I first visited Phuket in 1996. The island was relatively undeveloped (at least compared to now). I’ve been back a few times since and have always gravitated to the sunset-rich, beach friendly, west coast areas of Karon, Kata and Surin beaches. Indeed, this is where you will find the majority of hotels and restaurants. And people. We wanted something fabulous, but without the crowds. So we looked east….
The hotel which kept popping into my searches was COMO Point Yamu. This luxurious hotel is perched a top a cliff at the end of Cape Yamu, overlooking Phang Nga Bay giving almost 360 degree views including both sunrise and sunset. We booked via Trip who had, hands down, the best deal.
How to get there:
Situated about a half hour north of Phuket Port (where your boat will likely dock if you’ve been island hopping or are coming over from Krabi / Phi Phi) and also about a half hour from the airport, this hotel is ideally located. There is no public transport on this side of the island, so arrange a transfer when you book, either via the hotel or your ferry company (Andaman Wave Explorer will drop you off if you’ve been on one of their boats to get to the island).
You are met from the car with typical Thai hospitality. Check in is done from the couches in their magnificent reception area with cool towels and fresh juices in hand.
When to visit:
Although warm year round, there are distinct rainy/dry seasons. The dry season is November to April, and the rainy season is May to October.
Design:
The hotel is striking in its design and features. Interiors by Paola Navone feature turquoise and burnt orange to reflect the blues from the ocean and the orange from the Buddhist robes. Other colours are neutral and include greys, muted greens and off whites. There are 79 rooms and suites and 27 private villas.
What to do:
The first point to note is that there is no beach adjacent (or even close) to the hotel. There is a deal with a beach club but this involves a 40-ish minute boat transfer to an adjacent island.
It is also about a half hour to Old Phuket Town and to the west side of the island. So this is a hotel/resort for those who are happy not doing a great deal.
However, the hotel does have a range of entertainment options:
Dining:
– there are two main restaurants: La Serena – Italian inspired; and Nahmyaa – southern Thai. There are also bar snacks available from Aqua Bar. For those in the private villas, a BBQ is available poolside.
Shambhala cuisine is available in all restaurants and on room service.
Aqua Bar is also the hotel bar and although there’s only ever a couple of staff serving the majority of drinks in the hotel, the cocktails are good and the service is slick.
Activities:
There is a schedule of activities which changes daily, from beach walks, Old Town tours, family archery, kick boxing, towel folding and walks/hikes.
The spa offers a wide range of therapies including massage, Shambhala therapies, facials, yoga and beauty treatments.
The real draw is the pool. Or pools, as there are three – adjacent but with one for the kids, one shallow and one for adults only / quiet (not really enforced). Surrounded by loungers and parasols all of these have stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. The adult pool also has a striking infinity pool end which just cries out for photos!
This is an outrageously beautiful resort hotel, one which people genuinely don’t want to move from for their holiday. I spoke to a couple who said their kids didn’t want to leave the resort, and also a family who had been there a month! Go, you won’t be disappointed (unless you want party central!)
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