Rising above a stretch of white sand beach on Phuket’s western coast, pavilions with ornate tiered roofs nestle amidst lush vegetation. Each sited at a discreet distance; some fitted with private pools, all with salas for outdoor living. Further along, there are larger villas, some up to nine bedrooms, assuring the world-weary more solitude and privacy.
You have arrived at Amanpuri. In Sanskrit the name means “Place of Peace.” Within minutes you achieve that elusive tranquility you’ve been seeking in a secluded setting away from bustling Phuket. For Aman purists, it’s said you always remember your first….Aman. And here she reigns, the inaugural resort of the world’s most elite luxury hospitality brand. On this former coconut plantation, you find simple buildings of timeless design dotting the hillside. All the way down to the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The higher up the hillside you ascend, the more majestic your views. Approach by sea, and the estate, part mirage, part traditional Thai village, slowly reveals itself
Since 1988, Amanpuri has been enticing repeat guests to return and beckoning new ones to explore. The resort births new generations of enthusiasts of Asian minimalism fused with guest maximalism. Here, hospitality is welcoming guests to one’s home as close friends, where a negative response to any request is seldom if ever, uttered.
The tiered pavilions housing the public areas, such as the Entrance, library, restaurants, and boutique, surround the centerpiece of the main guest pool, a dramatic feature tiled in the deepest blue mosaic that is reminiscent of a night sky. Stroll here after dinner, and you can see stars sparkle by looking down as well as up. But on your first gaze in daylight, it’s the view beyond the pool to the enticing seafront that captures you.
When you first arrive, they already know who you are. Scented towels and cool drinks replace whatever you may have grasped in your hand. Staff conduct check-in immediately in your pavilion. A large king bed swathed in white linens beckons, still, the lush outdoors await. The ocean breeze redolent of the florals blooming in the plantation’s mature landscape.
There’s quite a bit of lounging done here, around your pavilion’s sala, by the pools, on the daybed of your private pool if you have, or on the beach. The interiors are awash in gleaming, polished woods, a warm glow that catches and reflects the daylight streaming through all the geometric fretwork. There’s a spacious dressing area outside the gleaming bath, and a deep soaking tub. Wish you didn’t need to unpack? Accomplished right away. Feeling parched and peckish? There’s room service and your villa comes with a gourmet kitchen, plus chef and housekeeper. Or venture outside, head back toward the main pavilions for any of the restaurants onsite. The resort’s several dining options specialize in Japanese washoku, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisines. The diverse menus feature a variety of dishes, some indulgent, others geared toward specific tastes or diets. Every dish is an artful presentation. And every person on staff knows the best seats to enjoy the sunsets while dining.
Like all Aman resorts, there’s an indulgent spa here as well. Amanpuri is home to the brand’s first -- and most comprehensive -- Holistic Wellness Centre. Featuring Wellness Immersions, journeys in themselves, ideal for stays of a minimum three nights or longer. Larger villas might have their own saunas, gyms, and massage tables, but self-care here at the Centre encompasses body, mind, and spirit. So yes, it is possible to detox, lose weight, tone muscles or skin at the Centre. But guests can also focus on improving physical performance and restoring health and vitality with care from integrative medical specialists skilled in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other modalities. Lifestyle coaches are on hand as well. And the chefs create maximum sensory appeal with any prescribed juicing, specialty, or vegan regimens. For those who wish only to indulge, the spa offers the customary face and body treatments. There are outdoor group yoga and pilates classes daily. Locale-appropriate Thai massages, muay-thai, and kickboxing lessons are also on hand.
