlie (the Gibbon) comes to visit. I am not sure what the Elephant places real name is but Richard will know. Don’t accidentally go to the other Elephant Place We also booked the John Grey Sea Canoe trip thru Richard, and this is a MUST. There are many other operators that do a similar tours but none are as environmentally friendly or professional as The John Grey Trip. The Seafood buffet on board is to die for, but the overall trip was like no other We used Mr. Moore (once again recommended by Richard) as out Taxi every day, he was more than that though. He took us to places that we would have never have found if we just did the ‘Touristy Things’. He speaks broken English and is just a gem. He taught us a lot about the culture of Thailand. I am not sure if you can give phone numbers out on this site but if anybody wants it I can give it to you. He has a new air-conditioned car and is very cheap. We would call him and he would pick us up from where ever we found ourselves!! Richard will tell you the best places for snorkeling and in fact we hired a moped and some snorkeling gear off him for a few days. I could go on and on but about The Evsaon and Phuket but all I can see is that we have visited many countries around the world and Phuket will be a place I will visit again soon. Richard, thank you for your hospitality whilst we were there, we still talk about The Sunshine bar evening and have tried to sing the ‘No Money, No honey’ song to our friends but its not the same. Please say hello to the guys we met at the bar at the Elephant place and give Charlie a cuddle for us. In a nut shell. We loved The Evason and we loved Phuket but get out of the resort and your comfort zone and go and explore a most amazing place. If anybody else would like any more info I am happy to e-mail you

My husband and I stayed at the Evason after an intense 7 weeks in Asia. This was the real "honeymoon" part of our trip. I had spent months salivating over the Evason on the internet, and it definitely lived up to it's expectations. We stayed 8 nights and had a wonderful time. (except for the weather which was very average). We spent a night in a pool villa- it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. The infinity pool is pretty amazing too. I would love to go back again, or even better, visit the Evason's Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives.

I find it hard to believe that anyone could write a bad review about this hotel. We seeked refuge at the Evason in Dec 04 after the tsnaumi had hit, it was a wonderful place with great staff inc the manager. Extemely relaxing with great attention to detail, especially when you arrive on bon island and you're greeted with fresh cold towels to cool yourself down. The rooms are well decorated and the spa is to die for!! We're going back this christmas and I can't wait!!

Got married and honeymooned at the Evason Phuket. Rooms staff and hotel all 1st class.Prices for drinks and food like UK so a bit pricey. Walk to end of road leading into hotel and turn right about 50 meters up is an excellant little french restraunt, the deep fried prawns are to die for. Mimmis restraunt about a 5 minute taxi ride is also well worth a visit.The sala huts on Bon Island are good value and the beach itself is stunning. I would definitely visit this hotel again and the sooner the better.

We have just returned from our honeymoon in the Evason..Phuket, where we spent 5 nights. Firstly we had stayed in Bankok 3nights (Silom area - good shopping) then Ko Samui for 8 nights(Sala Samui- Excellent) and then onto Phuket to complete our honeymoon. I think if we had stayed in the Evason first of all we probably wouldn't have had such a high marker to compare as with the Sala Samui.. which had us spoilt. The Evason..entrance is beautiful with the 4 receptions set over-looking the pond, which at night is lite up..lovely! We had booked a duluxe room which they upgraded at no extra charge to a junior suite..it was beautiful with large bed and lounge area and separate twin bathroom area with wee extras such as toothbrushes and nice toiletries..nice touches! We had booked half board.. which included dinner in the "Into the View"..all buffet..not great. So we switched this over to an allowance of 850 bhat per person to be used in the other 3 a-la-carte restaurants. Into the Beach is far the better..menu wise..then it depends on perference. Overall the service was slow and impersonal.. the staff don't wear any name badges and you get the feeling that they aren't interested..or that they are overworked. We went to the Into Thai restaurant..food great, but the service was terrible..they just didn't have enough staff on to cope with the number of diners. The pools are lovely the Infinity pool and the garden pool were the two we used.. very relaxing..lovely landscaped with resident monkey! There is no private beach to this hotel..you have to go on the 15 minute (dodgey)boat transfer to get to Bon island. The day we were there the tide was low, so there was only 10m of water that you could paddle in (as it was only 0.5m deep)before you came to a bed of rock that stretched along the beech. The sand was white..but very coraly..hard to walk on near the water. This could have been due to the low tide. Did prefer the garden pool and the infinity pool..both have bars so you can order your smooties with icecream (Mango Madness - highly recommended!) The food and drink at this hotel are expensive..a glass of sparking wine was 220 baht £3.45. Depending on what you ordered off the menu the meal could prove to be pricey enough. Don't even bother trying the Thai wine! We went on an island tour by speed boat..very good can recommend it you stop off the place where "the beach" was made and get your lunch on Phi Phi island also you stop off at an island called Bamboo Island on the way back - breathtaking! There is internet service in the hotel library, but you have to pay for it. The hotel spa is very expensive about twice the price of the one in Ko Samui, where we went for a couples massage and I had a manicure (550baht) the Evason Manicure was 900 baht. Overall the hotel was lovely great grounds(lots of steps though). Bon island..beach just ok..service terrible in restaurant. The main hotel was ok for breakfast..though 1 coffee machine was a bit of a joke..so we used to ask the waitress to bring us Latte's each morning. The restaurant service is terrible, but I don't know if its the staff's fault, they seem not very motivated! Do remember to tip the staff..we used to leave them 100baht ie £1.57 and you would have thought you had given them £100. They earn on average 150baht per day! Don't know where this service charge of 10% on the bill is going to..don't be fooled into thinking that the staff gets this as a tip because they don't! This hotel is about 1 hr away from the airport and is out on its own, so you are dependant on the hotel restaurants. Would try another hotel the next time we go to Phuket..more of a boutique hotel with friendlier staff!

