Reviewed by
Viv Monahan
Rainforest shades the long, private road to Sri panwa, so when you finally walk through the unassuming hilltop entrance to this gorgeous hotel, it’ll take your breath away. Wide white steps lead you down to a glass pavilion, moated by a purple water-lily pond, to a view that’s suddenly open and wide, sun-filled and sparkling: islets hunker around the turquoise bay; longtail boats carve slow furrows in the perfect blue sea, 40m below.
The hotel connects via endless walkways and lanes to cool and sensuous suites and villas, perfect for families as well as couples. Be on your guard: glass-walled bedrooms floating above infinity pools, walled gardens, sundecks and luxurious outdoor bathrooms will seduce you into a lotus-eater mentality. Yet there are times when Sri panwa rocks: international DJs host the occasional celebration, and bright young things (including a Thai princess or 2) flutter from spa to bar. Take as much or as little as you like from what’s on offer. Both the tranquility and the hipness are far too well-mannered to intrude.
The hotel connects via endless walkways and lanes to cool and sensuous suites and villas, perfect for families as well as couples. Be on your guard: glass-walled bedrooms floating above infinity pools, walled gardens, sundecks and luxurious outdoor bathrooms will seduce you into a lotus-eater mentality. Yet there are times when Sri panwa rocks: international DJs host the occasional celebration, and bright young things (including a Thai princess or 2) flutter from spa to bar. Take as much or as little as you like from what’s on offer. Both the tranquility and the hipness are far too well-mannered to intrude.
Highs
- The secluded suites and villas are so well-designed and kitted out, it might slip your mind that you're only a temporary resident here (Gordon Ramsay christened it his ‘second home’)
- This is a perfect location for twice-a-day sun salutes - pink sunrises, golden sunsets
- You can enjoy the glorious feeling of throwing open your doors and leaping straight into your infinity pool. Bliss
- The food in the restaurants and poolclub is imaginative, delicious and diverse, plus the views from the hotel's bar will leave you stunned!
Lows
- It's seriously expensive, though prices include a load of extras
- We have had mixed feedback on the service as of late, so we're hoping to drop by soon to see for ourselves
- The private coral beach is petite and rocky. When you get that irresistible Crusoe urge, head off to the deserted white sand beach at Maiton Island, 10 minutes away by longtail
- As Sri panwa’s built on a steep hillside, getting around on foot uses up a lot of energy. Fortunately, there’s a fleet of tuk-tuks to chauffeur you about
- The property continues to grow so we're yet to inspect some of the latest additions
Best time to go
From December to April is when Phuket’s weather is cooler, drier and at its most lovely (but it’s also when prices are higher). Christmas is a particularly good time to escape to Sri panwa: celebrations happen throughout the period in the restaurant, with blow-out menus to tempt even the most rigorous dieter. Thai divas and international DJs are usually booked for the festivities.
Our top tips
If you can bear an early morning start, accompany the chef to the market to choose the freshest local produce. Then learn how to create a delicious Thai lunch with the ingredients at the on-site Baba Hotpot cookery school.