Community/Travel

Stay at Asia's Best Pool Villas

By Milda Ratkelyte Mar. 23rd, 2015

Baba Nest- Perfect For Romantic Sunsets

You know you are in for a treat when you tell the taxi driver that you are going to Sri Panwa and he gently nods his head, saying, “Very nice Miss, this is the best place in Phuket, you will enjoy”.

About 45 minutes into our drive from Phuket International Airport, we arrived at the Sri Panwa Phuket, a luxury hotel location perched atop Cape Panwa with breathtaking views of the southeastern Andaman Sea. When the taxi turned into the roads surrounded by lush tropical forests, I started noticing dark orange-walled villas popping up along the way.

As we pulled up at the Sala, where the reception was located, I was greeted by friendly staff who escorted me downstairs to the reception. There, I was seated on a comfortable colourful daybed covered in cushions, enjoying the view of the sea and sipping on a refreshing welcome drink.

Lush one-bedroom pool villa

If I wasn’t falling in love with the place already, this was the moment. When the villa's door opened in front of me, I was stoked! Right in front of me there was a turquoise infinity pool opening up to amazing views of the mountains and the sea. The pool surrounded the entire villa, so whether you were in the living room, bedroom or bathroom, you were literally one step away from the pool. An outdoor bathing area was located at the back end of the villa with a sunken bath, rainshower and sunbeds outdoor.

The living room was huge and nicely filled with natural light coming in from all sides of the room's glass walls. Covered with beige linen day curtains, it created a resort-like feeling. There was a huge sofa with lots of cushions in the living room, facing the pool and is where I experienced the most beautiful sunset view that evening. Luxury lifestyle magazines, table books and state-of-the-art entertainment system providing background music was exactly what I needed for a chilled out afternoon whilst sipping on refreshing complimentary soft drinks.

The bedroom was surrounded by the pool and floor-to-ceiling windows from three sides. Featuring finest linens and ambient lighting, it made the room very cosy and romantic in the evening. The bathroom was fitted with a rain shower and toilet cabins as well as two huge mirrors with sinks and toiletries stored in ceramic storage to keep up with sustainability efforts. A small yet lovely storage room was located at the back, where the slippers, robes, umbrella and safety deposit box were placed.

Baba Pool Club for meals and cocktails

After few hours of soaking in the sun and lazing around the pool listening to fantastic chill out music on the villa's ipod, I decided to check out Baba Pool Club for dinner. I got lucky as I arrived just before sunset to get one of the sunken seats next to the edge of the cliff, which promised fantastic views. I tried some staff recommendations of cocktails - the Baba Daiquiri as well as the Sake Mojito, which by the way is now officially my favourite drink.

For dinner, we tried the Japanese Dragon Roles, Sushi Highlight, Som Tam Ghoong and Ghoong Sarong. Everything was absolutely delicious and made to perfection both in presentation and quality wise. In fact, Gordon Ramsay had praised Sri Panwa's kitchen as being “a class of act…the food is amazing” - gotta trust good old Ramsay on that! As the night fell, candles were lit around the restaurant and we got a chance to watch the full moon reflecting on the perfectly still sea water.

Baba Pool Club also hosts the Baba Cooking School, where private classes may be organised with their legendary chefs who specialise in Thai, Italian and Japanese cuisine. There is also a games room and Sri Panwa's very own Baba 88 Nightclub, which is open only on weekends and special occasions. International DJs pay a visit to the Pool Club for afternoon chill out sessions or late night entertainment. I also enjoyed my breakfast here. There's everything from fresh tropical fruits and juice mixes to boost your energy to cheese platters, cold cuts and salad bar.

Best views in Phuket

During your stay, be sure to check out Baba Nest Sunset Lounge and Rooftop Bar, which has been recognised as the world’s most stylish and exclusive rooftop bar serving Sri Panwa’s delicious cocktails, alongside the sexiest sunset sessions. Baba Nest’s wrap-around infinity pool surrounds the rooftop deck, overlooking 360° panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Andaman Sea and Phuket’s southeastern peninsula. An exclusive selection of high-end cocktails, fine wines and champagne will be sure to get your evening started.

Cool Spa for relaxing

Reflecting its ocean location, the Cool Spa at Sri Panwa draws creative inspiration from traditional Sino-Portuguese residences, bringing the sights and sounds of the sea indoors. The hotel's Cool Spa offers six extremely spacious waterfall treatment rooms, a private salon, a floating yoga deck and a juice bar set within the water gardens serving a light nutritional spa cuisine. Complimentary use of the spa's nature-inspired facilities including the plunge pools, vitality pools, Asian rainforest pavilions, and steam rooms can be enjoyed by all guests.

Swimming pool and private beach

Sri Panwa's swimming pool is set approximately 60 meters above sea level, with the resort's very own private beach located just a few steps away. Its secluded location makes it a great place for lounging around or taking a swim in the open sea. Eight of the most beautiful islands in the Phuket archipelago, including Racha, Maiton, Phi Phi, Coral, Lon and more are all within 15-40 minutes away by boat. World-class cruising, beach hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving are literally minutes away from Sri Panwa's doorstep.

Would I stay here again?

I have stayed in over 36 hotels around Asia throughout last year and I am happy to say that Sri Panwa has definitely topped all of them. With it's amazing location, stunning views, world class facilities, excellent services and endless leisure opportunities, it is a perfect spot for a relaxing beach getaway in Phuket. The luxury and privacy of all its villas makes it my number one choice for couples and honeymooners. I can't wait to be back there!