Paradise Found
Soaring high above the coast in the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa, you could be forgiven for mistaking Sri Panwa for a blessed place between heaven and earth.
Life does not get much better than this. Sitting on my king size bed in the wall to wall, floor to ceiling, glass aviary of the master bedroom, after a late morning swim… A perfectly chilled glass of Sancerre in hand, soothing lounge music on the villa’s pre-loaded ipod… I gaze out over the U-shaped infinity pool that spills over seamlessly into the 180 degree endless ocean views towards a few small surrounding islands that gently dot the landscape. Suddenly, I am seized by the irrational thought that I never want to go home. World weary sybarites, take note. A quiet oasis of luxurious escape and beauty awaits you on the under-appreciated south-eastern point of Phuket.
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After glamming it up, people watching, and strutting your stuff in points further North (Amanpuri, Trisara, Catch Beach Club) – you can flutter down gently to the most private roost for your final restful sojourn on the island. While Sri Panwa does not have a viable beach, it offers unparalleled peace and serenity, with some of the best views, and well-designed resort and room spaces that I have ever seen.
Sri Panwa’s creators understood the unique terrain the resort inhabits, and have designed an extremely well conceived and well laid out property. It manages to bestow privacy, space, and stunning views for all their guests, wrapped up in a low-key but extremely pleasing, modern, sleek Thai design aesthethic: copious use of teak, glass, and stone. They also understood the calming effect of water on the eye and spirit, and it abounds everywhere. In the endless ocean views stretching in every direction, in each villa’s infinity pools, in the decorative reflecting pools that surround the bar and fun dining areas sunk into the pools.
Staff are young, informal, hospitable, and charming, without sacrificing quality or service.
If you ever tire of the blissful cocoon of your villa, surrounded by every amenity you could require on holiday (espresso machine, fully-stocked larder fridge and kitchen, excellent room service on tap delivered by smiling staff), go for a swim towards the horizon of the sea in the black infinity pool at Baba Lounge. Once there, indulge yourself in the freshest sushi , seafood, or divine Thai cuisine. Pass the time until the magic hour before sunset, where you can enjoy a stupendous 360 degree view of the peninsula from Baba Nest, or charter a boat that will collect you directly from the property’s private pier and zip you to the surrounding islands in minutes…
Those wanting a bit more exercise or pampering can book private yoga and a variety of treatments at the spa. I virtually skipped along the stone steps that appeared suspended in water to the open air, wooden yoga platform, where we spent the next hour going through asanas at sunset, with the sea spreading out before us, as far as our eyes could see. A 2 hour massage and scrub followed, and we floated back to our villa in a dream-like, blessed out state.
Verdict? Beach lovers should satisfy their craving for sand and sea on the northwest coast of Phuket , but end their trip with a week at Sri Panwa for sheer peace, beauty, and serenity. Perfect for couples and families alike.
Sri Panwa
88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, Phuket, Thailand
T: +66 76 371-000
Details:
52 villas (ranging from one to five bedrooms), all with own infinity pools.
Recommended room category: luxury one or two bedroom villas, starting at £750 – £950/night.
For more photos of my stay, take a look at my photo gallery from my stay.
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