Cape Panwa Hotel

Phuket, Thailand

Virgin rating

The hotel

Nothing less than idyllic, Cape Panwa offers a quiet retreat in the southeast corner of this popular island. Excellent service, stylish rooms and world-class amenities can all be enjoyed as well as a secluded beach for hotel guests only. All suites and villas boast plenty of space and light with airy décor. There’s a variety to choose from, ideal for couples, families or groups of friends. Activities at the Cape Panwa abound – although if you want to do nothing more than laze by one of the 2 pools, that’s absolutely fine! For moments when you’re feeling more active, there are water sports galore, including canoes and stand-up paddle boards. As well as sporting activities, there are cultural activities and a spa in which to feel truly pampered. Children are welcomed with open arms and there’s plenty for them to do too, allowing parents time out to soak up the sun. Dining is plentiful at the Panwa, there are several superb restaurants, serving dishes from around the globe. There are also four bars to unwind in at the end of the day, sipping on a handcrafted cocktail perhaps whilst listening to a live band at The Light House or the swell of the sea at Bamboo Bar.

Amenities

  • Sailing
  • Babysitting service
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Games Room
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Built into the hillside and overlooking a gorgeous stretch of white sand. Although everything is within walking distance, there’s a quirky little train to transport you between the hotel, the beach and gardens! Transfer time from Phuket Airport: 50 minutes.

Hotel information

205 rooms, suites and villas. All are air-conditioned with private balcony or terrace, widescreen TV with cable,  telephone, WiFi access, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe and hairdryer. Superior Rooms with partial views of the ocean have 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child (aged 2-11 years).

Junior Suites have extra living space and large balcony with most offering partial views over Panwa Bay with 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (aged 2-11 years).

Cape Suite with partial sea views (limited by vegetation), master en-suite bedroom and separate lounge with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

Family Suites are comprised of a Cape Suite with connecting Superior Room, with master en-suite bedroom and separate lounge with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 5 adults and 4 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

Two Bedroom Pool Villa with private swimming pool and master en-suite bedroom, sleeping maximum 5 adults and 4 adults and 2 children (aged 2-11 years).

5 restaurants including: Café Andaman (International cuisine), Panwa House (Thai delicacies), Top of the Reef, Uncle Nan’s Italian Restaurant, Laem Panwa Restaurant (outdoor seafood restaurant). 4 bars including: The Light House, Otter’s Bar, Bamboo Bar, Dolphin Bar. Café Kantary. 

2 swimming pools. Cape Spa*. Thai massage on the beach*. Fitness centre* with sauna. Water sports* including canoes, catamaran and stand-up paddle boards. Badminton* and table tennis on the beach. Beauty salon*. Weekly cultural activities* including Thai cooking classes, Batik painting and fruit and vegetable carving, games room, playground and menus.

Babysitting available* (on request). Complimentary WiFi in public areas and guest rooms. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. 24-hour reception.

5 nights between 27 Dec-5 Jan.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2437)
  • Very good (896)
  • Average (349)
  • Poor (133)
  • Terrible (69)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family Holiday - Cape Panwa

Jan 30, 2025 timmoreland1 Melbourne, Australia

This is not a 5 star hotel if you're looking for marble floors and gold trimmings. It is however a fantastic & authentic resort which we as a family of 5 immensely enjoyed. The pools are great, beach beautiful and surroundings quiet as opposed to Patong and other busier Phuket locations. Our rooms in T wing were really good and large (Junior… Read more
This is not a 5 star hotel if you're looking for marble floors and gold trimmings. It is however a fantastic & authentic resort which we as a family of 5 immensely enjoyed. The pools are great, beach beautiful and surroundings quiet as opposed to Patong and other busier Phuket locations. Our rooms in T wing were really good and large (Junior Suite) and we were lucky to have both on the 3rd level with ocean views. For the most part the staff were great... Shout out to Maggi, Lisa and Kim in particular! Whilst not unexpected, the language barrier came into play at times but we got through that. The Cape spa was excellent so we recommend you using the facilities there. The shuttle to and from the hotel to the local village was easy and functional. Best to stock up on things via the local 7/11 as it is relatively expensive at the hotel. Do yourself a favour and book the Thai dance & fire show night on Wed or Sat's. It's a little extra however we had an enjoyable night and the food was great. Highly recommend the Phang Nah Bay canoe tour through the caves/huongs. Great day! James Bond, Phi Phi etc whilst beautiful was extremely busy. Again - not unexpected. We had an all meals package but I would just include the breakfast. The breakfast's were great however the local village has plenty of other food options for other meals. We found lunch and dinner at the hotel a little same same. This is a beautiful location and we had a great time so don't hesitate to go. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not 5 Star

