Sunset to Stars — My Unforgettable Evening at TWIST
As the elevator ascended to the 19th floor of Royal Phuket City Hotel, my anticipation grew with each passing level. Nothing could have prepared me for the view.
I'll admit, I was skeptical. How many rooftop bars can one city really need? After a decade of travel writing, I've seen the formula a hundred times: get high up, charge premium prices, let the view do all the work.
TWIST changed my mind within the first fifteen minutes.
Arrival: The Elevator Anticipation
The journey begins in the lobby of Royal Phuket City Hotel. It's a respectable four-star property, the kind of solid choice that business travelers appreciate. Nothing about it prepares you for what awaits on the 19th floor.
As the elevator climbed, I found myself doing that thing you do when you're genuinely curious — reading the venue's Instagram on my phone, trying to set realistic expectations. By the time the doors opened, I'd convinced myself that the photos were probably edited beyond recognition.
They weren't. If anything, they undersold it.
The Space: Designed for Lingering
The first thing that struck me was the intentionality of the layout. This isn't a rooftop where someone threw some tables around a swimming pool. Every seating arrangement has been considered. Some spots are clearly designed for couples — intimate corners with unobstructed sunset views. Others invite groups to spread out across L-shaped sofas.
Q: What's the best table at TWIST?
It depends on your mission. For romance, request the corner booth on the west terrace. For groups, the long table near the bar encourages conversation. For solo contemplation, the counter seats facing the city let you be alone without feeling lonely.
I settled into a mid-ground option: a table for two at the railing, close enough to feel part of the action but private enough to write in my notebook without feeling self-conscious.
The Drinks: Substance Behind the Style
My server — attentive without hovering — asked if I'd like to start with something from their signatures or if I preferred classics. I appreciated the lack of pressure. No upselling, no recitation of every cocktail on the menu.
I opted for the Galangal Gimlet, curious how they'd balance the root's spicy intensity with gin's botanicals. The answer: perfectly. It arrived in a chilled coupe, the galangal assertive but not overwhelming, with a bright lime finish that made me immediately want another.
What I ordered throughout the evening:
- ◆Galangal Gimlet (excellent — ordered twice)
- ◆Peranakan Spring Rolls (crispy, fresh, addictive)
- ◆Miso Black Cod (the signature for a reason)
- ◆Glass of Sancerre with dinner (well-chosen wine list)
- ◆Espresso Martini to close (smooth, not too sweet)
The Sunset: Worth the Hype
I've seen a lot of sunsets in my career. Santorini, Bali, the Maldives — all the usual suspects. Phuket's Old Town wasn't on my list of legendary sunset spots before this visit.
It should be.
Q: What makes the sunset from TWIST special?
The combination of elements is rare. You have the immediate foreground of Old Town's heritage architecture — those beautiful shophouses with their terracotta roofs. Beyond that, the modern city sprawls toward the hills of Rang Hill. And in the distance, the Andaman Sea catches the last light.
At 6:23 PM (I checked), the sky turned that particular shade of orange that makes everyone reach for their phones. Around me, conversations paused. Even the bar staff stopped to appreciate it.
The Food: More Than an Afterthought
Too many rooftop bars treat food as an obligation. Order some overpriced sliders, don't complain. TWIST takes a different approach: their kitchen clearly operates with its own ambitions.
The Black Cod arrived beautifully plated, the miso glaze caramelized to a glossy finish. The fish flaked perfectly, rich without being heavy. It was a dish that would be impressive in a dedicated restaurant — on a rooftop, it felt almost unfair to the competition.
I asked the server about the chef and learned he'd spent time in Bangkok's fine dining scene before coming to Phuket. It shows.
The Evening's Evolution
What surprised me most was how the evening evolved naturally. The crowd shifted from sunset photographers and early diners to a more social atmosphere as night fell. A live musician set up around 8 PM — acoustic guitar, Thai love songs mixed with international classics. The energy lifted without becoming loud.
By 10 PM, I'd been there for nearly five hours and hadn't once felt pressured to leave or order more. That's increasingly rare in hospitality — a venue confident enough in its offering that it doesn't need to rush you.
The Verdict
Q: Is TWIST worth the visit?
Without reservation (though you should make one for sunset).
This is the kind of venue that justifies rooftop bar culture. It's not cynically designed to extract maximum spend from tourists who won't return. It's built for repeat visitors — locals, expats, and travelers who'll remember it and come back.
The drinks are crafted with care. The food exceeds expectations. The service strikes that difficult balance between attentive and invisible. And the view? It's earned every bit of its reputation.
What I'd do differently next time: Arrive earlier. I came at 5:45 and the best sunset seats were already taken. On my next visit — and there will be one — I'll come at 5 PM sharp.
The reviewer visited TWIST independently and paid for all food and beverages. Ratings: Atmosphere ★★★★★ | Drinks ★★★★★ | Food ★★★★☆ | Service ★★★★★ | Value ★★★★☆
