Set back from pristine Maikhao beach on the island's northwest shore, Sala Phuket Resort and Spa's stylish and modern private pool villas offer guests the kind of seclusion they would expect from their very own holiday homes.
The high walls surrounding the estate give a wonderful feeling of freedom from the cares of the outside world. The minute I step into my villa, I turn on the music, uncork the champagne, strip off my clothes and plunge into the private pool. Eureka!
After allowing JW Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa to keep Maikhao Beach to itself for many years, Sala Phuket Resort and Spa has brought a boutique hotel to this quiet yet beautiful stretch of sand. With just 79 rooms spread over a large plot of land, there's a feeling of space and guests are free to ramble as they please over the pristine beach and remote cove, or explore further afield on mountain bikes.
"It seems a world away from the crowds but in fact we're just 20 minutes from the airport," says Rose, a fellow guest who joins me for lunch at the oceanfront restaurant.
"With the property boom, it's hard to believe that Phuket still has such a pristine beach."
The property's owners, a husband and wife team who made their fortunes in the retail business, have kept this land undeveloped for decades. They decided to build the boutique resort following the success of Sala Samui, a small luxury holiday complex on Choeng Mon beach on Samui Island.
Unlike its sister resort, which features traditional Thai architecture, Sala Phuket has gone for a modern stylish look. Standing side by side, the private villas are just a short walk - through a private gateway along a leafy path - from the beach.
My pool villa is cosy, with a bathtub and relaxing daybed under a high ceiling and a view over the swimming pool - which is surrounded by a tropical garden and twin sun loungers. The laid-back attitude extends to the shower - open-air - and the toilet, tucked away in a corner but with no door (or even a curtain!). Pick your roommate carefully before checking in - the two of you will be sharing some intimate experiences.
At one side of the pool is the indoor bedroom, which comes equipped with television and entertainment console, writing desk, large cabinet and snacks, coffeemaker and mini bar. The double bed is big and inviting with clean, crisp and comfortable sheets. The villa offers Wi-Fi Internet and cable TV on a huge flat-screen television.
Outside the cosy privacy of the pool villa, guests can choose between two large beach front swimming pools, also surrounded by comfortable daybeds - perfect for burying themselves in the latest bestseller or enjoying cool drinks at the pool bar. As anyone who has been to Sala Phuket will testify, one of the main attractions is the food.
"More often than not, JW Marriott's guests stop by for lunch," says a waitress, delivering a second dish of sensational Thai beef salad to our table.
The resort has a beach front restaurant with open-air terrace and rooftop dining. Our dinner for three is a lively affair with conversation flowing from Phuket's property bloom to Bangkok's latest scandals.
Sala Phuket Resort and Spa is a tranquil oceanfront refuge from a busy routine and a wonderful escape from the island's touristy beaches.
Sala Phuket Resort
High Point: Stylish and modern and promises weekenders luxury and privacy. An ideal place for couples seeking a romantic hideaway.
Low Point: It's distance from the social scene means party goers might be bored to death.
Find it: Maikhao Beach on Phuket's northwest coast
Pay for it: From now until October, a Sala Pool Villa starts at US$475 (Bt15,290) per night. The resort often offers special Internet booking rates and promotions.
