Every week we’ll introduce you to a talented concierge from one of our hotel partners to give you their top 10 insider tips.
This week we meet Ms. Maliwan Wongwai, Guest Relations Executive at Avista Resort and Spa, Kata, Phuket who is sharing her travel tips to Phuket, Thailand.
One of my favourite things about Avista Resort and Spa is:
My favorites are the location and service. Our hotel is located only five minutes from Kata town where you will find lots of different cuisines and restaurants. If you prefer to go to the beach, it’s only a five minute walk. Our staff are very friendly and always happy to assist you in everything with a beautiful smile and genuine Thai hospitality.
One of the things I love most about my job is:
Making guests happy – particularly when they love an attraction that has been recommended by yours truly.
One of my favourite memories as a concierge is:
Our first private dinner on the hotel’s rooftop. A couple stayed with us and one morning he came to ask us if we could recommend a nice place to have a private dinner. At that time our rooftop renovations were just finished so our staff helped him to arrange a private dinner that turned out to be a special wedding proposal to surprise her on her 50th birthday. I still remember the happiness and appreciation on her face even before he knelt down and proposed with the sunset view in the background. It was very romantic and always makes me smile when I think about it.
The question I’m most regularly asked is:
What are the attractions in Phuket; first will be an island trip to Phi Phi Island and for a land tour I always recommend the Big Buddha, Chalong Temple, Karon viewpoint, Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape.
The most common item people leave behind at the hotel is:
Mobile charger.
One of the strangest questions I’ve ever been asked is:
Can you give me an exact weather forecast for tomorrow and the coming days?
The activity/attraction/tour I encourage all our guests to do while here (either at the hotel or in the destination) is:
In the hotel, I always encourage guests to do towel origami. It is not easy to do however it is good for meditation and the result is always lovely. I also recommend guests visit the Big Buddha. It does not only have a gorgeous view, but many activities like a bird park, ATV riding and extreme game zone.
Don’t leave without eating or drinking:
In the hotel you have to try our Khan Toke restaurant, where we are proud to serve Thai cuisine on an ornate pedestal tray style from the Northern part of Thailand. Tuesday and Friday night we also provide “Ramayana” Thai traditional and royal dance. Outside, I recommend Sabai Restaurant which is not far from our hotel and has a good location where you can see the sunset while having dinner with friendly staff and reasonable price – it’s great value.
On my days off you would find me:
In a restaurant in Phuket with my family.
I recommend that keen shoppers visit:
I would like to recommend Naka night weekend market, though it’s only open on Saturday and Sunday. However I guarantee that you will get everything that you want from here at a reasonable price including local food, handmade product, local dress and so much more.