Outrigger beach BBQ puts the sun in Sunday

PHUKET: I’m writing this on Monday morning, the universally detested time of the week. But the memory of Sunday evening, the whole of Sunday in fact, allows me to keep my head up and face the challenges of the upcoming days.

This is what Sundays are all about – recharging your batteries ahead of a new work week – and what better way to do it than with a day of pure bliss at one of Phuket’s most stylish resorts, rounded off with a BBQ feast on the beach. Opt for Outrigger and the morning after will be much better than bearable.

However, it’s not just the where, but also the when that counts. They call it low, or rainy, but it’s hard not to love the current season on the island. Not only for the cooler temperatures, cleaner air and empty beaches, but also for the way Phuket’s holiday resorts go out of their way to lure us to their premises.

This leaves us spoiled for choice. Outrigger is yet another luxurious hotel which offers special low season discounts. Their “Pool Day Pass”, priced only 650 baht net per person and 350 baht net per child aged 4 to 12, almost half of the regular price, is truly a bargain.

The pass gives you an entire day at the resort – which is blessed with a view of one of Phuket’s most beautiful stretches of sand – and full access to its swimming pools, water slide, fitness center, kids club and more. Add inclusive rentals of canoes, windsurfing sets and paddle boards, free WiFi and comfy lounge chairs, and easily get what is the highlight of your week.

A day of the chilling in the sun and water sports is bound to get you hungry. But if it’s Sunday, don’t leave the beach just yet, because thanks to Outrigger’s Beach BBQ you don’t have to.

Enjoying the succulent meats, seafood and sides with the scenery of one of Phuket’s most stunning sunset spots is an experience in itself. At least, I suppose it is. Sadly, I didn’t have a chance enjoy it myself in the beach scenery – the sudden arrival of a monsoon evening shower forced Outriggers staff to move the BBQ event indoors.

However, even despite the lack of seaside vistas and soft sand under my feet, I keep recalling the flavors and pleasantly warm atmosphere of my dining experience. This proves that Outrigger’s Beach BBQ offers much more than just the amazing settings of the Edgewater restaurant, where it takes place every Sunday.

Firstly, there is the food – an array of meats, prepared on site and then thrown on a charcoal grill that go down smoothly with a vast choice of sauces and dips (make sure to try the mint jelly with your lamb!). You can pair your meats with steaming hot sides served buffet-style that will leave even the hungriest in the crowd feeling full.

And if you manage to save some space, there is a whole table of desserts to choose from. Then there is wine – a conveniently short, well-thought-out wine list with a number of them served by the glass. All of the wines perfectly match the menu, like the Italian Pinot Grigio for your grilled snapper, classic Rioja to wash down the savory meats or a glass of dry prosecco ideal for dessert or as an aperitif.

Last but not least, there is the ambiance created by the very attentive and friendly staff. Even after having to move the event indoors and away from the beach, they managed to keep the atmosphere casual and family friendly. And it was mostly families with young children that I saw at the tables that evening, in a room filled with mouthwatering aromas, conversation and smiles.

It might be Monday morning, but my mind is lost somewhere between the memories of last Sunday and plans for the next one. I hope they aren’t much different, except with maybe just a tiny bit more sun.

Edgewater Beach BBQ is available every Sunday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and costs 1150++ baht per person, 575++ for kids of under 12 years old. Owners of the Ourtigger Lifestyle membership card receive 20% discount. To receive the card mention “Phuket Gazette – Pool Day Pass Special” to the staff and enjoy the benefits of the program free of charge. The Outrigger Day Pool Pass is available at the discounted price until 31 October. For more information go to outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/phuket/outrigger-laguna-phuket-beach-resort or facebook.com/OutriggerPhuketBeachResort

— Maciek Klimowicz