Roomer

Panwaburi Beachfront Resort (Sha Extra Plus)

Phuket, Phuket, Thailand
$60-120/ night

Book this if You want that one viral photo in a glass canoe without paying Maldives prices.

Why People Love It

7.7⭐213 reviews
  • The 'crystal canoes' in the pool are free to use (if you can catch one)
  • Pool access rooms offer direct swim-out convenience
  • Quiet, secluded location far from the chaos of Patong

Quick Take: A content creator's dream set that feels a bit like a budget motel once you put the camera down.

Reviewed by @alikainwanderlust: I felt like a mermaid here! The pool winds through the whole resort, and using the clear kayak was such a fun experience. It’s super lush and green, making every corner perfect for photos. Definitely book a pool access room!

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Visually stunning pool area that looks exactly like the photos, but the rooms and service often feel 'budget' rather than 'luxury'.

Reality check

The glass canoes are a war zone—there are only two of them, and guests fight over them for photos starting at sunrise.

  • Your primary goal is Instagram content
  • You want a quiet pool day away from crowds
  • You are comfortable renting a scooter to get around

Cleanliness & Maintenance

7
  • Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report late service (5pm) or missed refills.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean but prone to 'sewer smells' due to plumbing issues common in the area.
  • Maintenance: Signs of wear appearing; peeling paint and humidity damage in ground floor rooms.
  • Linens & towels: Usually fresh, though occasional reports of stains or wear.
  • Odors & scents: Lobby is fresh, but rooms can smell musty/damp if AC isn't running.

Sleepability™

6MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Guests in the pool (echoes into rooms)
  • Hallway noise due to poor soundproofing
  • Traffic noise for rooms facing the road

Before you book

Good to know

  • Download the 'Grab' or 'Bolt' app before arriving; local taxis are scarce and pricey.
  • The hotel is SHA Extra Plus certified (relevant for safety standards).
  • There is no elevator to some upper floors/sections; be prepared to carry bags.

What to pack

  • Mosquito repellent (lots of greenery = lots of bugs)
  • Cash (for the 1,000 THB deposit and local street food)
  • Earplugs (for the thin walls)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Suite with Private Jacuzzi (Top Floor/5th Floor) for actual privacy and sea views
  • Deluxe Double Room with Pool View (Block 3, 3rd Floor) for good views without the noise of direct pool access

Rooms to avoid

  • Ground floor pool access rooms if you value privacy (everyone looks in)
  • Rooms near the lobby/road (noisy)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“Request a room on the highest possible floor in Block 3 for the best balance of view and privacy. Please avoid ground floor units near the main walkway.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Are the glass canoes free?

Yes, they are free to use, but there are only two of them and they are first-come, first-served.

Is the beach good for swimming?

It's decent at high tide but can be rocky and 'wild' (uncleaned) at low tide. It's across a road, not directly connected.

Is there a deposit?

Yes, a refundable cash deposit of 1,000 THB is collected at check-in.

Is breakfast halal?

No, the hotel serves pork, but there are halal-friendly restaurants like Hillhouse nearby.

How far is the airport?

About 1 hour by car (45km). Allow extra time for traffic.

Is it good for families?

The pool is fun for kids, but the glass bathroom walls in some rooms can be awkward for families needing privacy.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    Wake up at 6:30 AM if you want a canoe photo without 10 people watching you.

  • ✨

    Walk 10 minutes to 'The Cove' for a much better dining experience than the hotel restaurant.

  • ✨

    The 'floating breakfast' is paid and must be booked in advance—it's mostly for photos, food is average.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The bathroom walls are often glass with just a curtain—awkward for friends traveling together.

  • 💡You might find termites or ants in the room due to the 'jungle' landscaping.

  • 💡The rooftop pool is often empty because everyone is fighting for the main pool downstairs.

  • 💡Room service fries are surprisingly good.

  • 💡The 'sea view' is often partially blocked by power lines.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Panwaburi Beachfront Resort (Sha Extra Plus) is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services