Thailand – but not as you know it

Brian Telfer on 01 July 2015
If Thailand is on your wish-list – or if you think you’ve “done” Thailand – read on.

Invited onto a very special educational trip to Phuket, I was privileged to visit a stunning area on the lesser known, less built-up side of the island. It’s a region of outstanding beauty, with the UNESCO site of Phang Nga Bay right on the doorstep.

We stayed at a new luxury resort, Point Yamu by Como, set high on a peninsula, with non-stop views of the Andaman Sea. When I saw the beautiful bay suite which was to be my temporary home - overlooking both Phang Nga and Yamu Bay - I knew we were in a very special place.

It was during our extensive site tour with James, the General Manager, that everything began to unfold about the resort of Point Yamu. It’s a super stylish resort with a very relaxed atmosphere. The thinking behind the hotel design by Paola Navone, was explained to us in great detail (and with much passion). I began to notice the meticulous attention to detail, the signature clean lines, the elegance, the tranquillity and more. Everything is really quite understated with lots of clever details (ask me about the goldfish).

Just leaning on the far edge of the magnificent infinity pool, and taking in an almost 360-degree panoramic view was so calming and good for the soul. It was also a great place for sunset cocktails.

There’s a whole range of luxurious accommodation options – from guest rooms and suites with or without pools, to private pool villas with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, ideal if travelling with family. The excellent “Play by Como” Kids Club gives parents some free time.

The resort offers some of the best dining in Phuket with a choice of Italian, Thai or healthy cuisine designed to maximise energy and wellbeing. I had an anti-aging smoothie each day - bit late I know, but no harm trying.

I loved having breakfast on the terrace with sweeping views over the bay - what a way to start your day. We had our farewell dinner in the exquisite private dining room - a dream spot for special occasions.

Our cookery lesson with Chef Siam – starting with an early visit to the market & then eating the lunch we’d cooked was a highlight, as was a brilliant massage in the hotel's COMO Shambhala Retreat - one of the top spas in the world.

Cycling through the plantations, beach & fishing villages and seeing the local families in their day-to-day life was especially enjoyable, and the hotel will send a mini-bus if the last hill is a bit too much!

Another great day was setting off from the beautiful Marina Pier to cruise on a luxury yacht to the stunning beaches and dramatic islands, past James Bond Island. We had the most delicious lunch on board & then swam from the beach of a deserted island – a real treat. We also took a look at our hotel's new private beach club due to open later this year on Naka Yai Island.

However, the hotel staff can make or break a good experience, and I found the team exceptional - so welcoming and professional, everything done well and with a smile.

I set off to Phuket feeling very stressed due to an agonising back problem, and I came back rejuvenated! Relaxing in the spacious Etihad lounge at Heathrow was great. Its fantastic facilities, including the Six Senses Spa, were a real VIP start to the trip, away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Flying back from a wonderful holiday experience is never great. However, if it’s in Business Class on the A380 aircraft - the pride of Etihad’s fleet – it is a treat. The cabin layout gave a feeling of personal space and makes for a very relaxed environment. It’s often tempting to save on the airfare, and put the money towards accommodation. However, by treating yourself to an upgrade on the flight, the whole experience adds significantly to the enjoyment of your holiday.

On our last evening in Phuket, we released “khom loy”, or paper balloons into the sky, writing our wishes on them first. Mine was – of course – to come back soon to Point Yamu, however with my girlfriend next time. Having said this, I am taking her to two fabulous resorts in the Maldives, both by Como, later this year.

Is Thailand on your wish list?

If this luxury resort in a stunning, less developed area of Thailand appeals to you, please do contact me on 020 3432 2510 for a chat about your holiday plans. I’d love you to have a wonderful time, just like I did. I’ve got some great contacts too.