The Slate (formerly Indigo Pearl)

The Slate is a luxury hotel complex located in Nai Yang, in northern Phuket, just minutes from the international airport. Formerly known as Indigo Pearl, it stands out for its unique industrial architecture inspired by the tin mining heritage that shaped the island. Multiple pools, tropical gardens and bold design make it a destination in its own right, far beyond simple accommodation.

What to see

The complex displays a resolutely industrial aesthetic: weathered metal structures, decorative gears, raw materials blended with lush vegetation. Several pools of varying shapes integrate into the gardens. The villas and rooms play on the contrast between exposed concrete and dark wood. The whole forms a coherent setting, conceived as a comprehensive architectural work.

History and context

Phuket was one of the world's major tin mining centers until the twentieth century. The Slate pays tribute to this industrial past through every detail of its design. The project, signed by designer Bill Bensley, was inaugurated under the name Indigo Pearl before being renamed The Slate. This strong thematic positioning sets it apart from the island's conventional beach resorts.

Highlights of your visit

Architecture by Bill Bensley

Bill Bensley is one of the most recognized hotel designers in Southeast Asia. At The Slate, he transformed the homage to mining industry into a complete aesthetic language: each space, from the lobby to the rooms, tells a coherent visual story.

Pools and gardens

The complex features several pools with organic shapes, surrounded by palms and tropical plants. The atmosphere is more intimate than at the major resorts in Patong or Kata, thanks to dense vegetation that creates sheltered spaces.

Nai Yang Beach

The Slate offers access to Nai Yang Beach, one of the calmest in northern Phuket. Less crowded than the southern beaches, it borders Sirinath National Park and is particularly suitable for families.

Photography tips

Morning light highlights the metallic textures and reflections in the pools. The contrasts between rust, verdure and turquoise water create bold graphic compositions. The corridors and walkways of the complex create interesting architectural perspectives at day's end.

Location and access

The Slate is located in Nai Yang, in northwestern Phuket, in immediate proximity to Phuket International Airport. This location makes it convenient for a first or last night on the island. Nai Yang Beach and Sirinath National Park are accessible on foot from the complex. Phuket Town center is about 30 kilometers to the south.

Around the area

• Nai Yang Beach — a quiet beach bordering the national park, ideal for calm swimming away from crowds.
• Sirinath National Park — protected area including mangroves and preserved beaches in northern Phuket.
• Nai Thon Beach — a small, uncrowded cove south of Nai Yang, accessible in just a few minutes.
• Old Town Phuket — Sino-Portuguese architecture and street food, about 30 km to the south.