Centara Karon Resort Phuket

Miles Willis
Jul 11
5 min read

Discover Centara Karon Resort Phuket: A Perfect Thai Escape for South African Travellers

Thailand has long held a special place in the hearts of South African travellers. With its warm hospitality, stunning beaches, vibrant street life, and incredible value for money, it's no surprise that Phuket continues to draw sun-seekers and adventurers alike. If you’re looking for the ideal base for your Thai holiday, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a resort that ticks all the boxes—especially for families and couples who want comfort, convenience, and a little tropical magic.

Welcome to Centara Karon Resort Phuket

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the golden sands of Karon Beach, Centara Karon Resort is a popular choice for good reason. The resort is spread across beautifully landscaped grounds, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and a laid-back atmosphere that instantly puts you in holiday mode.

This 4-star resort is large enough to offer a range of excellent facilities, yet still manages to maintain a warm, personal touch. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family travelling with children, or a solo traveller seeking a well-located base, Centara Karon offers something for everyone.

Location, Location, Location

Centara Karon is located in the heart of Karon, one of Phuket’s most charming beach towns. It’s less commercial than Patong, but still offers plenty in terms of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Best of all, the beach is only a 5-minute walk away—no need for tuk-tuks or taxis to get to the sea.

Karon Beach itself is wide, clean, and less crowded than some of Phuket’s other beaches. It’s perfect for swimming, long beach walks, and even catching a bit of surf when the waves are up. For families, the beach is safe and well-supervised, and for couples, it’s one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset.

Accommodation Options

The resort is divided into four residential zones: The Terraces, The Lagoon, Tropicale, and The Cabanas. Each zone has its own unique appeal.

The Terraces offers high-rise accommodation with excellent views of the sea or mountains—ideal for couples.
The Lagoon is perfect for families, with easy access to the kids’ pool and family-friendly amenities.
Tropicale features larger rooms with extra space and a peaceful garden setting.
The Cabanas are more exclusive, with private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs and direct pool access—a favourite for honeymooners or those wanting a more indulgent experience.

Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and well-equipped with modern amenities like satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and tea/coffee facilities. Housekeeping is efficient and always delivered with a Thai smile.

Food & Dining

You won’t go hungry at Centara Karon. The resort offers a good mix of Thai and international cuisine, served in casual and comfortable settings.

Lotus Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast daily with plenty of choice—from eggs and bacon to Thai noodles and tropical fruit.
Azure Restaurant is great for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and local seafood.
There’s also a swim-up pool bar and the Terraces Bar, which is perfect for a sundowner cocktail after a day in the sun.

If you prefer to explore beyond the resort, Karon town has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from beachfront seafood joints to authentic Thai street food stalls. Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies are all available at very reasonable prices.

Pools & Activities

One of the standout features of Centara Karon Resort is its three swimming pool areas. Each pool is attached to a different zone of the hotel, so you’ll never feel crowded.

The main pool features a waterslide, ideal for younger kids.
The Lagoon pool is quieter and surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
The Cabanas pool offers the most privacy, with swim-up rooms and whirlpool spots.

There’s a full fitness centre, a spa, and even a kids’ club—Camp Safari—which offers supervised activities to keep children entertained while parents relax. For teens, the E-Zone has video games and other indoor entertainment.

The resort also arranges day trips, including island hopping to Phi Phi and James Bond Island, snorkeling, elephant sanctuaries, Thai cooking classes, and temple visits.

Spa & Wellness

For those wanting true relaxation, the Cenvaree Spa is a must. Traditional Thai massages, foot reflexology, facials, and body scrubs are all available at excellent prices. After a day of sightseeing or beach time, a 60-minute massage is the perfect way to unwind.

Great for Families and Couples Alike

What makes Centara Karon especially popular among South African travellers is its versatility. Families love the family rooms, kids’ club, and relaxed vibe. Couples appreciate the privacy of the Cabanas, the lush gardens, and the proximity to romantic beach strolls and candlelit dinners.

There’s also great security throughout the resort, and the staff are helpful and friendly—most speak excellent English, and the front desk can assist with everything from arranging airport transfers to booking excursions.

Getting There from South Africa

Reaching Phuket from South Africa is surprisingly easy. While there are no direct flights, there are many one-stop options via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Bangkok (Thai Airways or SAA + Thai Smile combo). Flights usually take between 15–18 hours including layovers.

From Phuket International Airport, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Centara Karon Resort. The resort can help arrange a private transfer, or you can take a taxi from the airport.

When to Go

Phuket has a tropical climate, with the best weather from November to April—dry, sunny, and warm. This is also peak season, so book early for the best rates. May to October is the rainy season, but showers are often short and prices are much lower, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Value for Money

Thailand is well-known for offering incredible value, and Centara Karon is no exception. Room rates are very reasonable compared to similar resorts in Mauritius or the Maldives. You can often find 7-night packages including flights from Johannesburg for under R25,000 per person during special sales or in the off-season.

Food, drinks, and activities in Phuket are also exceptionally well-priced, allowing you to enjoy a world-class holiday without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Centara Karon Resort Phuket is an excellent choice for South African travellers seeking a blend of beach relaxation, culture, and adventure. With great facilities, friendly staff, and an unbeatable location, it’s a resort that delivers on every level—whether you’re chasing sunsets as a couple or making memories with your kids.

So, if you're dreaming of palm trees, turquoise seas, and the warm hospitality of Thailand, Centara Karon should be right at the top of your list.