The hotel is not very bad, but no attentio to details. There is clearly no drive from the Management towarsd the staff to go the extra mile, average is enough. This is what the guests pays for and thats enough, the rest: not our responsibility. Food facilities service is below standard and the general courtesy of the front office staff is low. Seems the staff is not too happy and company is not so interested to maintain product well. I did not fell any finesse, neither in decoration, in creativity, in services. Very average product.

We arrived late at night driven up the subtly lit driveway, a welcome relief from the madness of careless and helmet free motorcyclists. Our first impressions were of caring staff; a relaxing atmosphere in the expansive watery lobby; and refreshment from cold towels and juice. Yes, there were a lot of steps from the lobby to our room that overlooked the restaurants and the sea beyond, but these balanced our overeating from the amazing breakfast buffet that catered to western and eastern tastes (though missing Vegemite for the Aussies...) All the food was good to great, whether ordered poolside, room service or in the restaurants. Other than at the pool, smiling and attentive staff were always pleased to help. Bon Island was good for the beach and the snorkelling (though we were happy to wade a few feet from the shore and be waist deep surrounded by wonderful fish) - but nothing compared to spending the night in the honeymoon suite: rose petals on the bed, savouring the monsoon breeze in the outdoor bath (and shower and toilet!), the pleasure of watching the last visitors leave the island and the feeling of being alone, with only an inquisitive hornbill for company. Dinner on the beach was very special - not just for the occasion, but once again, the food, service and location exceeded our expectations. The midnight thunderstorm only added to the experience. We were sorry to leave after breakfast the following morning! Perfect? Not quite: the necessary air conditioning was noisy - particularly on Bon Island, where we struggled between shutting up the suite and enduring the noise, or opening up the doors and sharing the suite with the local wildlife; service at the Garden Pool was poor (though this seemed to be down to expectations: if they just got rid of the flags that are supposed to alert the staff, it wouldn't be a chore to walk the few yards to the bar); and the prices can be misleading (everything is quoted without the mandatory 10% service charge and 7% goods/service tax). This is particularly true for the spa which, whilst in excellent surroundings, has an extra 12% "government services tax" on top of all this, so we were surprised to find 30% added to the quoted prices... Nice touches were the furnishings in even the standard rooms, where the hotel's signatures were everywhere (and you can buy almost everything in your room, from the bathrobe to the unbleached laundry bag); and personal visits from the senior managers as you dined in the restaurants: we met 3-4 of the resort and restaurant managers in our week's stay. We liked the Evason for its distance from the bustle of the Patong beach mania, whilst it still afforded opportunities to walk out of the resort to meet the locals. There are the obligatory tailors just outside the entrance (we liked Rawai Armani), but also a couple of minimarts, cafes and bars - which whilst still aimed at tourists, felt more authentic than the Mexican food and Irish themed pubs of Patong. The minimarts are a good alternative to the hotel-supplied water and the Islander bar (run by an expat Aussie) does a fine beer. Overall, it was a great place to spend a romantic and relaxing week.

My wife and I have just returned from 14 nights at the Evason Phuket.This is the most amazing hotel we have stayed in.From the moment you walk through the tunnel to reception there is a magical feeling of relaxation and friendliness which extends throughout the entire resort. The food provided by the four restaurants was delicious and of a very high standard, my only complaint here being that I found the portions given to be a little on the large size. The hotel's private island,Bon Island, is a paradise with crystal clear waters,snorkelling and a variety of water sports.Again first class food in the restaurant on the island. We have travelled all over the world and stayed in many hotels but never have we found such friendliness as from the staff at the Evason.The service was exceptional. My wife and I both agree that the Evason Phuket is by far the best hotel we have ever stayed in.