As I stand in my villa’s ridiculously enormous private pool writing this, sun on my back, glass of wine in hand (well, at a safe distance from the laptop, I don’t need a repeat of the Shanghai incident circa 2016), I feel I need to apologize in advance. Apologise because at this point, I’m not sure that there will be many photos of the magnificent Trisara resort – because I have absolutely zero desire to leave the confines of my extremely spacious 240sqm Ocean View Pool Villa. My motto is, ‘Never holiday somewhere worse than your own house’, and these villas are so elegantly outfitted I’d relocate in a second.
Phuket as a destination usually conjures up images of Patong beach and Bangla Road – packed with backpackers, cheap beer, bright lights and touts selling tickets to some rather, err, interesting shows. Trisara, thankfully, is about as far removed as you can get from these cliched scenes.
A 100% private pool villa resort, Trisara boasts a whopping 60 luxury villas and residences nestled into a verdant hillside spanning 40 hectares. Despite the number of villas sounding large, the size of the property and the dense greenery shades you from any sense of having neighbors. It holds the prized #1 spot for Phuket on TripAdvisor, and rates a lofty 9.8 on Hotels.com – I think you see where I’m going with this – it’s pretty darn fabulous (and Mick Jagger’s choice when the Rolling Stones are tired of rolling, apparently).
We stayed in one of the many one bedroom villa formats, the Ocean View Pool Villa, and I have to say it’s nothing short of spectacular. I’m not sure you could go wrong with any room type at Trisara, however the sweeping grandeur of the Ocean View Pool Villa is hard to beat. Articles such as this one often succumb to the cliche of ‘best X ever’, but applied to this rockstar of a villa at Trisara, I don’t think it would be even the slightest bit disingenuous.
Built in 2004 and completely refurbished in 2016, Trisara feels brand spanking new and entirely unblemished. The quality of workmanship and materials used screams quality, a factor often missing from Dubai’s gilt covered luxury properties. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the shallow sunbathing platform in the private pool, to the Jim Thompson Thai silks used in the furnishings, to the six pillow choices – right down to an option made from a local fibre, kapok, and even a pregnancy pillow. The sumptuous bed takes centre stage in the villa, ensuring the breathtaking view is always front and centre, and is outfitted with sheets that are simply perfection.
An enormous bathroom backs on to the bed, with double vanities, a dressing table, large bath and plenty of room for luggage – there’s even a private outdoor shower. The main bedroom and living area also features a desk, dining space and concealed TV with Bose sound system (just ensure your device has an AUX input, my iPhone X no longer does, sadly).
Outdoors is really where you’re going to be spending your time though – the enormous ocean-facing deck revolves around the stand out feature of the villa, the enormous private pool. At 11m long, this pool could comfortably fit 20 – two guests will feel simply spoilt. There’s also a double lounger and two singles, plus a dining table for alfresco feasting. Sunset lovers may find themselves not being able to put the camera down, with all of the villas affording million dollar views as the sun sinks into the Andaman sea each evening. There’s no better spot for sunset gazing than from infinity edge of your private pool overlooking the dense tropical foliage.
You’ll no doubt find yourself dining in your spectacular villa more than you expected – apart from the fact that you simply won’t want to leave, the in-room dining menu is absolutely fantastic. Breakfast, which spans a myriad of European and Asian options, can be served any time of the day, an idea that is heaven for people like me who either like to eat later or hit the gym before the first meal of the day, and the kitchen never closes. If you’ve ever arrived from a late flight to find all eating options closed (hello, Rarotonga), then this will definitely be appreciated. Our favorite breakfast dishes were the Moo Thod Kratiem (fried pork with garlic and pepper), the Phad See-ew Gai (rice noodles with chicken in oyster sauce) and the Phad Pak Boong (sautéed morning glory with garlic and chili). Sure, it might not be your usual breakfast, but we say, when in Rome…
The Thai cuisine on offered in-room or at casual restaurant The Deck is nothing short of spectacular (don’t miss their Sunday Jazz brunch), and seafood lovers will be in heaven at the aptly named Seafood, which requires no further explanation of what it specializes in. Fine dining lovers simply must book into Trisara’s star restaurant, PRU, which sources all of its ingredients from their farm nearby. Whilst it’s not Thai cuisine, it does a fabulous job of showcasing the region’s unique ingredients in a modern tasting menu style. This is a restaurant to watch – it’s definitely headed for big things.
You can also have a special private dinner prepared in a unique ‘destination’, or have the chefs come to you, preparing a private BBQ for you and yours in your villa. Or if you want to learn a thing or two about Thai cuisine, why not book a private cooking class? We loved ours – and now we’re confident enough to make Pad Thai at home!
Should you get sick of lazing in your idyllic villa (not that I think this is even remotely possible), then never fear – Trisara has a plethora of wonderful activities to keep you occupied. I’ll start with the usual suspects – the gym is very well kitted out, with a Smith machine, TRX, cardio galore (even a stair machine) and weights. The perfect place to pop to when the (inevitable) odd tropical shower comes down, or perhaps learn a thing or two about Muay Thai in their custom made ring. As to be expected, the Spa is also fabulous – you won’t want to miss their signature 6 hands massage.
Even the younger family members will be looked after, with Trisara providing a kids club that runs until 7:30pm. That doesn’t mean you can’t have an adults-only dinner, however, as babysitters are also available on call.
Trisara’s range of Signature Experiences encompass something for everybody. Those wanting to experience Phuket’s natural beauty can book a snorkeling excursion, or perhaps their most famous experience – a half day tour to the world heritage listed Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) – it’s the only resort on Phuket’s west coast from which you can cruise directly to the island.
Foodies are also spoilt for choice – try your hand at local cuisine at the aforementioned cooking class, or head out on a lunch tour of Phuket’s best kept secret dining venues. You’ll be taken to four secret local restaurants that can only be found with local knowledge!
If you’ve got a special occasion happening while at Trisara, or you’re just simply sick of being behind the lens and not in your holiday pics, there’s even a professional photography studio in house to capture those magic moments.
Put simply, I just don’t know how anyone could not fall head over heals for Trisara. If you’re looking for a luxury private villa outfitted in traditional style but with anything you could need on tap, then look no further. There’s a villa type for everyone, from honeymooner to extended family vacation, and I can guarantee you just won’t want to leave. Don’t hesitate – this is truly a bucket list destination.
