Hilltop Wellness Resort

The calm, health-focused feel is what makes Hilltop special. It suits solo travellers who want a planned wellness stay, with two yoga classes and a choice of excursion each day, plus three good meals. You can skip a class or take the shuttle to the mall or night market, too. I wouldn’t pick it as a first-time base for exploring Phuket, since the attractions are far away. It feels more like a quiet retreat to focus on your health and reset. The staff were the real highlight: always smiling and looking after me. When I swapped an excursion because I wanted to shop, they offered a massage instead without me even asking. Restaurant staff brought meals to my room when I requested it, and gave me three portions of mango when I asked for some. There are four yoga instructors with different specialties, so it’s worth checking which style suits you, like a faster or slower pace. I booked a pool suite with a balcony and would recommend it, though the bathroom could use an update and a towel hook by the sink would help. The pool is lovely and big enough for laps, and there are sauna and steam rooms, an onsen, and a rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views. If I could give it six stars, I would.

The resort activities were fun and informative, and having shuttles and tour guides made joining in easy. Breakfast was delicious, with plenty of choice, and room service was prompt. They were ready to replace anything provided in the room. The staff were kind, communicative, and welcoming, and I had the most amazing time there. I’m glad I stayed and would encourage others to visit if they get the chance.

Breakfast became my favorite part of the day, largely because of Jamie. She’s warm and funny, and I heard plenty of other guests say the same. I loved how she introduced her colleague Meen and made sure her buddy got a chance to shine, too. Jamie could easily have had all the attention herself, but she brought Meen along with her. I only wish Jamie had been there at dinner, since the evening service and atmosphere didn’t feel as warm. The hotel itself is cozy and thoughtfully laid out, open but still comfortable. The rooms and pool are magnificent, and the large windows make the whole place feel good. I also enjoyed the yoga and meditation room, which gave it a real wellness-resort feel. The food was very good quality, too. We had a wonderful stay at Hilltop Hotel, one of the highlights of our trip, and would recommend it to anyone after a relaxing wellness retreat. Jamie is one of a kind and would be an asset wherever she goes.

Sunrise yoga was especially lovely, and all the instructors were great. I’d ended up at another hotel that wasn’t what I expected, so I searched for somewhere else and found Hilltop. Getting a room and joining the Yoga retreat turned out to be the best decision I made. The room was comfortable and very nice, and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend Hilltop Wellness Resort.