Tiger Tales

HOTEL REPORT

Krabi VS Phuket

With two new luxury resorts in Thailand on the scene, Mary Weaver puts them to the test

HOTEL

RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE AT PHULAY BAY, KRABI

THE LOCATION

Nestled in 14 hectares on the shores of the Andaman Sea

THE ARCHITECTURE

Moroccan chic with a touch of Thai

THE VIEW

With limestone karsts visible in the distance and the occasional longtail boat puttering by, it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by while sipping mojitos at your poolside cabana.  

THE VIBE

Exclusive and expansive, it’s the type of place where you could stay for a week and seldom see another person.

THE VILLAS

The best bed in the world! It’s a bold statement, but I’m convinced that this enormous bed cannot be trumped. It’s the size of two king-size beds but consists of just one mattress. During the day, it’s also a blissful spot to park yourself and admire the view of your private outdoor plunge pool.  

THE FOOD

With so few villas here, it’s a surprise to find six restaurants offering a huge variety of dishes. Insider tip: head straight to Sri Trang, the Thai restaurant, for their hotter-than-hot tom yum soup.

GETTING AROUND

It’s a big resort, so each guest is assigned a personal butler to ferry them around in a golf buggy. But if you want to walk, you can. But why would you?!  

THE DETAILS

From S$840/A$650 per night. www.phulaybay.com  

THE VERDICT

For unbridled luxury in a serene setting, this is your spot.

HOTEL

SRI PANWA RESORT, PHUKET  

THE LOCATION

Perched on a hilltop in the south-east corner of the island  

THE ARCHITECTURE

Modern Thai design

THE VIEW

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better outlook than the stunning 180-degree views of the azure blue sea beyond your private infinity pool. At sunset, head to the Sunset Lounge for cocktails.  

THE VIBE

Hip and happening at the Baba Pool Club, but once inside your private villa, it’s all peace and serenity.  

THE VILLAS

The one-bedroom villas come with two pavilions – one for use during the day, the other after dark. Thanks to the daybeds, deckchairs and cushion-laden sofas with Bose sound systems pumping out chill-out tunes from pre-programmed iPods, the only decision you’ll have to make is where to park yourself.  

THE FOOD

Visit the Baba-Q restaurant and nab a prime spot at one of four tables in the middle of the main pool. The views are truly spectacular. Afterwards, head downstairs to Baba 88 for a nightcap and a boogie.

GETTING AROUND

Simply dial “0” and a tuk-tuk will be dispatched within minutes to your villa, from which you’ll be whisked to the restaurant, spa, tennis courts or wherever you want to go.

THE DETAILS

From S$1200/A$930 per night. www.mrandmrssmith.com

THE VERDICT

Don’t get too comfortable here or you may never leave.