Different resorts are suitable for different things. On the Phuket holidaying circuit, one of the most prevalent names you're likely to come across steadily is Sri Panwa, the pool villa spectacularly managed by the Issara clan. Its photogenic rooftop bar, Baba Nest, is packed with beautiful socialites that will flood your social-media feed all year round. However, there's another Baba that's also generating some buzz, and it's certainly well suited to those who would rather dance the night away than flex for the 'Gram.
Baba Beach Club Phuket, which opened last November, is the younger sister of Sri Panwa, also managed by the same team. Those who are less shutterbug and more party animal will love this beach hotel, which is geared more toward music lovers. Situated on Natai Beach in Phangnga, you've barely even gotten to kick back from the ride from the airport, as it is only a 20-minute drive away. For this reason, Baba doesn't make you feel like you're completely cut off from the world -- a Tesco Lotus is only a 10-minute ride away. Unlike Sri Panwa, which is located at the very bottom tip of the island, this beach hotel doesn't come with the feeling of disconnection and seclusion in the middle of nowhere. There's a much more connected vibe here, where the hotel layout feels a bit like a little village, with the pool as the heart of it all.
DJs will be spinning by the poolside weekly, all day and all night. Music will always be heard, no matter where you are, as state-of-the-art Funktion sound equipment is one of the unique selling points of Baba Beach Club Phuket. It's conducive to heightening your party mood and for Gabana villas that are lined by the pool; you can feel like you're at the same concert with someone who's at a villa on the other side of the pool. There are a total of 16 villas and suites to choose from, where you'll feel right at the heart of the music, while beachfront villas will offer a bit more calm. World-class DJs such as Nicole Moudaber have spun here before, so keep your eyes peeled for their next party and niche name. Then again, there is also a Marshall speaker and Bose sound system in your suites or villas, if you prefer your own beats. The pool bar has a more-than-comprehensive list as pages and pages of delightful cocktails are for your perusal, while night-time sees the pool taking on a purple neon hue like a club.
Baba Beach Club Phuket
The place ticks all the boxes if you want a weekend of sociable partying and beach-bumming, thanks to its intimate size, which makes it possible to walk anywhere. You don't need a buggy to get around, as the beach is only a few steps away and the two main restaurants, Baba Beach Restaurant and Baba Iki, are housed in the main building right by the pool. Featuring food that is similar to the menu at Sri Panwa, guests can choose between Thai, Italian or Japanese cuisines in a contemporary and upbeat Sino-Portuguese setting.
If you feel like your own party is more than enough to get you going, a little more privacy can be found in their three-bedroom or five-bedroom beachside villas. It's the perfect setting for family holidays or blowout bashes -- with more than enough space to pack 30 people in for your shenanigans. In fact, the hotel concierge whispers that he does not even see the people going to sleep in their bedrooms, as they are on the floor or daybeds the next morning.
There are no endless infinity-pool-edge and sea views here, nor a myriad of photo ops. But that's not the point of coming here to begin with. The Baba brand is all about having a good time.
Room rates start at 16,500 baht. Baba Beach Club Phuket is located at Phangnga. For more information, visit www.bababeachclub.com.
