Thailand

There is hardly a more laidback, low-slung and cosy city centre to be found in Thailand than Phuket town, also with avery interesting architecture, heritage, cafes, gift shops, eateries etc.

And now also on offer there is a five-star Sunday Brunch at a brand new hotel! This has been missing in Phuket Town for sure, and Happy Hour Asia was delighted to experience this new attraction, courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town hotel! Courtyard opened in late 2021 in a completely refurbished hotel building, which had undergone a remarkable transformation.

And credit to the hotel owners too for their stake on preserving and keeping Phuket’s intriguing and interesting past alive via such an architectural effort like this one! Phuket is known for the so called ‘Sino-Portuguese’ culture which also has direct links to the previous colonial era in the Straits (with Malacca, Penang and Singapore as heavily influential trading ports during many centuries). The Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town hotel is now a reflection and excellent interpretation of this heritage – helping it to live on!

The all-white lobby sets the tone with its thick, white pillars; large, stylish ceiling lamps; and high ceiling stretching to level two, where there are walkways that resemble balconies when looking up from the lobby.

Overlooking the famous clock tower, buffets and brunches are served in the vibrant market-style atmosphere of Krua Talad Yai (which means “big market kitchen” in Thai).

Its interior has a really appealing colour scheme and custom furniture and interiors that fits the described heritage. Blue as a dominating colour also feels appropriate as it reflects the sea surrounding Phuket and its importance for the province and its tourism too.

Velvet sofas, custom designer heritage style armchairs, patterned decor pillows and mosaic-tiled walls all come in different hues of blue, including of course marine blue. Parts of the walls are also black-framed blonde wood wall panels, accented by stylish antique-style wall lamps. Floors are in grey veined tiles. Blonde wood dinner tables seat two, four or more..

The restaurant offers indoor seating as well as al fresco breakfast or dining on its terrace. On its ordinary menu there is a variety of Southern Thai cuisine and also popular international dishes.

For the Sunday Brunch Krua Talad Yai serves a spectacular selection of seafood and international cuisine, including Thai, pan-Asian and global dishes and with multiple live stations. Especially the seafood spread is comprehensive with all the best delicacies from the surrounding sea, such as Phuket lobster, crab and poached Prawns. You also find oysters and Norwegian Salmon on the buffet spread.

Some of this seafood plus some antipasti are great starters along with the sparkling wine and rosé from the free flow package that include a whole selection of wines.

Cajun Seafood Skewers and Oven-baked seabass fillet with Thai herb are of course also excellent together with white wine and the tasty rosé.

Other western dishes are Roasted Meditteranean vegetables, Baked baby potatoes with rosemary & olive oil, or Mozzarella Di Buffalo with lemon oil. And at the steak station: Australian Beef Ribeye. There are also Smoked Duck Breast and Green Asparagus Salda and dressings, Grilled Chicken Yakitori etc.

You know what? With this sumptuous brunch and delicious wines three hours goes by way too fast…

Note: Sunday Brunch is not on offer all the time so you are advised to check with the hotel what is on offer for buffets and brunches.