Jan 28, 2025 Paradise33670936898 St Ives, United Kingdom

This is a tired hotel with poor service and not one I would recommend. The small run down room we were originally given was in poor condition and felt generally grubby . We upgraded to a suite after complaining but there was a small surcharge to pay of about £25 per night . This was a better room and had a huge bed. Breakfast was a bit of a bun… Read more
This is a tired hotel with poor service and not one I would recommend. The small run down room we were originally given was in poor condition and felt generally grubby . We upgraded to a suite after complaining but there was a small surcharge to pay of about £25 per night . This was a better room and had a huge bed. Breakfast was a bit of a bun fight and not a great deal of choice. Coffee machine kept breaking and it was all very frantic with people around crowded food stations and again felt grubby. The beech was nice and we found it easy to get a sun-bed . Finally the staff. Some were pleasant but for a lot of them it was as if they were simply not that interested. I’m sure in its day this would have been a super place and it boasts that stars from the 80s and 90s stayed there , but unfortunately today it lacks that 5 star feel that its competitors have. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely place to stay

Jan 26, 2025 Q8575JKtonyt North Weald, United Kingdom

Lovely hotel but lots of stairs, rooms are beautiful, especially if you get a sea view perfect. Reception staff Maggie & Mee were brilliant very helpful and accommodating. There is a little tram down to the private beach, plus service bus down to sister hotel on sea front but not as regular as it should be. We went B&B, Good variety of breakfast… Read more
Lovely hotel but lots of stairs, rooms are beautiful, especially if you get a sea view perfect. Reception staff Maggie & Mee were brilliant very helpful and accommodating. There is a little tram down to the private beach, plus service bus down to sister hotel on sea front but not as regular as it should be. We went B&B, Good variety of breakfast but not always hot. Lunch and dinner was expensive. Plenty of beds on the beach, big swimming pool was lovely, plus little pool at end of beach. Beach bar was good but a little over priced. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointed

Jan 24, 2025 Wilhelmus H

This is a first impression and it’s not a good one! Currently we are traveling Thailand and are staying in 5 star hotels. Just now we arrived in this hotel and the reception is not the same at all as in all the other hotels we visited the last weeks. I do not know how the room will be, but first impression is that this is an outdated hotel. The… Read more
This is a first impression and it’s not a good one! Currently we are traveling Thailand and are staying in 5 star hotels. Just now we arrived in this hotel and the reception is not the same at all as in all the other hotels we visited the last weeks. I do not know how the room will be, but first impression is that this is an outdated hotel. The friendly arrival we had in the other hotels wasn’t there today, they were cordial but it feels different. And…..this is the most expensive hotel of our trip to Thailand, we expected a lot more…. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent stay and holiday

Jan 23, 2025 Amrut P

Room was very clean and very large with bath and shower. The bedding was excellent . The views from the big balcony were breath taking of the sea and the hill. The service was excellent. Staff were very helpful and well mannered. We took the full board package and I could not eat spicy food. They took care of it and Chef prepared ALE CARTE DISHES… Read more
Room was very clean and very large with bath and shower. The bedding was excellent . The views from the big balcony were breath taking of the sea and the hill. The service was excellent. Staff were very helpful and well mannered. We took the full board package and I could not eat spicy food. They took care of it and Chef prepared ALE CARTE DISHES FOR US. The staff in the Bamboo restaurant were great and Hazel was exceptional who looked after us every day. Anna in the Italian restaurant was also excellent. In the main restaurant Aon Aon, Jeniffer and their team were exceptional and always there to serve and help and made us feel at home. Thank you all and we are looking forward to seeing you all soon. I would recommend this hotel for a great holiday and service. Amrut and Sheila Patel Read less