Robinson Lifestyle Thalang

Excellent service at the Auntie Anne's. Being vegan, they are able to make any pretzel without butter, so Mr. G and I each had a cinnamon sugar flavored. The dough was quite thin and a bit heavy, but had nice flavor. Although the cinnamon and sugar didn't stick well to the pretzel, we both enjoyed them and like the option to have a treat in the future.

Long version made short: Robinson Lifestyle Thalang in Phuket is a modern mall with clean facilities and interesting photo spots. It lacks coherence in its design and some shops feel like they sell knockoffs. Despite this, it's a more relaxed alternative to Central Phuket, with a good selection of shops, a nice, expansive food court, and a new SF cinema on the second floor. The mall has design issues and doesn't maximize its space, but the inclusion of vending machines for gacha toys (chibi figures and the like) adds a unique touch. It's a recommended shopping destination if you're in the area. 4/5 Short Version Made Long: Robinson Lifestyle Thalang in Phuket is a relatively new addition to the shopping scene, having opened its doors in 2023. While it boasts many modern conveniences and clean facilities, it falls short of achieving a cohesive identity. The mall seems like a patchwork of ideas, styles, and offerings rather than a thoughtfully curated blend of shops, photo zones, and art installations. Comparing it to its more bustling counterpart, Central Phuket, I found Robinson to be a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Central Phuket may dazzle with its glitzy shops and swarms of tourists, but it often feels overcrowded and lacking in substance. Robinson, on the other hand, offers a better selection of shops and a more laid-back atmosphere, although it shares some of Central's shortcomings. The first floor of Robinson leaves much to be desired. Apart from notable establishments like the Samsung store and a few other recognized brands, there are several shops that seem to detract from the mall's appeal, resembling outlets for knockoff goods rather than authentic retailers. However, there are a few redeeming features, including some pleasant eateries and a well-stocked Tops grocery store (full-scale Tops stores like these are a haven in Thailand). For me, the highlight of Robinson lies on the second floor. Here, you'll find the SF Cinema, a newly constructed and impeccably designed facility, along with a diverse food court offering plenty of culinary options. Additionally, there's a fitness center tucked away, catering to health-conscious shoppers. Nevertheless, the mall suffers from design flaws, evident in its questionable paint choices (not peeling or anything, but rather just lacking in taste) and layout decisions. Despite its shortcomings, Robinson does have its charms. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of small vending machines reminiscent of the popular gacha machines in Japan, offering reasonably priced figurines (~$3 for one capsule figure). While the mall doesn't fully leverage its technological advancements or optimize its space, it remains an attractive shopping destination, albeit slightly off the beaten path for some. Robinson Lifestyle Thalang is a well-designed but imperfect mall. Far superior to Central, though people that go towards there are of a specific crowd, I suppose. In contrast, Robinson offers a pleasant shopping experience, albeit with some caveats (but what location doesn't come with flaws?). If you find yourself nearby or have easy access to it, I recommend giving it a visit. Overall, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Oh, and if you're looking to combine a night/fish/general Asian market experience with your standard shopping journey as well, there are a bunch of stalls at the entrance next to the Starbucks if you're the adventurous type.