Psst: a fresh face is shaking up Phuket’s west coast! Meet M Social Phuket, a stylish stay offering the best of Thai hospitality and immersive experiences.
It’s been over a decade since I last set foot in Phuket, Thailand. No surprise that my memories are a blur, with vague recollections of sandy beaches and an enormous shopping mall. So when the chance to visit the newly unveiled M Social Phuket came about, it stirred up a wave of nostalgia – and I knew I couldn’t pass on it. I stuffed my luggage with beach-ready ‘fits and set off on a 3D2N weekend getaway. Sunkissed beaches and island lounging, here I come!
First impressions go a long way
After a short flight of under two hours, my travel crew and I were warmly greeted by two staff members from M Social Phuket, who ushered us on a one-hour car ride. As we approached the vibrant town of Patong, my childhood memories came flooding back. We drove past the bustling Bangla Street which was just waking up as the sun set, and caught a glimpse of the all-too-familiar shopping mall – Jungceylon Shopping Centre, one of Phuket’s best. And right around the corner, there it was: my home for the next few days.
Modern and oh-so-stylish were my first impressions as we pulled into the open-air lobby. Decked out in contemporary aesthetics, the space was enlivened with lush greenery peeking out from every corner. This was where I got my first taste of Thai hospitality. Beyond their radiant smiles, the staff welcomed us with a refreshing towel and a cup of ice cream. To top it off, our room cards came personalised with our names. Talk about a thoughtful touch!
M Social Phuket takes an unforgettable stay up a notch by offering two distinct guest experiences. With 418 rooms and suites across two different wings, each stay comes with its own vibe. I checked into the Sunkissed Wing, where it’s all about nature and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Afterglow Wing – which faces Bangla Street – caters to partygoers and lifestyle mavens with its vibrant murals and funky interiors.
Living it up begins here
True to Thai hospitality, I was given a huge warm welcome when I stepped into my room. From the personalised message scribbled on the mirror to the wine bottle and assortment of local snacks laid out on the table, the folks at M Social Phuket set the tone for a memorable stay.
I was pampered with the luxurious Sunkissed Social Signature room. Spanning 45 sqm, the room ticked all the boxes for an indulgent stay, especially for a solo traveller like myself. Blending modern yet cosy interiors, highlights include a spacious standing shower and bathtub stocked with Christian Lacroix amenities; a plush King bed (which was personally tested for two weeks by the staff to ensure ultimate comfort!); a Nespresso coffee machine; and a separate living area perfect for unwinding.
But the crown jewel of the room? The private terrace with exclusive access to the swimming pool. I spent my leisure time soaking in the sun on my secluded cabana and relishing in the privacy of my jacuzzi. After my indulgence, the best part was that my room was a mere few steps away. Let’s just say I would’ve gladly spent most of my time here…
A special shout-out goes to the in-room AI voice-controlled assistant, too. A first in my hotel experiences, I was blown away by how seamlessly it worked. Chat with it as you would with your Siri or Google Home, and enjoy personalised service right at your fingertips. I asked for help to adjust the air-conditioner, set my morning alarm and switch off the lights – all while lying comfortably in bed. Now, how’s that for hands-free living?
Delish food is the way to the heart
Leaving the room was not an easy task, but I was on a mission to uncover all the highlights at M Social Phuket, starting with delicious nosh.
If you’ve been to M Social Singapore, you’ll be familiar with the Asian fusion restaurant, Beast & Butterflies. Its Phuket location offers a similar gastronomic experience with culinary creations from the Land of Smiles. My mornings were spent fuelling up at the sumptuous breakfast buffet, featuring your usual fixes like pastries, salads, cold cuts, an egg station, and other Asian and Western dishes. Come by in the evening to feast on boat-to-table fresh seafood and Thai delicacies like tom yum soup and crab fried rice, while sipping on wines and tropical tiki cocktails.
Over at Afterglow, izakaya-inspired Japanese restaurant and bar Bincho Izakaya awaits. Tip: instead of walking from the Sunkissed Wing, hop onto a Vespa or tuktuk (complimentary from the hotel!) for a breezy three-minute ride. Once you’ve stepped foot into Bincho Izakaya, the stunning cherry blossom centrepiece will capture your attention. Here’s where you’ll wanna snap lots of photos for the ‘gram. Next, grab a drink at the standing bar counter or head straight to one of the cosy tables.
Tuck into a sprawling selection of sushi, light bites and mouth-watering delicacies. Standout dishes I’ve tried include the umami-laden miso lobster soup, refreshing sushi roll salad, and miso-glazed Patagonian toothfish – melt-in-the-mouth snow fish paired with a nori rice wrap. If you’re making it a boozy affair, feel free to approach one of the friendly staff for a sake or cocktail recommendation. Take it from me, you’ll be in great hands with the expert mixologists.
Relax, play, repeat – all while staying inside
The best thing to do while in the Land of Smiles? A therapeutic Thai massage, of course. I didn’t have to head far ‘cos Let’s Relax Spa is located right in M Social Phuket. Clean, modern and inviting, this spa spot makes for a relaxing mid-day destination. Opt for the complete spa experience with the full-body packages, or iron out those knots with a back and shoulder or Thai-style massage.
While I’m not the biggest enthusiast for massages, the Thai massage with hot herbal compress ($54 for a two-hour session) was surprisingly gentler than I expected and left me thoroughly rejuvenated.
They say, when in Phuket, do as the locals would. For me, this meant immersing myself in local culture, starting with a Thai cooking adventure at M Social Phuket. My crew of four and I put our cooking skills to the test, and whipped up tom yum soup and papaya salad with help from the expert chefs. It was the perfect hands-on experience for foodies and groups of friends. Priced from $35 per person, guests can choose between Thai and Japanese culinary activities.
Besides cooking up a feast, add cocktail-making to your list of activities in the hotel. Led by mixologist Ben, the Shake, Sip and Stir experience ($38 per pax) at Bincho Izakaya is your chance to step behind the bar. Ben took us through a quick 101 on cocktail making, and how to create classic tipples like negroni and daiquiri. But my fave part? Creating our unique concoctions and trying each other’s creations!
Oh, and did I mention the hotel is directly connected to Jungceylon Shopping Centre? Best believe I spared time for retail therapy. Expect your usual retail names such as Uniqlo and Crocs, along with popular Thai brands like Gentlewoman. But if you’re pressed for time, I’d recommend trying the hotel activities over shopping. After all, shopping malls are a dime a dozen in Singapore, right?
A tropical escape that feels like home…
When it comes to hospitality, it’s easy to see why the Thais often come up top – or, at least from my experience at M Social Phuket. From the warm smiles and greetings I received daily to each thoughtful personal touch, these little things add up. Coupled with the unbeatable location in the heart of Patong, spacious and well-appointed abodes, and immersive experiences, these make for an unforgettable stay that feels just like home.
And here’s the kicker: I ended up spending zero time at the beach as I was happily kept busy within the hotel premises. I’m not sweating it though, ‘cos I know I’ll be back to experience more of Phuket soon. This time, I won’t wait until another decade passes.
M Social Phuket, 199 Rat-Uthit 200 Pee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
