Phun times in Phuket

The views of Bangkok's neondrenched skyscrapers were a distant memory amidst the swaying tropical palm trees. And instead of roaring motorcycle engines and car horns ringing in my ears, my senses were soothed by the Andaman Sea's gently lapping waves. "It's just more relaxed here," explained tour guide Teddy, as we travelled along the crescent-shaped Patong Beach in Phuket. "We call it the island life." The serene tropical paradise felt like a world away from bustling Bangkok where I had spent the last three days. That's not to say I hadn't had a blast in the Thai capital, but by combining the two very different destinations, you can end up with a memorable twin-centre post-wedding getaway

AMARI BANGKOK
After arriving on an EVA Air flight direct from London Heathrow to Suvarnabhumi Airport, I discovered a citycentre haven. From the moment you walk into Amari Bangkok, you feel like you're being pampered, and although the hotel in the upcoming Ratchaprasong/ Watergate area is five-star, a stay there comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. I checked in at their exclusive Voyager Lounge and made my way up to a Club Premier Room, with its king-sized bed, work space, marble bathroom with Panpuri toiletries and floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views of the sprawling metropolis. For guests on their honeymoon, the hotel can provide little touches on request, such as a specially decorated room with sparkling wine or flowers and romantic dishes in the restaurant.

Speaking of restaurants, the eateries at Amari Bangkok's are seriously impressive. I devoured a delicious Thai meal of crispy fried calamari with Chaiya sauce and stir-fried noodles with minced duck at ChomSindh. I also dined across the fourth floor in NILA, where restaurant manager Vicky took me on a mouthwatering culinary journey through coastal India with paired cocktails. For breakfast, there were two options at Amari – the refined à la carte offerings at Club Siraa, or the huge selection at Amaya Food Gallery's live cooking stations. The hotel is also home to a popular curbside Italian restaurant – Prego Bangkok – where I sampled delicious prosciutto pizza and lobster linguine. And what trip to Thailand would be complete without a massage or two? During my stay Amari Bangkok, I was treated to a signature treatment at Breeze Spa. Following a consultation, the masseuse tailored my massage, using aromatherapy oils, herbal teas and mood-setting colours to leave me feeling rejuvenated and invigorated.

CITY OF ANGELS
While Amari is somewhat of a R&R refuge in Bangkok, I hadn't travelled thousands of miles to not explore the fascinating and exciting Asian city. I was taken on a temple tour by Steve from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and visited one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, Wat Arun, before boarding a short ferry to the Wat Pho Buddhist temple complex, joining hundreds of pilgrims paying homage to the world-famous Reclining Buddha. The Grab app is a cheap and convenient way to get around the City of Angels and you can generally reach most places in the city centre by booking a cab from Amari for around 200 baht (£4.50). I visited the notorious Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Khao San Road entertainment districts, all of which were huge fun and real eye-openers.

My final excursion of the week was a Bangkok Best Eats Food Tour by Tuk Tuk in which enthusiastic host Premi took a group of us on a culinary trip around Samyan Market and China Town, before we arrived at Eagle Nest, a rooftop bar with stunning views of Wat Arun, Chao Phraya River and Wat Po. It seemed like the perfect bookend to what had been a fabulous few days in the Thai capital.

AMARI PHUKET
The following morning, I boarded a Bangkok Airways flight to Phuket, and in just over an hour, I was immersed in what Teddy called the 'island life'. Phuket has long been a favourite for those planning a romantic escape or honeymoon – it's a private slice of paradise that's still close to the action if you fancy a change of pace. Amari Phuket is cut into the mountainside at the southern end of the popular Patong Beach, with golf buggies taking guests up the paths from their rooms to the resort's bars, restaurants, swimming pools and spa. Honouring their promise to 'brighten your stay, every day' the welcoming resort team do everything they can to ensure you have a memorable stay or honeymoon. I had a Coral one-bedroom suite with magnificent views of the bay, a separate dining and living area and minibalcony. And as an extra bonus, I also had exclusive access to The Clubhouse retreat with its infinity pool as well as other club benefits. In the evenings, I enjoyed a street market-style Phuketian meal at Amari's southern Thai eatery Rim Talay, and dined at La Gritta, which has to be Phuket's best Italian ristorante. In the meantime, I was again treated to a signature massage courtesy of Breeze Spa, but this time amidst the lush forest in an open-air forest sala.

To find out more about holidays and tourism in Thailand, head to fanclubthailand.co.uk

HELPFUL INFO
Amari Bangkok, 847 Phetchaburi
Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai,
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400,
Thailand.
(+66 2 653 9000)
Amari Phuket, 2 Meun-Ngern Road
Pa Tong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket
83150, Thailand
(+66 76 340 106)
booknow@amari.com
Airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Airport (BKK), Phuket International
Airport (HKT)