In the lap of luxury
A world-beating view, a bedroom in a pool, and a massage under a waterfall are some of the treats at this Thai resort.
Could this be the luxury holiday to end all holidays, I thought as our tuk tuk groaned up a large hill in Thailand. Three days later – I had the answer: yes.
Imagine waking up in a glass-walled bedroom surrounded by a pool – just like a moat.
If that isn’t dreamy enough, add this: the room is perched on the side of a hill overlooking the Andaman Sea.
The bedroom also connects to a huge villa, with an unlimited mini-bar, kitchen, spa pool, lounge, walk-in closet and steam room.
After a lazy morning in the pool, head down to breakfast and let your jaw hit the floor again.
You can eat breakfast on a table sunken into a pool – also perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
After indulging in what feels like a week’s worth of calories, it’s time to head for the spa.
And just like everything else at Phuket’s Sri Panwa, it blows expectations. The spa is set under a man-made waterfall, where you can indulge in a massage customised to your blood type.
If you’re type A, for example, you’ll be scrubbed in coffee and oats to stimulate your metabolism.
Just as well, because your metabolic system will need to rival the power of a jet engine to get through all the sumptuous fare at any one of the resort’s five restaurants.
Sri Panwa is set on the south-eastern tip of Phuket and comprises 52 villas dotted around the lush jungle.
The resort has a huge list of awards, including being named as having the best view in the world.
Lonely Planet has also repeatedly bestowed it the title of ‘Best Resort in Thailand.’
But the most deserving of its awards is for the rooftop bar.
Baba Nest bar is so popular, you need to book your spot up to three months in advance – and for good reason.
It’s been named one of the top three beach bars in the world, and sitting at the highest point on the peninsula with a 360 degree view of the Andaman there is no better place in Thailand to watch the pastel colours of the sunset light up the sky.
We’ve been travelling for almost 18 months searching for the world’s best