Almost two decades ago, I stepped into what was then Indigo Pearl Resort. It was a destination resort then, award-winning then, charming then, with a beach that was off the beaten path. Fast-forward to today and it has become The Slate, under the caring hand of longtime friend and legendary GM Claude Sauter, with OTT friend and contributor David Barrett shaping its events magic. The best part?  You can feel the intention behind every design choice, every guest touch.

A Bill Bensley Masterpiece in North Phuket

On Phuket’s serene northern shore, The Slate stands as a Bill Bensley original. Drawing inspiration from the island’s tin-mining heritage, the renowned architect has infused a slice of tropical paradise with an industrial vibe that never overwhelms; instead, it frames the setting in a way that feels playful and deliberate.

Set against the shallow lagoon of Nai Yang Beach, unusually serene for Phuket. At low tide, the sand stretches wide; at dawn, it is nearly deserted. Sirinat National Park, which borders the resort, protects coral reefs, mangroves, and beach forest. Local markets offer food stalls and glimpses of island life, while Phuket Town lies within an easy drive for those who want galleries, cafés, or nightlife. It’s a place that exhales calm.

Elevated Experiences

Wellness here is more than an afterthought. At the Coqoon Spa, treatments range from detox wraps to firming facials, but the true showstopper is The Nest, a treatment cocoon seemingly woven into the branches of a banyan tree, where the outside world feels very far away.

Dining, too, is unforgettable. Black Ginger, the resort’s signature restaurant, floats over a torch-lit lagoon, accessible only by boat. Its menu reimagines Thai classics with seasonal ingredients and a setting as dramatic as it is serene. The Tin Mine and Rivet & Rebar add variety, ensuring every meal has its moment.

Doing Business With Friends

At OTT, we believe that “Doing Business with Friends” matters. Partnering with The Slate isn’t just about choosing a luxury destination in North Phuket; it’s about working with people we know and trust, friends who share our values and our vision for meaningful, memorable travel.

Phuket may always be on the bucket-list, but experiencing it through The Slate makes it feel personal,  a place where you arrive as a guest, and leave as a friend.


The Slate Escape by Out Travel Thailand

A stay at The Slate, North Phuket isn’t just about where you sleep,  it’s about how you arrive, how you’re welcomed, and how you feel long after you’ve left. Our Slate Escape package is designed to take care of the details so you can simply exhale.

Your Slate Escape Includes:

A welcome cocktail – the perfect way to mark the start of your Phuket story.

Private roundtrip airport transfers – arrive and depart with ease, just minutes from the resort.

Daily en-suite or villa breakfast – fresh, indulgent mornings your way.

Memory-Making Massage Shwag– A complimentary signature body scrub and massage oil from Coqoon Spa.

One complimentary class – choose between Thai cooking, floral artistry or any of our OTT onsite experiences for a creative twist to your stay.

Recreational resort activities & more – from culture to calm, let the resort surprise you.

 

FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR SLATE ESCAPE

 

Out Travel Thailand proudly congratulates Eric Hallin, General Manager of The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, on being named a 2025 Membre d’Honneur by SKÅL International, the world’s leading network of tourism professionals.

This lifetime honor is reserved for exceptional leaders whose careers exemplify SKÅL’s motto, Doing Business with Friends. It’s a philosophy that Eric has lived by throughout decades in hospitality and one that defines both The Legend and Out Travel Thailand.

The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, on the banks of the Mae Kok River in Northern Thailand, offers more than lantern-lit gardens and private pools gazing over misty hills. What keeps travelers returning is the warmth of its people, led by Eric himself. Greeting guests by name, chatting at breakfast in Sala Rim Nam, and ensuring no one feels like “just a customer,” he has built a riverside retreat where belonging matters most.

When severe flooding struck in 2024, Eric transformed adversity into opportunity. Under his leadership, The Legend underwent a full refurbishment—refreshing rooms, restoring gardens, and fine-tuning the details that make a boutique resort memorable. Today, the property stands renewed, resilient, and even more welcoming.

 

 

Eric embodies the spirit of true hospitality his recognition as a Membre d’Honneur by SKÅL International celebrates not only his leadership but also his lifelong commitment to treating guests as friends. That’s exactly the spirit we share at Out Travel Thailand.

