Originally Posted by
BESVISOR
I just got back from Puri in Dec. Finishing my video review so haven't posted much here but I'll chime in and hopefully can provide bit of help. Subjective opinions of course
- I would not suggest entry Pavilions at Puri. Espically because many of the entry Pavilions (say Garden and even some Garden Pools) are on the wrong side of the resort and less private. We did a Partial Ocean View Pool Pavilion (all that was left) + a quick stay in Villa #23 as well to shop for my clients with large families/groups. I'd say we were extremely happy with the Partial Ocean View Pool Pavilion. I'd say that's the minimum I'd suggest a client to book at Puri. However, if your budget simply does not allow it, then book the entry Pavilion and expect to spend most of your time on the main beach and resort areas. If that's your expectation, then I think you'll enjoy it and won't have issues with it. There are Amans where the rooms make little difference (Gani, Tokyo, Giri - maybe, etc.) but I think Puri matters.
- May shouldn't be crowded as mentioned above. Weather could be hot/wet. Rates should be favorable.
- Nicolas is doing a great job in bringing the place back to peak and Puri will continue to undergo more renovations and updates. I think the new gym will be done by April. There's work left to be done but it's well on its way.
- I did have a client experience a hiccup during festive week but that was caused by all the villa owners being on property and it was maddening. Nicolas was on it and able to recover the service hiccup. For May, I'd expect smooth sailing on service. We were there during 80% - 90% occupancy and had great service. For transparency, Nicolas is a friend so I'm sure that helped some. But I did look around to observe and it seemed that most staff were eager to help. We stayed 8 nights and were asked for our room # two or three times. d
- You will have missed the head Nama Japanese chef from AMAN NYC as he will be back in NY opening Aman but Nama should still be open and decent.
- I won't talk about SS Yao Noi as it just doesn't interest me and I haven't visited to have firsthand opinions.
- But please keep in mind that you won't see Puri's beach near it's best in May.
Hope you go to Puri and have a great time!
Originally Posted by
FlyerEC
As
BESVISOR has mentioned , am also not interested in staying at SS but alright visiting other FTers there on day trip with other FTers on our first AMANJunkies FTers DO .
No interest in returning to Maldives in the near future . Rather French Polynesia
Rates in May have always been lower from those now during peak .. we are not at Puri usually over Christmas , NY & often CNY too .
We have stayed every month in the year though , even before Puri started closing in June . The weather has always cooperated even during the monsoon as it seldom rained throughout the day if at all .
We have always enjoyed Phuket especially at Puri , have taken drives to the mainland too to explore since we have been staying at Puri ( countless ? as they changed the computer systems & lost track 😳 ) numerous times since ‘ 89 .
Thank you both! I've gone ahead and booked our stay at Amanpuri. Very excited.
I hope what you say about the beach in May won't affect our stay too much. We do tend to spend most of our time on the beach.
Do you have any Amanpuri tips?
For anyone else reading this thread, you may find the below interesting as to why we decided against Soneva Kiri (we were ultimately torn between Soneva Kiri and Amanpuri):
- Kiri have moved their beach from North Beach to the very uninspiring South Beach. South Beach is accessible to non-Soneva guests and there is now a resort being built further along the beach. For us this really invalidated the point of travelling all that way for a remote island style getaway, as we were anticipating the seclusion and beauty of North Beach.
- food prices at Soneva Kiri are extortionate. significantly higher than at Aman's, and I highly doubt the quality would be any better.
- during Covid times, we are looking for the best deals. Soneva Kiri's best offers were only applicable to Thai residents (which we are not). we've booked a fantastic deal with Amanpuri, filled with extras.
- Kiri caters a lot more to families with kids, which became a lot more apparent the more we read reviews and trip reports