InterContinental Phuket Resort aims for the “heaven-on-Earth” experience with a concept inspired by Buddhist cosmology Traibhumikatha.
InterContinental Phuket Resort aspires to create ‘heaven-on-Earth’
“H eaven, I’m in heaven.” You can technically sing this line from the song Cheek To Cheek, originally sung in the 1935 film Top Hat, during your stay at InterContinental Phuket Resort.
Why? You see, the 221-room-and-villa hotel, which had its official launch in January on Kamala Beach, derives heavenly motifs from Buddhist cosmology Traibhumikatha to provide a “heaven-on-Earth” experience. Elements from the story of the three planes of existence by King Lithai of Sukhothai are incorporated in its architecture and decor to give guests a luxurious stay with a contemporary Thai twist.
First Impression
The hotel delivers the sense of arrival as you check into the very spacious open-air Pasutha lobby where walls and ceiling are covered with a diamond pattern. From there, your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the Heavenly Pavilion Lounge, which stands tall in white at the end of your eyesight with mountains and surrounding pine forests as its backdrop. A walk to the piece de resistance is a show in itself. The Thai-style pavilion with multiple levels of roofs is inspired by the mythical Himmapan forest and the brick walkway leading up to it is flanked with walls covered in countless pieces of mirrors. The walk is accompanied by the soothing sounds of fountains in shallow ponds and birds chirping. The pavilion houses the Sati spa and Wellness, which offers personal touches such as scents based on your day of birth and signature treatments in eight treatment rooms.
The hotel is divided into two zones, which I unofficially call the pavilion side and the beachfront side. The former is on the hillside that leads to Kamala Beach below with a road separates the two sides. Guests can go between the two zones through a tunnel featuring colourful murals by local artists.
If you’re happy with a view of swimming pools, mountain and the pavilion from a private balcony, stay on the pavilion side, obviously. If you prefer a room with an ocean view and a contemporary vibe, then you should opt for a room on the beachfront side. The most basic room type called Classic Room starts respectably with more than 40m² and various amenities that you need for a comfy stay. If you wish to splurge, 13 villas ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms are available and they give you direct access to a swimming pool from your own terrace.