Hotel News

Phuket Beach club review: 22 February was a seemingly favourable occasion to test the experience of one of Phuket’s preferred beach clubs, and indeed also beaches; namely Nora Beach Club on Bang Tao beach. A main reason for this particular date was the celebrated international guest disc jockey for the day: no other than Ibiza’s DJ/producer (Space Ibiza resident) Wally Lopez. Launched in January 2024 the day club had also been further fine-tuned ahead of the high winter season 2024/2025, intended to elevate the lifestyle destination positioning of its home within (completely refurbished) Amora Beach Resort Phuket.

Nora Beach Club hosts daily DJ sunset sessions, fire shows, live performances and now also its Sunday Brunch, with both indoor and outdoor areas (including N restaurant), with Mediterranean fusion cuisine. The strength of the overall venue is indeed its “dynamic fusion of style, flavour, and music”, where one can enjoy a multifaceted experience that includes interesting food and quality drinks: from basking in the sun and families playing with their children in the pool, to beach club drinking and dancing – and even five-star dining. And yet, expect this to offer more sophistication than the usual Phuket party scene, while also an informal vibe. Given the guest mix and versatility of this day club, the dress code is understandably also lax (with some guests wearing only swimwear), where most guests coming to enjoy the club and its parties, have adopted a relaxed mode – this is after all a vacation island!

This day club is also situated within a resort and forms its beachfront venue, where the sloping sandy public beach is lined with shade-inducing trees. Its setting – integrated with the resort – also gives a sense of seclusion and added security. Meanwhile, the day club also comes with its own entrance and with golf buggy transportation from the parking.

As for getting there, Cherngtalay subdistrict is the area to go to (also a hot neighbourhood for both expat residents and holiday makers looking for a blissful beach experience paired with shopping and quality dining and drinking).

Go westward on Soi Cherngtalay 14 street, which starts from Srisoonthorn Road, just after the main T-junction, (so if coming from Boat Avenue/Laguna turn right at the T-junction and then into soi 14 almost immediately to the right). And go all the way until the road turns left – where you come to Amora Beach Resort Phuket, near Bang Tao, with the parking right opposite the hotel. Alternatively, go north along the costal road from Surin beach (though one must then navigate a slightly confusing web of small roads).

Nora Beach Club has a lawn, freeform pools (and four sunken VIP areas), the N restaurant on the left with a slightly bended glass wall fronting the pool area, and then a sheltered stage for live performances and an elevated DJ booth beyond it. The DJ faces an outdoor bar area under cover of a large, round white canopy – giving some protection from the elements.

The bar area is flanked by rows of parasols, daybeds and cabanas (must be rented), all with a full-on beach view. There are also outdoor tables for dining. Also, families can find a kid’s corner and swimming pool for the little ones.

To mark the significance of the particular guest DJ event with Wally Lopez, the bar staff are also wearing dedicated event t-shirts with a picture of the DJ, which is kind of cool – the type usually sold as merchandise at music concerts.

Unexpectedly (in the month with Phuket’s usually most sunny and reliable weather of the entire year rain is a rare sight), on this particular day, the weather gods have decided to play a trick on us. So suddenly the gusts from a rain storm are making us slightly wet (but staff members promptly assists and hand out bath towels) – while the other effect is that guests gather more closely under the canopy to escape the rain, generating a dancing in the rain effect – to the signature sounds of Wally Lopez who builds up a great vibe through infectious beats and his unstoppable energy.

The Spanish house music pioneer is all smiles and the music groovy – where his style is recognisable through slightly minimalistic ‘tech house’ and ‘organic house’. Given it is early evening, he keeps it fairly light and the sound – one must note – is at perfect volume, and evenly spread no matter where one stands, thanks to how the many speakers have cleverly been positioned.

Peak hours for partying and DJ sets are from 5 pm until 8 or 9 pm, and with the option for dining at the adjacent N restaurant. At this time of the review, and with ‘High Tides, Good Vibes’ as motto, the entertainment programme includes: ‘Being Belearic: The Flower Power Mondays,’ with DJ Jon Sa Trinxa, a provider of “Balearic beats and the iconic soundtracker of Ibiza’s sunsets”; ‘Ladies First’ on Wednesdays; Afrobeach Fridays – with vibrant beats that blend traditional African rhythms and global sounds, including live percussions; and ‘Manora’ on Saturdays, with monthly international guest DJ’s.

Nora’s great beach club food and drinks menu, includes a great and extensive selection (including the wine list) with Executive Chef Pui’s Recommendations, including Pizza Truffle (Tru¬e sauce, champignon mushroom, extra oil), Torn Tuscan bread salad (Fresh burrata, cherry tomato, balsamic, basil) or Pulpo a Feira (Abrolhos Octopus, paprika, potato, olive oil). Starters include for instance Hummus with pine nuts and olive oil, or Calamari Fritti. The choice falls on Gambas al Ajillo (Andaman prawn, homemade chili, garlic butter), which is a great combo of east-meets-west.

Guests can also order from a selection of Sushi & Sashimi, or Salad & soup; including Creamy mushroom soup (Brown mushrooms, Marsala wine, parsley, heavy cream). The ubiquitous Pizza & Pasta selection includes a temptation with ingredients and flavour that perfectly represents Noras’ focus on Mediterranean cuisines: Gambas Linguine (Andaman prawn, cherry tomatoes,
caper, anchovies.

For Mains, one can opt, for example, for Grilled whole Branzino (European seabass – pepper, garlic, butter, spring mix salad) or grilled tiger prawns. There is also a Thai selection.

On the drinks front it is always nice to start off with something bubbly! Nora offers three choices by the glass: Chandon Brut, Chandon rosé, or Botter Prosecco Extra dry DOC. Or how about a well-chilled glass of rosé wine: Chateau D’Esclans The Pale rosé by Sahca Lichine 2022!

The own ‘Nora Twist’ signature cocktails are locally inspired and on the tropical side, including: The Garden Gin Fizz (Gordon gin, Midori liqueur, lime juice, Thai Rice syrup, tonic, Thai bitters); Nora Beach Club (Pampero rum, Captain Morgan dark, banana syrup, mango sticky rice syrup, mango juice, citric acid, grenadine syrup).

For a ‘Tropical Classic’ opt for Gin basil smash (Tanqueray gin, elder flower syrup, Italian basil leaves, syrup, lime juice.

You also find Spritz options here – which are of course great beach club winners, including: Aperol Spritz, or Basil Spritz (Tanqueray gin, St. Germain elderflower, liqueur, basil leaves, soda water, sparkling wine, lemon juice).

On the non-alcoholic front there are also choices: ‘Zero Proof Cocktails.’ Whatever your preferences Nora Beach Club’s offering for “social drinking and beach chilling with an energetic ambience” is secured.