My Centara Experience at Hat Yai Thailand

I just received a formal letter from my office stating that I would be transferred to another unit by mid-August and I thought I badly needed a short vacation to recharge before starting at a new unit! Fortunately for me, AirAsia was having its monthly promotions and I decided to spend a weekend in Hat Yai, Thailand. Being among top travel destinations for Malaysians due to its vast transport options and cheaper money value, Hat Yai would never disappoint.

Centara Hotel Hat Yai in the heart of Hat Yai.

I planned before arriving by booking a two-night stay at Centara Hotel Hat Yai. Chosen because it is strategically located in the heart of Hat Yai and just steps to many shopping complexes. Reservations could be done here. That said, I also wanted to immerse myself in the only (yes, the only!) 4-star experience at Centara Hotel Hat Yai. Their newly renovated guest rooms and suites boast luxury amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, spacious living areas and plush bedding. With specialty restaurants for dining and to chill out, a comprehensive fitness gym, a lounging pool, plus a rejuvenating Spa! I wanted to try them all! A whole new level of experience awaits to be discovered!

The private chauffeur to pick you up at the airport. 

Centara also provides pickup services from Hat Yai International Airport which is around 30 minutes away. So I decided to fully utilize this service. Upon exiting I was greeted by a smiling Thai holding my name on a clipped paper board. We soon headed straight to the hotel.

Once at the hotel I was welcomed with the friendly Thai greeting, "Sawadee Ka" which means "Hello" and received a welcome non-alcoholic drink upon checking in. Later my bags were brought to my room and I was splendidly surprised by the grandeur of the 4-star room! My room was a Studio Apartment Medium complete with a kitchenette, tea and coffee maker and a spacious living room.

Other amenities found in the room were :

• Iron and Board (On request)
• Work desk
• Slippers
• Parquet
• Dining Table
• In Room Safe 
• Electric Kettle
• Air conditioning
• Alarm clock 
• Bathrobe 
• Direct dial phone 
• Electronic door locks 
• Electronic smoke detector 
• Mini Bar
• Safety box
• Satellite TV with LCD/Plasma screen

And the most important thing in the room was the KING sized bed! I was so surprised by the super comfortable plush bedding and pillows! I loved it!

They gave me a greeting card in the kitchen! Felt much loved! 

After getting settled, I decided to explore the hotel more. I went to the 7th floor where all the other hotel facilities were such as the swimming pool, gym and a cozy spa.  Even as I was looking around, there were workers vigorously cleaning the gym's equipment giving it a fresh and looking appeal. 

The spotless pool at Centara, always inviting.

Since I wasn't much of a swimmer, I went to book myself a full body massage instead at the Spa nearby. It took around two hours and it truly deserves a five-star award for the relaxing experience! Far more better than the cheap massages you get from the streets downstairs. Totally worth it! If I come here ever again, am surely gonna book another session! (More on this later as it deserves a post of its own.)

After the invigorating massage, I headed down to enjoy afternoon supper and also dinner.  Cooked in a halal certified kitchen, I was spoilt with choices! It was an honor to meet the chef of the day who heartily recommended some of the dishes I ate that evening.

Am spoilt for choices! 

I tried the Red Curry Fishcakes which was super delicious with a tang of curry. Then I ordered the Angus Beef Strip-loin which was served with grilled vegetables topped with Café de Paris butter and french fries, and for dessert I went for the Chocolate Chewy, a brownie slice topped with a tangy passion-fruit chocolate mousse.

This picture above also includes my dinner on the second night which was Tom Yum Goong, a Thai herb infused broth with black tiger prawns, galangal and lemongrass. And it was complemented with Thailand's famous Chicken Phad Thai Noodles, a dish which consists of organic rice noodles tossed with bean sprouts, spring onions, tofu and eggs.

It's no secret that Malaysians come to Thailand mostly because of its authentic spicy food. And when I found out that Centara's kitchens are now halal certified, it just makes me wanna come back here again! Now we Muslim travelers can eat in Centara worry free. :)

After a weekend of shopping and dining at Centara, I came home most content and happy to start afresh in a new working environment. Thanks Centara for an unforgettable experience! I end this post with this video clip. Enjoy!