Sawadika! Phuket has been a holiday destination as old as time. The duality of the island’s high temperatures, turquoise waters, elite party scene and a cuisine of bold flavours and spices has brought international visitors back to Thailand’s largest Island.
The region flies under the radar as a luxury destination, which is a good thing, as it separates the niche from the obvious. Whether you’re a new or returning visitor, rediscover Phuket through island luxury and cultural treasures at the esteemed five-star villa resort Sri Panwa and the sister beachfront hotel, Baba Natai.
As Gen-Z would say, Phuket is so back!
A Luxury Cape Hideaway at Sri Panwa, Phuket
Location: An hour south-east of Phuket International Airport, Sri Panwa (pronounced See-Panwa) is situated on 40 acres of tropical jungle. The vast options of stunning villas, suites and purchasable residences, overlooking and spilling out onto the Andaman Sea, separate it from any other luxury hotel in the region.
Inside a 1-Bedroom Pool Villa at Sri Panwa: Standing in your very own outside foyer, greeted by the stunning panoramic view of the sea first, salty fresh air second. The living quarters are separated on either side. On one side is a casual living area; well, there is nothing casual about it. A lounge oasis, occupied by a full kitchenette, a lounge bed and a table that bears daily fresh fruit. On the other side? A true vision of primal living, a master bed dressed in the finest of linens to assist in sleeping in hot Thai temperatures. A sliding door sleeky separates the living area from the infinity pool. Thinking of taking a dip? Plunge and swim to the other side of the villa, where your marbled bathroom, free-standing tub and shower that doubles as a sauna await.
Sri Panwa’s low-season room prices, from 17th April to 31st October, begin at £273.
Signature Experiences at Sri Panwa
Thai Cooking Class – From chef-to-table Omakase dining at Baba Iki to the finest cuts of grilled meat and fish at Hox Box, food is a premium affair at Sri Panwa. However, what’s better than eating Thai food? Learning how to cook it. Chef hat on and an apron tied, at Baba Cooking School, you can learn how to cook a range of Thai delicacies, Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai – you name it. Don’t worry, if cooking is not your forte, you’ll have your own cooking station with prepped ingredients and a Head Chef on side to help you cook with total ease. Once complete, channel your inner Bourdain and taste your dish, while reviewing the fragrant flavours with each bite.
Baba Cooking Classes start at £40.86 per person for two dishes.
Long Tail Boat Island Hopping – Island hopping is a rite of passage when in Phuket. From leaving Sri Panwa to returning, the entire experience will be organised for you, so you don’t have to worry about the small stuff. Sail off to Bon Island, Coral Island or the many nearby islands close by. Dive into the sea, which charmingly goes between turquoise and emerald colours when the sun hits. Get closely acquainted with the small fishes whilst a range of perfectly curated snacks and cool beverages wait for you back on board.
Luxury Longtail Board ride for half a day, approx. 4.5 hours for 1-5 guests is £295.08.
Sri Panwa’s Cool Spa – Mango sticky rice isn’t just the Thai sweet treat you think it is, but at Sri Panwa’s Cool Spa, it’s a signature massage, mood shifter and must try. It’s a combination of exfoliation via sticky rice, white sesame seeds and natural yoghurt. Don’t worry, you won’t be left sticky. Wash off your sweet concoction in the appointed rainfall shower, leaving you with the smoothest skin. Finishing off with a massage that uses a unique kneading technique to detoxify and send you into a peaceful slumber.
On the spa menu, Mango Sticky Rice Massage is £68 for 60 mins.
Sri Panwa x BDMS – Debuting a wellness partnership with the regenerative clinic of the year, Bangkok Medical Services. Sri Panwa guests can experience a transformative walk-in or multiday medical programme to target any personal health needs. From full-body health checks with on-site doctors, IV drips to bring you back to life, aesthetics for a little touch-up and non-medicinal wellness approaches. You’ll leave a newer person, from the inside out, than you walked in.
coolspaphuket.com/bdms-sri-panwa-wellness-clinic
Beachfront Bliss at Baba Beach Club Natai, Phuket
Location: Baba Beach Club Natai is located just outside of Phuket, in the Province of Phang Nga and remains a short 20-minute distance from Phuket airport. Critically acclaimed as the Hamptons of Phuket due to its luxury villa-style resorts in a flawless tropical setting with regular celeb a-list visitors.
Inside the rooms: Baba rooms are the physical embodiment of when sexy and chic meet. From expansive pool villas to two-floored guest suites with a direct path to the beach, rooms are embellished with a monochromatic colour palette and hot pink accents. Ringing true to the beach club ethos, you’ll be serenaded by one of the many signature Baba playlists upon arrival to keep the good vibes going.
Signature Experiences at Baba Beach Club
Party at the Beach Club: Each last weekend of the month, Baba Beach Club hosts its sought-after, no.1 beach party, Baba Loop. Start your two-day music affair, think rotating international DJ’s taking over the decks, playing the best of electronic, house and everything in between whilst dancing into the night. The atmosphere is just as electric as the hues of pink that sweep the suites and villas of Baba Beach Club.
bababeachclub.com/natai/baba-loop
Take a Muay Thai Class: In the ring or by the beach, practice the number one sport of the region, Muay Thai. You’ll be taught by the best of the best, alongside practising professionals. Hand wraps and gloves at the ready, perfect your one-two, double jab, and chest kicks. Test your fitness and get the adrenaline pumping. Once you’ve had one class, there’s no doubt you’ll try it again.
One-to-one Muay Thai classes at Baba Beach cost £88.52, and group classes for up to 10 people are £317.78.
Visit Phuket Old Town: Notorious for sweltering heat, for a cool down treat, stop at the old town’s most talked about organic ice creamery, Torry’s. Discover flavour combinations you couldn’t find anywhere else, like the black rice coconut, or brown butter ice cream that’ll quickly become your new favourite ice cream flavour. Dive into Phuket’s dynamic culture and wander the pastel streets of the Old Town. Pass by the customary stalls of local bites, some delicious and some fun surprises along the way. Brush shoulders with textiles stalls that make fun keepsakes to remember your Old Town visit.
Sri Panwa, Phuket
88 Sakdidej Rd, Tambon Wichit, Muang Phuket 83000, Thailand
Baba Beach Club Natai
88, 8, Khok Kloi, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga 82140, Thailand
