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phenomenal phuket
FAHTHAI
51
Zeavola
Just about everyone has heard of the Phi Phi
Islands, which were immortalised in the movie
version of author Alex Garland’s 1996 bestseller
The Beach
. In fact, it’s so well known that a stay
on the island, just a 45-minute speedboat ride
east of Phuket, entails jostling with hundreds
of other tourists seeking their own version of
paradise. The good news is that it’s still possible
to get away from it all – at the secluded Zeavola.
When you approach the resort, it’s hard to tell
it’s even there, hidden as it is behind lush
vegetation. Once you do make your way in,
you’ll find a rustic village with open-plan
bungalows and a superb Thai eatery. Paradise
found? Not quite, but it comes pretty close.
zeavola.com
Iniala
If there’s one luxury resort that sets the bar
high for future developments, it’s Iniala, a
remarkable new property located just north
of Phuket across Sarasin Bridge. With three
villas and one penthouse suite, the exclusive Iniala has drawn the attention of the
world’s leading travel and design magazines. Iniala represents the vision of founder
Mark Weingard, a man who truly knows the importance of living every day to
the fullest after his experiences during 9/11, the Bali bombings and the tsunami.
Weingard doesn’t believe in holding back: Iniala’s on-site restaurant, Aziamendi, is
run by triple Michelin-starred chef Eneko Atxa, a native of Spain’s Basque region,
while the resort’s dazzling architecture and interior design are the work of some
of the world’s best designers, including the Campana Brothers of Brazil, Irishman
Joseph Walsh, Briton Graham Lamb and Thailand’s Eggarat Wongcharit.
iniala.com
Trisara
Some hotels stand out thanks to their location,
some distinguish themselves on the strength of
impeccable service, while others earn renown
for their culinary excellence: Trisara manages
to do all three. Immediately upon opening a
decade ago, Trisara, with its 48 pool suites and
villas, became Phuket’s most-coveted place to
stay. Occupying about 16 hectares in a remote
corner of the island, the hotel is tucked away
on a quiet stretch of road and has just one
entrance. In short, it’s easy to miss, which is
precisely why guests keep coming back – for
the sense of security and privacy. Down by the
beach is Trisara Seafood restaurant and a
Wine
Spectator
-awarded wine cellar alongside the
45m-long saltwater lap pool; though considering
every suite and villa has its own pool, you might
not even set foot in it. Unexpectedly, given
the luxurious surroundings, children are most
welcome – a dedicated kids’ club and babysitting
service are available.
trisara.com
Amanpuri
One of the pioneers of luxury accommodation
in Phuket, the Amanpuri (the name is Sanskrit
for “place of peace”) has been around since
1987. It was conceived by American architect
Ed Tuttle, whose design was based on Ayutthaya
architecture. Decades later, the Amanpuri
continues to wow guests with its elegance,
personalised service and privacy. Whether
you choose to stay in one of the 40 Thai-style
pavilions or 30 private villa homes, you’re sure
to feel utterly at peace.
amanresorts.com
Resort world
Some might wonder if there are
too many hotels on Phuket, and
sure there are plenty of options.
Yet only a few truly stand out for
their location and design
S U P E R L U X E
INKY DIP
Amanpuri's black-
tiled pool has rasied
the bar for resort
design
