Why Aussies love these 7 Centara resorts in Asia
The pool bar at the most luxurious Centara property, the Centara Reserve Samui.
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Centara Hotels & Resorts |
Most Australians have probably heard of Centara Hotels & Resorts, but few would appreciate the full extent of the brand’s offering.
The main gardens of the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Hua Hin.
From Phuket to Bangkok, Sri Lanka to the Maldives, we’ve found stunning Centara Hotels & Resorts for every Aussie traveller.
2. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
3. Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
4. Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok
5. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
6. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives
7. Centara Karon Resort Phuket
The family pleasing waterslides at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.
The Centara story
Founded in Thailand in 1983, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains a family-run business. As a standard-bearer for Thailand’s tradition of gracious hospitality, Centara is focused on the values of caring and sharing.
Today the 91 properties span all major Thai domestic destinations through to the rest of South East Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
Relax on the sofa or in the overwater hammocks at Viu Bar, Centara Ras Fushi Maldives.
To help you find the best Centara property for your next holiday, here are seven options that are very popular with Aussies.
1. Centara Reserve Samui
Pool or beach, the choice is yours at Centara Reserve Samui.
Catch a glorious Gulf of Thailand sunrise from your sea view balcony at Centara Reserve Samui. Scanning the long white sands of Chaweng Beach you might then plan your day or, equally, your ‘no-plan’ day.
Swim in and swim out access to your room at Centara Reserve Samui.
Perfect for: Romantics, beach lovers and discerning travellers. You’ll be among the first to experience Centara’s elite Reserve brand, their new top tier offering.
Enjoy the beachfront outdoor terrace at Salt Society restaurant, Centara Reserve Samui.
Why Aussies love it: Centara Reserve Samui’s accommodation choices, ranging from luxurious rooms and pool suites to beachfront pool villas, make it a great spot for every type of holiday-maker. Visitors also enjoy creative cocktails at The Gin Run, as well as the collection of truly innovative restaurants.
Don’t miss: A shamelessly pampering session at the holistic Reserve Spa Cenvaree. You’ve earned it.
2. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Soak in a spa on your balcony at the Centara Grand Beach Resort, Phuket.
With its absolute Andaman Sea-front position on Karon Beach, and with so many quality in-resort activities, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is, for many guests, a location in its own right.
The main bedroom in a Deluxe Spa Ocean Room.
Perfect for: Families, thanks to a world-class waterpark for kids. But it’s wonderful for grown-ups too, courtesy of a spacious adult-only pool and much more. From its excellent restaurants and the elegant Club Lounge, there’s a place here for almost everyone, from honeymooners to gourmets.
Why Aussies love it: The resort’s exclusive guests-only waterpark, its private villas, direct beach access and central location have long made this the favourite Phuket address for Australians in the know.
Barefoot luxury at the COAST Beach Club and Bistro, Centara Grand Beach Resort, Phuket.
Don’t miss: With seven restaurants, the dining here is exceptional. So where to begin: the international menu at The Cove, seafood at the casual COAST Beach Club & Bistro … decisions, decisions.
3. Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka
The main pool at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka.
This Centara resort at Bentota looks out onto the fabled Indian Ocean. Step beyond its elegant portals and you’re on Sri Lanka’s exotic west coast, a realm of small towns, plantations, fishing villages and the colonial fortress city of Galle.
There is loads of things to do on the water, from the gentle to adrenalin pumping at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka.
Perfect for: Adventure lovers, cricket fans and, of course, romantics. Surfers, kayakers and other aquatic activity lovers should take note of the ocean and river sports aplenty right at the resort’s door.
Enjoy International and local dishes from the alfresco terrace overlooking the Bentota River at Cafe Bem.
Why Aussies love it: The Bentota River lazily flows past while guests sample spicy Sri Lankan cuisine. You’ll be far from the madding crowd, being cooled by ocean breezes.
A warm local welcome at the jetty on the Bentota River, 90 minutes south of Colombo.
Don’t miss: A trip to nearby Galle, with legends that run from Sinbad the Sailor to its world-famous cricket ground. Make sure you shop there for gems, or stop for fine dining in a classic colonial mansion.
4. Centara Grand at CentralWorld
The pool at Centara Grand CentralWorld has views across the Bangkok skyline.
This resort option soars above its namesake CentralWorld department store; mid-town Bangkok’s best high-end shopping zone lays literally at your feet. When you’re ready for further excursions, the BTS Skytrain is close at hand.
Dinner at Red Sky restaurant is served with a side of city views.
Perfect for: Shoppers, family groups, business travellers and those who love the ‘high life’ (notably, the famous 55th floor Red Sky Restaurant).
The convention centre and upmarket hotel complex.
Why Aussies love it: Dramatic views, an excellent gym and a super convenient location (plus Thai hospitality, a la Centara) make this a must-visit holiday spot. A bonus: the short distance you’ll need to carry your shopping finds from the mall to your accommodation.
Add some bubbles to the top of Bangkok at the CRU Champagne Bar.
Don’t miss: Savour a sundowner while scanning the Thai capital’s skyline from your lofty perch at Red Sky.
5. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
An elegant sanctuary with old-world charm, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is a great seaside escape for a vacation.
This historic hotel has an unbeatable dress circle position on Hua Hin’s sands, yet is also just a short stroll from the town’s shops and much-loved night market.
Enjoy the colonial heritage and aristocratic Thai roots of the classic Hua Hin architecture.
Perfect for: Golfers love this resort, as it’s a launching pad for both international tournaments and your own excursions to a dozen or more local courses. Meanwhile, guests with an eye for heritage will revel in the hotel’s colonial-era elegance and aristocratic Thai roots.
Relax on the beach at COAST Beach Bar and Bistro.
Why Aussies love it: No gourmet diner leaves disappointed after sampling what’s on offer at the international and Thai specialty restaurants and bars. The long beachfront is perfect for walks or exercise, while the spaciousness of the rooms and suites is a bonus.
The extraordinary topiary of the main gardens.
Don’t miss: It’s actually impossible to miss the extraordinary topiary of the main gardens, where you’re greeted by giant rabbits, elephants and other exotic, leafy creatures.
6. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
The classic Maldivian island resort that you have always dreamed of.
A Maldivian island gem, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is set in a turquoise lagoon seems a world apart from almost everywhere, yet you’re just 15 breezy minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Male.
A Premium Deluxe Sunset Overwater Bungalow is the ideal honeymooners retreat.
Perfect for: Romantics, including honeymooners and wedding parties. Water sport lovers, especially divers and snorkellers, are also very well looked after, while peace-and-quiet seekers are right at home in the luxurious overwater villas.
To heart of dining at Ras Fushi, the buffet style Oceans Restaurant.
Why Aussies love it: The adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives brings the unique quality of ‘Thainess’, which Australians now appreciate well, to a new international destination. This is also a great value resort with its fuss-free all-inclusive package and flexible meal plans.
Spy the underwater life in the overwater bungalows at Ras Fushi.
Don’t miss: A sunset lagoon cruise aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni is a must-do for any visitor. Dolphins, cocktails and good company are the perfect start to a tropical night.
7. Centara Karon Resort Phuket
You’re in the heart of lively Karon Beach and just a stroll from its local markets, shops, smart restaurants and sports bars at Centara Karon Resort Phuket.
The bright lagoon room at Centara Karon Resort, Phuket.
Perfect for: With a full array of kids’ activities, connecting rooms and three pools, this resort is a long-time family favourite. It’s also an excellent base for mall shoppers and island explorers.
The lagoon Pool, one of three, at Centara Karon Resort, Phuket.
Why Aussies love it: This well-priced upscale resort, with its renowned Kids’ Club and easy access to the beach, is also conveniently close to other local sights, such as Old Phuket Town.
The contemporary dining room at Azure Restaurant.
Don’t miss: Be a resort show off… snap a selfie or three at happy hour at one of the three swim up bars will make sure your friends know you have had a holiday they can envy.
A Centara brand for everyone
Centara’s range of brands means there’s a hotel or resort tailored to your travel dreams and budget.
Centara Reserve, the company’s newest and most luxurious range, is about curated, personalised luxury experiences. The first in this exclusive collection has opened in Koh Samui, with more to follow in iconic destinations. Distinctive features that set these properties apart include heightened culinary offerings, and the optimum wellness experience at Reserve Spa Cenvaree.
The Centara Grand line is definitively upmarket, they describe it as ‘upper-upscale’, in both service and facilities. It also incorporates further levels of luxury, such as villas and The Club.
Meanwhile, the Centara Hotel destinations, the ‘upscale’ brand of the stable, represents solid value for families and other travellers in both city and vacation destinations.
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