Away from prying eyes

Ideal for peace and privacy, Anantara Phuket Villas may be just too quiet for anyone who likes to party

You don't see many kids running around the Anantara Phuket Villas. In fact, judging by the number of couples looking dreamily into each other's eyes, it appears most of the guests are probably here making a baby for themselves.

"Yes, we're famous with honeymooners, especially the Koreans and Russian," agrees Anastasia Uvarova, the resort's event manage, when I share my sentiments with her.

Anantara Phuket Villas joins such high-end properties as JW Marriott, Sala Phuket and the t Renaissance on Mai Khao Beach on Phuket's northern tip, enjoying an idyllic stretch of little-developed, sandy beach.

Here, unlike at Patong Beach, your relaxing holiday won't be disturbed by scooters or jetskis, nor will you see hawkers plying their trade. Mai Khao Beach is in many ways the perfect place for a peaceful vacation, and for the last four years Anantara Phuket Villas has been proving that they can guarantee privacy to anyone wanting to escape the crowds.

"The developer and designer agreed on a village concept," says Uvarova. "They wanted to create a home, a residential feeling for guests rather than to wall-to-wall hotel rooms."

So the "village" is enclosed beyond a long line of bamboos, keeping Anantara Phuket Villas well away from prying eyes.

The resort takes a pride in the Thai heritage and hospitality. Once you step out of your

private limousine, you're welcomed and presented with a fragrant garland. Then somebody rings the bell, sending a signal to the check-in counter, which is located next to a lotus pond. The whole scene is so reminiscent of the Thai countryside that you feel like applauding the landscaper. He even thoughtfully omitted the mosquitoes.

Drawing inspiration from a Thai village, Anantara Phuket Villas encompasses 83 villas varying from Sala Pool Villa, through the Lagoon Pool Villa to the Pool Villa. The difference is probably the space and view - other than that you get equal treat and attention from Anantara.

For two nights I stay at Pool Villa 20 - a standard level. I share the small path with the guest in Pool Villa 18 for a short walk before turning right to mine. A green bicycle, (complimentary), is waiting next to the door.

The Pool Villa is designed in the style of a traditional Thai house with privacy ensured by a tall wooden fence. Climb up a few steps, walk through the wooden entrance, and you stand on the wooden deck, leading to your villa and small "sala" pavilion.

"There are two keys. One key is for the villa, and another is for the mini bar," says the receptionist, who shows me around the villa.

"One for the bed, and another for the beer," I repeat his words in my own way.

Yes, you need a key for a mini bar.

Tucked away in the small pavilion, the mini bar has its own wine cellar as well as a selection of beer and whiskey. I quickly lock the bar to make sure the fine wine and spirits stay untouched.

The villa, which has a high ceiling, is built in an L shape.

The longer arm of the "L" features a working table, king-size bed, a comfortable couch, TV set

and cabinet. The horizontal is dedicated to the restroom. Outside, within two arms is a private pool.

The interior design bows to vintage oriental with a dark wooden floor and cream-colour concrete walls. Wood furniture, rattan works and a vintage-looking ceiling fan add the charm. One side of the wall is actually a sliding door, offering immediate access to the pool. Yoga mat, deposit box, slippers, woven bags and an umbrella are all on hand.

The air inside the villa is fragrant with lemon grass and kaffir lime while outside it's redolent of freshly cut grass and tropical blooms.

Food is available at the resort's two restaurants. La Sala is open all day and is where guests enjoy the generous buffet breakfast and dinner. Sea.Fire.Salt is Anantara's signature beachfront restaurant and offers BBQ and seafood specialities.

Anantara Phuket Villas is ideal for a peaceful escape. I thoroughly enjoy waking early in the morning, working out on the yoga mat then following the small path through the tropical garden listening to Mother Nature.

At a glance

HIGH POINT: Sizeable with stylish villas drawing inspiration from the Thai traditional house.

LOW POINT: Partygoers might miss the bustling scene of Patong Beach. Dining is limited to the restaurants in the resort. If you want to go out, the city of Phuket is an hour's drive from Mai Khao Beach.

PAY FOR IT: Visit the website for the best deals and promotions

FIND IT: Mai Khao Beach, northern Phuket

PHONE IT: (+66 76) 336 100

E-MAIL IT: phuket@anantara.com

BROWSE IT: www.Anantara.com

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/14/away-from-prying-eyes/