For when you want to escape to a paradise made for two, the Pavilions Phuket is perfect for an intimate getaway, hidden away from the crowds and tourists.
Phuket has a very special place in our hearts. When we first came here a year ago, we were enchanted by the causal vibes, the bright clear waters, the people, the food...well I could go on and on. So when we were trying to figure out where to go for a getaway, Phuket was an easy choice. Since we had already stayed at the beach in the past, we wanted a bit of a different experience; something romantic, intimate and private.
So when I came across a picture, depicting large designer villas, with a bright blue sky in the background, overlooking the lush tropics below, all with a touch of hedonism. I fell in love. I knew the Pavilions would a perfect, romantic getaway for the two of us, and our stay couldn't come any quicker.
About the Pavilions
We approached the hotel down a long driveway lined with bamboo and we immediately felt the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The property feels more like a laid back private community than a hotel and each villa has it’s own space, offering total privacy if you want to relax without being disturbed. No children are allowed, making it perfect for honeymooners who want peace and quiet. Each villa comes with it’s own private pool and gorgeous views over the bays of Layan and Bang Tao and the Andaman Ocean - your own little slice of paradise.
Although the hotel was running at full occupancy, we never saw another guest except for when we went to eat breakfast or go to the bar. Whenever we needed to go to a different part of the resort, we could call the operator and a golf cart would take us around the property. This was very convenient, as the resort is huge and there are lots of hills.
We could have also ordered a shuttle service to Laguna Canal Village or Layan Beach but we were so content at our beautiful villa that we hardly ever left. However, if you want to spend a day at the beach, Bang Tao and Layan are gorgeous - with fine coral, soft sand, exotic birds and very few tourists.
Spa & Pool Villa
We adored our Spa and Pool Villa - it was so spacious we felt like we were in a private vacation home. When we walked in the door a sweet welcome note and some chocolates were waiting for us - the staff at the Pavilions really know how to make you feel special.
Although there were several other villas around us, our private pool was private and secluded enough for us to sunbathe au natural...finally Chris could do naked cannonballs again! There were a couple of times when the rain spoiled our plans, but we simply poured a glass of wine and sat on our covered patio for a while, just watching the evening settle in.
“All the villas at the Pavilions have a pool, so you’re guaranteed privacy with a ton of romance!”
The decor of the villa was a beautiful mix of dark hardwoods, cool grey concrete, rich earth tones, splashes of color and richly textured fabrics. It’s the beautiful details that really make each of the villas look and feel indulgent, such as the flower petals on the beds upon arrival and the colorful murals on the walls. The comfortable king bed had high quality cotton sheets and comfy pillows and the large rain-shower was heaven after a long day of tanning. The large sliding doors and windows could be opened to allow a refreshing breeze to flow through the villa and the high speed Wifi meant that we could stay connected (attempt to get work done) while we relaxed.
One of the wonderful special touches of the villa was our private spa room. It had a separate entrance so that the massage therapist could enter and get everything ready without disturbing us. The villa was the perfect place to escape from the world for a while. We had everything we wanted - sun, spa, food and gorgeous views - without ever having to leave the room.
Private Spa Room in our Villa
One of the truly indulgent aspects of this resort is that we could order spa treatments right in our own villa. I treated myself to the Scentsual Passion, which is a 2.5 hour signature treatment that includes a golden honey and black sesame seed full body scrub and a soothing mini-facial.
Chris had a Thai Silk massage with a refreshing mandarin orange scrub. The invigorating Thai massage involves stretching and manipulating your body in order to release energy blockages and promote flexibility.
These high end spa treatments were specially created by the therapist team using their signature oil blends and beauty products, which all smelled wonderful and felt even better. For the facial massages and skin care treatments, the therapists rely on Panpuri products, a Thai beauty and spa brand. Afterwards we both felt like we were floating on a cloud and my skin felt so smooth and refreshed.
Dining at the Pavilions
When we could pull ourselves away from the secluded tranquility of our villa, it was to head to the Plantation Club, where we would linger over champagne brunch and a great menu of hot breakfast items as well as granola and fresh fruit. The quality of the food was excellent and there were many fresh pastries as well as homemade yogurt.
We would order lunch every day in the room, which would consist of fresh and delicious Thai food like, stir-fried chicken and noodles. The Western options at the resort were not as good as the Thai options, so we stuck with those.
When it came time for dinner we would head to 360 Bar, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Phuket from the top of the hill. It’s a great place to watch the sunset while sipping a cold drink and the chef cooks up Thai inspired dishes that are flavorful, fragrant, modern and creative. We loved the lamb shank massaman, the satay chicken and the “Murtabak” (crispy roti pancake).
Make sure that you save room for dessert. The sticky rice ice cream sandwich was absolutely to die for. We also loved the creative and tasty cocktails - such as the Ginger Lemongrass Martini or the spicy and exciting Hex Appeal. On Friday evenings a four course “surprise menu” dinner will be served and on Sunday the resort hosts a Latin Flavors BBQ.
For more information about the Pavilions, make sure to visit their website: