Indigo Pearl Resort, Part 2

Warning: Graphics heavy post

As mentioned in my previous entries, Indigo Pearl is a huge resort. Hubby and I wanted to explore it as much as possible. Thanks to the free wi-fi in our rooms, I was able to see the tip left by a foursquare user to take advantage of the 50% off cocktails at Pool #2 from 4 to 6PM. So I dragged hubby out to look for Pool #2 and #3 so that we could get a bit buzzed.

So up and down we went traversing the grounds of Indigo Pearl. Looking for the pools. Along the way I was really astounded at how big the place was.

We finally found pool #2 and a couple were already frolicking in the pool. The pool wasn't that big as compared to pool #1 so we felt it might be better to give them some privacy.

We decided then to try to check out pool #3. Good thing we found it relatively quickly since it was near pool #2. It has this little walkway that goes through a pond that has water lilies. So cute!

How happy was I that there was a bar right next to the pool so that you don't even need to get out of the water to grab a drink! Of course it was also at 50% for cocktails and our bartender was happy to offer us the cocktail of our choice.

We were the only hotel guests who were Asians at this pool so the bartender was chatting us up a bit. He actually asked if hubby was my brother! How weird is that? This is the second time someone has thought he was my brother. Do I look like I'd go to a resort like this with only my brother?

The lounge chairs were scattered around the pool allowing guests a little bit of privacy yet fast access to the water.

I'm not posting any pictures of myself in a swim suit so you'll just have to settle for this shot of our rooms at night. I love the mood lighting around the resort at twilight. However if you intend to go around at night you should bring a flashlight as it gets quite dark.

If you just want to stay around in the resort without going out, Indigo Pearl is perfect for that. There isn't much of a nightlife outside the resort at Nai Yang beach. Just a few restaurants dot the beach front.

I believe the more "happening" place is Patong or Karon. If you want to go there from Nai Yang I recommend you rent a car and drive there.

Nai Yang beach

Admittedly one of the reasons I consented to go to Phuket was because I was curious about the beaches that were being compared to Boracay. I absolutely love Boracay and spent a good 4 days there basking in the sun and the sea a few months ago. I wanted to check if Phuket could come close to Boracay and honestly, in terms of the beach it did not.

The sand though soft is not a powdery white. The water comes off as muddy. Nai Yang beach is like the equivalent of Station 1 and there weren't many people. In fact, I looked like the only person on the beach frolicking in the water.

Here is hubby getting a feel of the sand.

The place looked quite lonely. If you want to relax and not be disturbed this is the perfect place for it.

Yes, it may look like I was only added to the picture via Photoshop but I was really there!

I guess the one thing that Nai Yang beach can brag about is the privacy it affords its tourists. Station 1 in Boracay on the other hand is still filled with a lot of people. I think this is because you can't really compare the islands. Phuket is a huge island where you'll need to drive to get to Karon or Patong. Even our drive to Old Phuket town took a good 40 minutes. On Boracay you can walk from one boat station to the other. So if you want your privacy, Nai Yang beach is definitely it.

However if I wanted to enjoy the beach, I will still go to Boracay.

Indigo Pearl Resort, Coqoon spa

Warning: Graphics heavy post

This was our fourth day in Thailand and I was really tired with all the stuff we'd been doing. Hubby suggested we try the Coqoon spa since we heard that it was garnering all sorts of awards. My siblings on the other hand opted to go to the Phi Phi islands. I listened to my body and decided that a visit to the spa was what I most needed.

I asked the front-desk how much the treatments were and they said that it was best if I went to the spa since they kept their spa menu there plus there were usually promos that we could avail of. A good tip to keep in mind is that Coqoon spa gives a 20% discount on services if you avail of them from 10AM to 2PM.

Lobby of the Coqoon Spa

Reception area of Coqoon Spa

You need to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your appointment so that the spa representative can have you fill out a questionnaire about your body's aches and health issues such as arthritis they should know about. See those cute little bottles on the table? They're not just for decoration. Each bottle contains a scented oil such as lemongrass and peppermint. You will be asked to sniff each oil sample to choose which oil will be used during your massage.

From the spa lobby area we were escorted by our therapist down the stairs to the spa cottage we would be using.

We even had to cross the street to get to these spa cottages.

Another more expensive option would have been to use the actual Coqoon therapy room. Yup, that's not just a weird looking structure but an actual room!

Each spa cottage has its own lavatory. The massage I choose was the Relaxation Massage. Thus, I was asked to change out of my clothes and wear a thong! Hubby could wear a loose shirt and pants since he opted for the Thai massage.

This is where our massages took place.

Remember when I mentioned that my left thigh muscle tightened up going down Wat Arun here? I was having a lot of trouble going up and down stairs and walking on an uneven surface was a bit painful. I mentioned this issue to my therapist and she said she'd take care of it. She also said she'd concentrate on my back since I was having back pains.

I have to admit, their massage is very good. I love the entire spa experience. Usually I only get a home massage service so this was truly a splurge for us.

After our massage we were pleasantly surprised to find ginger tea and fresh pineapple waiting for us at the couch outside. It was a lovely touch to end such a relaxing experience.

When we were done, Bambi, my therapist cleared up the tea and dishes.

To give you an idea on the prices for the massages, they are like Hotel Spa rates. Thus a 60 minute massage will reach 2,000 Baht and just double that for 120 minutes. So let's say I spent around 4,000 Baht for my two hours massage, change that to pesos and it will come out to 5,600. Good thing we availed of the 20% discount.

I loved the entire experience but I can't really say that I will spend that much for this spa treatment again. Maybe I'm too used to the simple massages with no extra stuff.

The Coqoon Spa is located in the Indigo Pearl resort, Nai Yang beach, Phuket.

Indigo Pearl Resort, Part 1

Warning: Graphics heavy post.

I was pretty happy just to stay in Bangkok and go around but my siblings wanted to visit Phuket since we were there already. Hubby mentioned it on his Facebook feed and his former colleague recommended this resort to us. Turns out Siri's family owns the Indigo Pearl Resort. She was very helpful in getting us a booking and she even offered us free upgrades.

My first impression of the resort however is that it looked a bit gloomy since the reception area was quite dim.

The decor was quite interesting and seemed like a combination of Asian and industrial influences.

They had these huge couches that seemed like beds that you could lounge in near the reception area.

Once you step out of the reception area and take a peek at the grounds you will feel your spirit get lighter. Oh my gosh this place is huge and they have three pools. This is pool number 1.









The grounds are beautifully cared for as evidenced by these hedges that look like they could be part of a maze.

I think this place is probably on the level of a Shangri-La resort. It was huge!

The room they gave us was also huge. Notice hubby and I taking pictures.

Nice comfy soft bed. Once you lie down on it you don't want to get up.

Work area for the workaholics. Yes hubby set up his laptop here.

The shower is open. This room is really for couples! Even the side of the shower is just transparent glass. You have the option to make it a rain shower type or just use the shower head.

This tub was huge! I could lie down in it fully stretched out and I'm 5 feet 2 inches. Takes a while to fill though.

His and hers wash basins.

Toilet is open as well and if you need privacy there's a curtain you draw to close the area.

Our room had two balconies! This is balcony 1.

This is balcony 2. Why two balconies? I have no idea. Maybe if you guys fight or something and want space. Perhaps if one smokes and the other does not?

View from the balcony

This room is fantastic and I believe would be perfect for honeymooners. Another thought is that you could use this room if you brought your children with you.

My next post will have more pictures of the grounds and the internationally renowned spa of Indigo Pearl, Coqoon.

Thailand Family Trip: the Grand Palace and Wat Arun

Warning: Graphics heavy post

If we left it up to my sister, we'd be shopping our entire stay in Bangkok. However my brother really wanted to see some temples so we upgraded our complimentary tour package into one that included the Grand Palace. I haven't gone to this place before so I was excited to see it.

Meet Apple, our tour guide. She was very friendly and was kind enough to wait while my sister had to change into less revealing attire since they do not allow sleeveless shirts in temples.

Unfortunately, my sister did not bring a pair of jeans and her shorts were also deemed too revealing. Thus she had to wear a sarong. I thought wearing leggings would be OK but I was still asked to cover up as well. I look horrible. Look at that clash of prints.



The Grand Palace itself is a lovely place to visit. Bring sunglasses though and an umbrella as the sun is quite strong.



Before we entered, we were able to witness the changing of the guard.



Here's hubby heading towards the temples.



This is one of the large demon statues guarding the temple.



Notice this golden temple? They used actual gold leaf on it. It shimmered in the sun.









They even have a mini replica of Angkor Wat here. It is a 1 to 500 scale model.





Here I am feeling a little playful.

Apple was kind enough to take this picture of me and hubby.

I could have taken more pictures but I got so tired already and decided to just pose for the cameras my brother and sister had. Our next stop was Wat Arun. We had to take a riverboat to get to it. Here is Wat Arun as we were crossing the river.





Wat Arun is a temple that you can actually climb. I was game but then I noticed that the steps were quite steep and narrow. Apple told us to please hold on to the railings and I understood why. Climbing Wat Arun is scary!



I only made it up half way. In fact when I was going down, I pulled a muscle on my left thigh!

Hubby however was not scared at all and went all the way up!

We ended up so sweaty but we still had to stop by the Gem Gallery since it turns out the tour guides get a mini-commission when they bring their tourists there. All we did was watch a short film on how gems and jewelry are manufactured in Thailand.

We also passed through the jewelry room. Hubby almost bought me a pair of pink sapphire earrings but I remember my mom saying it is over priced in Gem Gallery. I really wanted to go to the night market since that is where I bought my bracelet before but our friend Mike said it was closed.

Apple asked us where we wanted to be dropped off and so off we went to Paragon Plaza. We didn't go there to shop but rather to eat a late lunch at their food court. I had the most amazing assorted meat balls in Tom Yung soup.

It looks really spicy but I could still handle it. What surprised me was the peanut element in the broth that added some additional crunch as I slurped it up. I loved this dish so much we went back here on our last day.