Phuket - The Chedi Resort

The Chedi is a luxury resort located at Pansea Beach, a secluded corner just North of Surin Beach. It is part of a chain of luxury resorts managed by the exclusive GHM Hotels, headed by Adrian Zecha - the visionary hotelier behind the Aman group of resorts. The Chedi brand is a few notches below Aman - which is an ultra high-end concept. The rates are quite cheap compared to other resorts of similar standard - averaging around USD 120 a night.

The design of the resort looks a bit dated now. Though the minimalist tropical approach is copied from the Aman style, the execution is not as refined. A low-key entrance porch is connected to the reception area by open walkways flanked on both sides by small lily ponds. Though the overall ambience has an air of understated luxury, there are some laxes here and there in terms of design and maintenance.

The design is a pared down modern Thai style - with lots of warm timber tones and natural stone.

Rooms are hidden among the trees and landscape.

The main pool.

Overall I wasn't as impressed with The Chedi as I had expected to be. It is no doubt still an attractive property due to the exclusive location and reasonable rates, but the competition is getting tough at this end of the market nowadays.