Kata Rocks Phuket Hotel Review

With 50+ international property and hospitality awards under the hotel's belt, it isn't hard to see why this 5-star resort draws in visitors from across the globe. 

Perched on a hilltop, Kata Rocks stands out as one of few ultra-modern hotels in the area – perfect for those who appreciate plenty of glass, metal and mod cons. Head to your room and you'll find a sleek white interior, floor to ceiling walls that open onto a private pool and an iPad with state of the art VDA automation software that controls everything in your villa, from the lighting to the blinds to the television and hotel services. 

While this modern hotel lacks a bit of Thailand’s typical “homey” personality, it certainly packed a punch with its exciting modern conveniences and stunning vistas. Read our full review to learn more about this luxury resort and all it has to offer.

Why we recommend Kata Rocks – Those extra special touches

"From the moment we left the airport to the time we stepped foot in the door of the hotel (about an hour’s drive from the airport by air-conditioned private transfer), Kata Rocks staff had already transported us from grimy travellers to feeling like VIP guests with crisp, cool hand towels and much-needed bottles of water, served with a warm smile we became rather accustomed to in Thailand. Along the way, a video is screened (particularly helpful if you have arrived late at night like we did and cannot admire the views from the windows) which provides some handy tips about the hotel and the activities to be enjoyed in the local area.

"We were really spoiled during our stay at Kata Rocks and arrived to a complimentary cocktail bar – fresh lime and mint, a chilled ice bucket and a bottle of the Kata Rocks’ specially packaged local spirit called Chalong Bay which we enjoyed from the pool at sunset. 

"Throughout our stay, fresh fruit was paraded through the villa, from pears to the oddly-shaped pink dragonfruit and we tasted some complimentary butterfly pea juice for the first time – a surprisingly blue drink widely available throughout Thailand, revered for its health properties that are known to be particularly good for the hair."

Best for... honeymooners 

Kata Rocks is the ideal getaway for honeymooners looking for a romantic and private escape. With your very own pool outside your villa to cool off in during the heat of the day to 24-hour room service and in-house dining options available, you could go your whole trip without leaving your room! 

Where is the hotel located? 

You'll find Kata Rocks located just an hour away from Phuket International Airport, with a modern air-conditioned shuttle ready to take you from the arrival area. Ideal if you fancy a little rest after the excitement of your flight. 

Kata Beach is just 10 minutes away from the hotel on foot, while for those looking to explore further afield, Phuket's Old Town can be reached in just 30 minutes by car. 

Attractions near Kata Rocks

  • Big Buddha – See the 45 metre high Buddha in all its glory, located around 30 minutes away by car. 
  • Wat Chalong Temple – Marvel at this impressive temple, bejewelled with glittering glass pieces and gold. It's just 15 minutes away from Kata Rocks by car, making it the perfect spot for a quick day trip. 
  • Phuket Weekend Night Market – Tuck into dinner then head out for the evening and go shopping at Phuket's famous night market. It takes just 30 minutes by car to reach this buzzing shopping event that sets up on Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm. Check out our guide on night markets in Thailand for more details. 

Rooms and accommodation at Kata Rocks 

As it is set high up on a hilltop, each room at Kata Rocks offers a view of the Andaman Sea. 

We love the Sky Villas which have fully-fitted kitchens that are perfect for families and groups who prefer to cook for themselves. Larger villas with extra bedrooms are also available.

The Ocean Pool Villa is a great choice for honeymooners or couples seeking romance as they come with spectacular ocean views from every room – even from the bath! These rooms are not recommended for kids as they have open stairwells, making it the perfect excuse to leave the little ones with trusted relatives back home.

Need a little TLC? Then we recommend you book the One Bedroom Spa Pool Villa which comes with your very own spa treatment room! Or consider the Four Bedroom Penthouse Sky Villa which includes attached butler quarters where you can have your very own live-in butler or bring along your nanny from home. 

What to do & where to eat at Kata Rocks 

Want the exclusive scoop on how to make the most of your stay in this luxury resort? Take a look at our tips below:

Unwind in the spa 

Test out the one-of-a-kind treatments available at the Spa with a water massage bed (great for back problems), a chromotherapy room for coloured light therapy and a sleeping pod room with a Metronap rest pod great for those who struggle to get their recommended eight hours of sleep a night.

Get that shot for Instagram in the infinity pool 

Take a dip in the main infinity pool and ask a friend to take a photo of you through the window in the bottom of the pool that looks down towards the kids’ club.

Taste the OHLA burger 

While not strictly Thai, it has been awarded Phuket’s best burger – a tasty mix of Australian beef, pork belly, Spanish ham and French brie cheese. Plus, it’s also available on the room service menu!

Become a sommelier for the day

Try a wine tasting master class in the cellar beneath the swimming pool. You can also sign up for food and wine pairing experiences and truly indulge one afternoon. These intimate sessions take place between 2pm and 5pm, with over 300 wine labels and the option to pour from the bottles yourself. 

Enjoy a little retail therapy

Along the beachfront (10 minutes away), there are various market stalls offering all sorts of treats, from fresh juice (a choice of dragonfruit, mango, coconut and more) as well as souvenirs and beachwear. 

Good to know

Guests get around by chauffeured golf cart and you can order a ride to breakfast or down to the beach that we would, having done it ourselves, not entirely recommend doing by foot in the scorching heat without plenty of water. While the hotel staff do go out of their way for you, if you are very concerned about your mobility, Kata Rocks is perhaps not the best choice for you. 

Kata Rocks FAQs 

What type of food is available at Kata Rocks? 

There are a variety of cuisines served at the hotel's restaurants and breakfast is included in your stay. The Kata Rocks Clubhouse serves Mediterranean and Thai dishes, you can enjoy a private chef BBQ in your villa or tuck into cocktails and tapas at the Infinite Luxury Restaurant & Bar. 

Does Kata Rocks cater for vegetarians and vegans? 

The staff at Kata Rocks are more than happy to accommodate all dietary requirements during your stay whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant or can't eat gluten. Speak to them when dining about your needs and they will arrange an alternative for you to enjoy.   

Is there a gym at Kata Rocks? 

Yes, as a guest you have access to state of the art gym equipment in the on-site fitness centre. 

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available so you can stream your favourite Netflix shows by the pool and keep in touch with loved ones back home with ease, during your stay. 

Does Kata Rocks have a private beach? 

No, but the hotel is in very close proximity to two excellent beaches – Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. You'll need to ride down in one of the resort's buggies to access the beaches where you can spend the day enjoying the sunshine. 

Kata Beach is just around the corner – a 10 minute walk away – as are a variety of great little tourist shops, spa and massage parlours and tour desks where you can book your day trips out to the islands. We love Kata Noi, which is a little further away (still accessible by foot) but much quieter. 

Choose the right hotel for you 

We know how confusing it can be to pick a hotel with the wealth of options that exist out there. That’s why we’re constantly sending out our travel experts to do the hard work for you. We’ve also tried and tested the Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort & Spa in Krabi and Zeavola Resort in Phi Phi Island – click the links to check out our reviews. 

Want to plan your own trip to the indulgent Kata Rocks?
Browse the hotel online or call our Thailand experts to start planning your holiday today!