Sri Panwa
Sri Panwa is a spectacular serene boutique hotel with glasshouse pool villas, an aristocratic guest list and panoramic views over Cape Panwa. The hotel connects via walkways and lanes to 41 cool and sensuous villas and private residences, with up to 4 bedrooms. Both the tranquility and the hipness are far too well-mannered to intrude.
Villas across all categories are a mix of pool-garden view and family suite design. You’ll spend quite a lot of time just lying there watching the sky and sighing. PV-designs come in 1- and 2-bedroom varieties with smaller second bedrooms on a lower level. These are best suited to teenage children or, dare it be said, the nanny… If you’re sharing with friends, it’s more diplomatic to opt for the FS-design villas with their contemporary same-sized bedrooms.
You never need to leave your villa if you don’t want to. Catering, bartenders, chefs and barbecues can be arranged at your room, whether you’re planning a romantic dinner by the light of floating candles or hosting a small party. The daytime and evening menus are eclectic, with a predominance of Asian dishes. A tempting dessert menu includes pannacotta with green tea and a jasmine creme brulee that is so good. You’ll find a couple of terrific local Thai and fish restaurants on Cape Panwa, just a few minutes stroll from the hotel.
Among most common activities diving is recommended nearby at the Racha Yai or Racha Noi Islands, Shark Point at Phi Phi Island and Dokmai Island around Phi Phi Island, where private or group diving lessons are both available. Then take a cultural tour of antiques shops and the old town during the day then go to an evening performance of Simon Cabaret, a gloriously kitsch show put on by Phuket’s celebrated ladyboys.
Location: Sri Panwa is located on a headland on the southeast coast of Phuket, in southern Thailand. When to go: From December to April is when Phuket’s weather is cooler, drier and at its most lovely (but it’s also when prices are higher). Christmas is a particularly good time to escape to Sri Panwa: celebrations happen throughout the period in the restaurant, with blow-out menus to tempt even the most rigorous dieter. Thai divas and international DJs are usually booked for the festivities.