Chiang Rai dazzles with its White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House, yet many visitors linger at The Legend itself. Whether unwinding in the spa or dining under lanterns, guests discover that Eric’s hospitality makes staying put as rewarding as exploring.

For those who know him, The Legend is more than a resort, it’s proof that the best hotels aren’t defined by walls and gardens, but by the people who make them feel alive. With SKÅL International’s Membre d’Honneur distinction, Eric Hallin’s legacy as a legend of hospitality is now recognized worldwide.

 

Khao Lak just got a serious glow-up. After an 18-month makeover (and a cool THB 1.5 billion spend), the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has reopened—and it’s bigger, brighter, and more fabulous than ever.

A Resort That’s Practically Its Own Destination

We’re talking 420 rooms, suites, and villas—178 of which have direct pool access to a 2.4-kilometre lagoon pool, the longest in Southeast Asia. Yes, you read that right: you can practically swim laps to breakfast. New villas inspired by southern Thai design bring you private pools, chic interiors, and space to stretch out, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or rolling in with the whole chosen family.

Splash, Play, Repeat

Families and fun-seekers will love the new Aqua Play Zone. There’s a wave pool, oversized slides, trampoline fountains, and a kid-friendly Sala Restaurant where the pasta-making classes and marshmallow roasts keep everyone entertained. Think waterpark vibes with a luxury twist.

A Foodie Playground

With 11 restaurants and bars, dining here is a world tour. Sip cocktails at Drift Beach Bar, indulge in sunset Thai at Ta-Krai, or get cosy with Italian plates at Olive. New arrivals like Sala Pool Bar and Drift Beach Grill add Mediterranean flair and casual cool to the lineup.

Made for Big Moments

The resort now comes with one of southern Thailand’s most impressive event spaces—a ballroom that fits 800 guests. From weddings to conventions, it’s fully kitted out with modern AV tech and sleek design. Perfect if you’re planning the ultimate destination celebration.

Beyond the Poolside

Of course, Khao Lak isn’t just about the resort. You’re right on Khuk Khak Beach, with its endless golden sands and Andaman waves. Nearby, you can visit a sea turtle conservation centre, go white-water rafting, or just laze under the palms with a cocktail. Balance is everything.

Why It Belongs on Your List

JW Marriott Khao Lak has managed to pull off something rare: it feels like a complete world of its own while still giving you the freedom to explore. Whether you’re here for romance, reconnection, or pure indulgence, this is a resort that knows how to set the stage.

Bangkok has a new addition to its fine-dining scene, and it’s not just another sushi counter—it’s Sushi Mikasa at The Sukhothai. This isn’t dinner as usual; it’s omakase elevated into an art form. Elegant, precise, and just a little theatrical, it’s the kind of experience that makes you sit up straighter and pay attention.

The Chef

At the helm is Chef Kensuke Morishima, Kyoto-born and trained in some of Tokyo’s most elite kitchens. He brings decades of skill and discipline to the counter, and it shows in every detail—from the way he brushes a glaze of sauce onto a slice of tuna to the exacting cuts that turn fish into something closer to sculpture. Watching him work feels less like dinner prep and more like performance.

Ingredients That Mean Business

Nothing here is ordinary. The soy sauce has been aged in wooden barrels like a fine spirit. The wasabi comes from Japan’s top farms, grated on sharkskin boards until it’s silky smooth. The rice? No sugar, just time and technique, releasing its own natural sweetness as it pairs with buttery uni or perfectly aged tuna. Every bite is layered, balanced, and quietly indulgent.

The Menus

Two courses are on offer:

  • Omakase Course (THB 6,000) – A refined introduction.

  • Kiwami Course (THB 8,000) – The chef’s full expression, the one for when you’re really leaning in.

The setting at The Sukhothai is hushed, minimalist, and designed to let the food do the talking.

Why Go

Sushi Mikasa isn’t chasing trends or gimmicks. It’s about focus, tradition, and restraint. In a city that thrives on spectacle, this place stands out for its calm confidence. If you’re the kind of traveller who likes your experiences curated, intentional, and just a little bit exclusive, this should be high on your Bangkok list.

Sushi Mikasa at The Sukhothai Bangkok

📍 Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 | Dinner: 17:00 – 22:00
📍 Closed Thursdays & Public Holidays
📞 Reservations: 02-125-7051

© Out Travel Thailand 2025

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