Phuket is a highly popular Thai island, with millions of tourists flocking there every month for a retreat at the many beaches. And because everything is so affordable, and that options are aplenty, you will never have to put up at shabby and dirty hotels. Home at Phuket can be a nice and quiet villa with your own private pool!

Some months ago, we took a flight out for a weekend getaway, and we chose to stay at the Kata Beach area. We are particularly fond of that area, because it is less crowded, slow and has a little rustic charm to it – just the way we like our Phuket to be. It was a vacation to relax, so we chose to put up at Metadee Resort and Villas – an ideal spot for couples who want to be lost in each other’s worlds.

Located at an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Metadee offers a variation of deluxe rooms and villas at decent rates. Our recommendation has got to be the Private Pool Villa – a spacious one-room villa with floor-to-ceiling windows. The king-sized bed was so soft and inviting, and it was perfect for a deep slumber. At the corner of the room is also a resting corner with a mini bar, where we spent a lot of time reading our magazines and indulging in tropical fruits. There is also a walk-in wardrobe with a vanity desk, and the double-sink toilet came with a huge bath tub and nice shower area.

In the day, we enjoyed soaking up the sun at the outdoors of our villa, which is complete with a private plunge pool, a sheltered pavilion and an outdoor rain shower that is surrounded with tall palm trees. It was a simple kind of joy, and one that was much needed.

Metadee Resort & Villas also has a gorgeous pool that spans across the property, granting a pool view for most of its contemporary rooms. And if you are lazy to get out of the resort, head over to Himmaphan (‘cashew nut’ in Thai) Restaurant for a meal of Asian and European cuisine, complete with a chill-out bar by the pool where you can order your favourite ice-cream and drinks.

Metadee Resort & Villas
66 Kata Road, T.Karon A.Muang
Phuket, Thailand
Tel: 66 76 337 888

I have been to many hotels and resorts around the world, but a trip to Sri Panwa Villa at Phuket and it has immediately rocketed to my all-time favourite list – I am head over heels in love with this gem of Phuket.

Here are 9 reasons why I love Sri Panwa Resort in Phuket.

Best Sunset Spot at Baba Nest

Boasting an unrivalled panoramic view of the ocean, Baba Nest – the rooftop bar at Sri Panwa – is one of the best spots to watch sun set against the boundless horizons of Phuket.

Day trips to Coral Island or Phi Phi Island

Sri Panwa is located at Cape Panwa – the southern tip of Phuket – making it the perfect base to visit nearby islands in the Phuket archipelago like Coral and the highly popular Phi Phi Island which are both an hour away by boat. The resort offers a private day tour (cap to 2-3 couples per trip) for its in-house guests, which includes beach hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Private Beach

One of our favourite spots in Sri Panwa is the private beach. What’s there not to like about the idea of having a quiet beach all to yourself? Lay a mat and read your magazines in an undisturbed territory, or go canoeing in the area.

Snorkelling at the pier

From the private beach, there is an extended pier where you can do some fishing, or go snorkelling. The water may not be the clearest, but we were still able to see a lot of fishes – it was quite an experience, and the plus point of the exclusivity was one that left us going to bed happy and extremely contented.

Spend an afternoon at the reception lounge

The reception lounge is quiet and very cosy; it feels almost like home. Keep yourself occupied with the wide selection of books and magazines, or you can simply listen to your music and daydream the afternoon away. Or, just snuggle up at the comfy couches with your loved one and enjoy a cuppa together. The best thing about staying at Sri Panwa is that you can cut off from the world and do the things that you like.

Go for a spa treatment at Cool Spa

Pamper yourself with a much-needed spa treatment at Cool Spa, which is located at a secluded spot within the rainforest overlooking Phuket’s Archipelago. There are six waterfall treatment rooms, and you can also use the spa facilities including the plunge pools and steam room.

Authentic Thai food at Baba Soul Food

Soul Food, the resort’s Thai Restaurant, serves a selection of Southern home-cooked Thai cuisine. They offer the dishes in two portions: half portion for sharing so that you can order a variety to share, and full portion if you are dining in a big group. While we really enjoyed the Steamed Garoupa with Lime, Chili and Garlic and the Red Curry with Pork and Pineapple, the clear winner was the Stir Fried Anadaman Crab Meat with a very addictive lime sauce.

Chill out at Sri Panwa’s Pool Club

After having a hearty breakfast at Baba – the resort’s all day dining restaurant – chill out at the pool club for the rest of your morning. The big space provides yet another patch of heaven within the magnificent resort – to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.

Stunning villa with ocean view

Soothing lounge music greeted us when we stepped into the stunning, modern and very well-designed villa. Each villa comes with a big private pool that lines the unit, and an immeasurably terrific view of the ocean. Words cannot describe how in awe we were, and the photos cannot do enough justice to how beautifully divine Sri Panwa is.

The villa was our secret spot away from the world, and it was so comfortable that we spent most of the time in the villa. We were truly spoilt silly by the luxurious space and amenities; even getting out of bed was almost mission impossible, because we spent so much time just lying in bed with the perfect view of how the skies and ocean merged.

If you are planning to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, or simply want a place to go for a weekend, Sri Panwa is really the perfect getaway spot from Singapore.

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Phuket as a guest of Sri Panwa Resort. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodation were sponsored.