Over-crowded Phuket is increasingly becoming the least of my favourite holiday islands. However, to get away from the tourists (the irony doesn't fail me either) I often choose the furthest tip of the island. Having been a fan of Cape Panwa for a while, it was time to try out its neighbour Sri Panwa. Not really a resort to enjoy the beach, Sri Panwa more than makes up with the view.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
An oasis of calm and luxury, Sri Panwa occupies the Cape Panwa peninsula in its entirety. All 52 villas and public areas are 50-60m above sea level and offer spectacular views of the surrounding islands and Andaman Sea.
The villas are designed like private homes -- in fact, the one-bedroom ocean front villa I stayed in had a separate living area, complete with bathroom and pantry, and seemed like a villa within a villa. The private pool and outdoor deck area is shared with the other "villa" -- the bedroom, complete with outdoor shower area, Jacuzzi and steam room. The bedroom's French windows opens out to the private pool and the ocean. With not a soul in sight, the pool is perfect for skinny dipping. Guilty as admitted!
Due to the luxuriousness of the property, god forbid if you have to walk to any of the six (yes, that's correct) restaurants on the property. At the press of a button, order a buggy and be driven across the lush green property.
STAYING IN
This is perhaps the first resort I've stayed in that offers six dining locations. Plenty enough not to get bored of the food considering the vastness of the property. Sri Panwa's restaurant concept is called Baba and I started off by lunching at Baba Chino. Dim sum for lunch, anyone?
The Chinese restaurant focuses on modern fare with the likes of Crab meat corn soup Guangdong style, Traditional stir-fried Mexican abalone with Hong Kong kale, Crystal tiger prawns and Stir-fried noodle with seafood and XO sauce. For dessert don't forget to get the Egg custard buns. Delish!
After lunch stroll around the resort or take a buggy to The Habita, which is home to 20 pool suites and 10 penthouses. But the highlight is the Olympic-sized forest waterfall pool enveloped within a landscaped water garden. Chillax with sundowners at Baba Shishi lounge while enjoying the sunset. However, the best place for any sort of sunset IG pictures is from Baba Nest, located high in the sky. With the infinity pool, it does seem like you're one with the horizon.
For dinner, check into Baba Poolclub for Italian, BBQ, Thai or hot pot, whatever takes your fancy. I highly recommend trying the Mongolian Warrior for dinner. And here dinner comes with a show -- a fire show! If unlike me, you fancy a disco there is Baba88. Though you'll want to rush back to your villa to make most of the two-person Jacuzzi!
Baba Poolclub is also the spot for breakfast, which may not really cater to the Western palate as compared to the Asian one, but lunch at Baba Hot Box should make up for that. Serving BBQ and grilled produce with a variety of combinations, it is worth skipping breakfast for.
If all these activies has left you with an aching body, fear not. The tranquil Cool Spa is for indulgent pampering and offers holistic treatments. You name it, they have it. Alternatively, if you're a villa bum and refuse to leave the luxurious confines, the spa transports to you.
Other facilities include a gym, tennis courts, cooking school and watersports.
GOING OUT
Honestly, I cannot see why one would want to leave the resort, but should you be an adventures soul and this is not enough, the resort does bespoke excursions like yachting, trips to the outlying islands, Phuket town and more. The island is home to seven golf clubs -- the closest being Red Mountain, Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm, all 20 minutes away.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With the numerous resorts that Phuket offers, the question is: will I return to Sri Panwa? Needless to say, yes. I enjoy the tranquillity away from the maddening crowd and the burden of having to interact with anyone save for meal times. The best thing, apart from the views, was the variety of cuisines and all done well. At the best of times, getting away from it all doesn't have to be that remote.
Sri Panwa, Phuket 88 moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket. Call 07-637-1000, email chill@sripanwa.com. Visit www.sripanwa.com.
