Amanpuri: a secret adress
Amanpuri, hotel of the famous Aman hotel chain, in Phuket, Thailand, has been attracting lovers of discreet luxury for some twenty years now. This charming address has been especially chosen for you by Luxe-magazine. Here you will find a potpourri of Asia, great service and attention to detail making it a destination of its own.
Luxury that is omnipresent, yet discreet
Phuket has lost its former image of an idyllic, savage island with desert beaches, partly due to the growth in tourism. Nevertheless, there are still some privileged, secluded enclaves such as Amanpuri. Situated on the Western coast of Phuket, this discrete resort, which includes 40 pavilions and 3 villas, can proudly boast of a twenty-year track record in 2008. Designed by architect Ed Turtle, it strives to steer clear of traditional clichés. The site is neither too ostentatious nor flashy. Excessive, you might think, but not at all! The Amanpuri concept revolves around a philosophy of exclusivity where luxury is not showy, but is omnipresent with 600 employees catering to the wellbeing of customers every day.
Isn't that in the long run, what you would expect from a luxury hotel?
A refined and exotic decor
Here, time passes to the rhythm of the sun and your fancies. From an open lobby, the hotel displays its elegance with its swimming pool and its spectacular view on the Andaman Sea.
Here and there, the pointed roofs of pavilions, dotting the hillside rich in lush vegetation, point towards the sky like immense heavenly bouquets. This makes for a neat compromise between Thai architecture and nature permitting pavilions on stilts to be spread out, in intertwined tropical vegetation and especially on coconut plantations. You enter them through fairly steep stairs and foot bridges.
A blend of wooden panels, waxed parquet and varnish make up the simple decor of these pavilions. Terrace and "sala" beautifully complete these perched nests. So now you can just sit back and enjoy these privileged sites!
Villas worthy of this name
Concerning the villas, numbering 30, that are perched high up, they radiate the same, delicate exoticism. Rooms with an exotic spirit, an open living room surrounding a terrace and a private swimming pool (200m² at a minimum), are part of an enclosed espalier area. They offer an exclusive service, including a butler and a chef that will concoct your favorite menus.
A dinner under the stars to the sound of zithers
At dusk, the dimmed lighting expertly laid out, displays a touch of mystery and magic. All you Thai cuisine lovers can sample without hesitation the refined dishes of the Thai restaurant. For those nostalgic about Mediterranean flavors, there's an excellent Italian restaurant overlooking the Sea.
But as a pleasure never comes alone, sushi lovers will be glad to know that a Japanese restaurant overlooking the sea has just opened.
The "puri special"
When the sunsets, head for the spa, for an ultimate relaxation session. Situated off to the side of the hotel, here you will find 6 pavilions, sumptuous "salas" with pointed roofs, dedicated to wellness. The charming director of the spa, Nina, recommended the "Puri Special" massage for me, inspired by the traditional Thai massage (School of Wak Pho).
Two hours of this wonderful choreography that finish by relaxing me and turning me into a delightfully satisfied "cocoon".
Phuket has lost its former image of an idyllic, savage island with desert beaches, partly due to the growth in tourism. Nevertheless, there are still some privileged, secluded enclaves such as Amanpuri. Situated on the Western coast of Phuket, this discrete resort, which includes 40 pavilions and 3 villas, can proudly boast of a twenty-year track record in 2008. Designed by architect Ed Turtle, it strives to steer clear of traditional clichés. The site is neither too ostentatious nor flashy. Excessive, you might think, but not at all! The Amanpuri concept revolves around a philosophy of exclusivity where luxury is not showy, but is omnipresent with 600 employees catering to the wellbeing of customers every day.
Isn't that in the long run, what you would expect from a luxury hotel?
A refined and exotic decor
Here, time passes to the rhythm of the sun and your fancies. From an open lobby, the hotel displays its elegance with its swimming pool and its spectacular view on the Andaman Sea.
Here and there, the pointed roofs of pavilions, dotting the hillside rich in lush vegetation, point towards the sky like immense heavenly bouquets. This makes for a neat compromise between Thai architecture and nature permitting pavilions on stilts to be spread out, in intertwined tropical vegetation and especially on coconut plantations. You enter them through fairly steep stairs and foot bridges.
A blend of wooden panels, waxed parquet and varnish make up the simple decor of these pavilions. Terrace and "sala" beautifully complete these perched nests. So now you can just sit back and enjoy these privileged sites!
Villas worthy of this name
Concerning the villas, numbering 30, that are perched high up, they radiate the same, delicate exoticism. Rooms with an exotic spirit, an open living room surrounding a terrace and a private swimming pool (200m² at a minimum), are part of an enclosed espalier area. They offer an exclusive service, including a butler and a chef that will concoct your favorite menus.
A dinner under the stars to the sound of zithers
At dusk, the dimmed lighting expertly laid out, displays a touch of mystery and magic. All you Thai cuisine lovers can sample without hesitation the refined dishes of the Thai restaurant. For those nostalgic about Mediterranean flavors, there's an excellent Italian restaurant overlooking the Sea.
But as a pleasure never comes alone, sushi lovers will be glad to know that a Japanese restaurant overlooking the sea has just opened.
The "puri special"
When the sunsets, head for the spa, for an ultimate relaxation session. Situated off to the side of the hotel, here you will find 6 pavilions, sumptuous "salas" with pointed roofs, dedicated to wellness. The charming director of the spa, Nina, recommended the "Puri Special" massage for me, inspired by the traditional Thai massage (School of Wak Pho).
Two hours of this wonderful choreography that finish by relaxing me and turning me into a delightfully satisfied "cocoon".
Mars 2013
By Katya PELLEGRINO
