Welcome to Trisara: stretching across a secluded bay on the unspoilt north-west coast of Phuket, this is the Thai island’s most private resort, and a space that truly defines the concept of quiet luxury.
Trisara translates to ‘the garden in the third heaven’ and – surrounded by fragrant rainforest and the sharp blue waters of the Andaman Sea – the resort feels far removed from the island’s buzz (despite being only a 10-minute drive from Phuket International Airport). Set across a privately owned tropical country estate, Trisara is inspired by rich Thai heritage and peaceful Buddhist traditions.
The Vibe
The check-in process at Trisara is ritualised, with a greeting of tropical frangipani garlands and refreshing cups of sweet iced tea. While your luggage is whisked away, take a second to look out across the resort that trickles down past multi-tiered freshwater pools and oceanfront restaurants, towards its own private beach.
Across the peaceful grounds, orange-topped villas poke out above the jungle canopy, spaced out from each other by winding manicured pathways dotted with swinging hammocks and striking blue loungers that are shaded by wild windy palm trees. Here, JOMO, or the ‘joy of missing out’ becomes a reality.
The Rooms
Your own personal hideaway where relaxation is a given and the time of day is forgotten awaits. Trisara offers the largest villa selection in Thailand: a collection made up of 64 refined suites and villas and several exclusive residences, ranging from two to nine bedrooms – all with a personal butler, chef, private infinity pool with a parasol-covered deck, and an uninterrupted ocean view.
Villas showcase the creativity of sophisticated Thai craftsmanship: think dark wooden furniture, ornate gold sculptures, crisp marble sinks and creamy Thai silk fabrics by designer Jim Thompson. Outside, an outdoor shower wrapped by tropical plants and laden with sleek black bottles of the hotel’s rich jojoba lotion. A daily turndown service leaves you with fresh mangos, hand-woven palm leaf pillow presents, and glass bottles of bug spray to lightly spritz before folding into your king-size bed.
The Food + Drink
Slow mornings begin at Cielo & Spice where blended European and Asian cuisines form the perfect breakfast buffet, comprising dishes like a caramelised banana pancake with almond nibs and dried coconut, and the Kai Karta – Thai-style fried eggs with Chinese sausage and tangy spring onions. When hunger hits after lazing on the sandy beachfront, pad a few steps up to La Crique – Trisara’s newest foodie spot helmed by rising star Chef Notty which marries the flavours of the Andaman Coast and the French Riviera. Must-orders include the tuna ceviche with oozy passionfruit glaze and the crispy salted chicken with charred corn and fresh herbs.
When the evening turns balmy there are three dinner choices. Thai Library serves upscale homestyle dining that celebrates the heritage of Southern Thai recipes. Jampa is found on the hotel’s off-property farm and is Michelin Green Star-awarded, proudly serving up zero-waste farm-to-table dishes that are all cooked and smoked over a live fire. Pru, Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a full dining experience led by Dutch chef Jimmy Ophorst, and, with a community-to-fork focus plus cocktail and mocktail pairings, counter seats peaking into the kitchen, and a masterful Blue-Zone tasting menu using ingredients from regions where people live the longest, it’s a must.
The Spa
Under a century-old Ficus tree, Jara Spa is rooted in time-honoured Thai therapies to help you to heal and recover in nature. Each treatment room is fitted with cool wood flooring, a cloud-like treatment bed and a large window framing the lush jungle plus the ocean’s waves. Trisara’s wellness offerings are centred around longevity, with multi-generational guests returning time and time again to indulge in their treatments. We recommend the Jara Oil Massage: using authentic Thai massage techniques and strokes, your body is coated in a choice of sandalwood, lemongrass frangipane, or coconut oil – each deeply soothing. Post-treatment, relax in the quiet spa lobby over a fresh lemongrass tea and dainty bowl of sweet dried mango to help you gently wake back up.
For those who want to reinvigorate their bodies, just underneath the spa is a gym complete with a wooden sauna to sweat away any jet lag. Daily yoga and mindfulness meditation classes can be taken down by the ocean’s edge allowing the lapping waves to wash away any remaining stress.
The Little Extras
There are many special touches that make Trisara memorable. Pru Jampa Farm is a short drive from the hotel’s entrance and peacefully set amongst little lakes and roaming wildlife. The farm supplies organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and free-range chicken eggs to all of Trisara’s restaurants; it has a Little Farmers Program, teaching children how to cook; and it’s host to the Local Roots Market, selling local produce and hosting artisan workshops. Another secret spot in the hotel is the new and very-elegant cocktail lounge, 7.8˚N Bar. Perched above the resort’s terrace, cosy tables are a prime sunset watching spot, best done with a tangy mojito in hand.
The To-Do List
Once you have recharged your batteries from a poolside canopy bed, a hand-picked selection of carefree watersports await you at the shoreline: kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and free diving in the clear waters around Koh Weao’s vibrant coral reef. Unleash your inner fighter with a Muay Thai lesson or travel to Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town to explore the handmade market shops and local mango stalls. The best part? You’ll return to your own private paradise villa to soak up what’s left of the day with a cooling dip in your private infinity pool – probably while wondering how you could ever return to your busy 9-5.
All image credit: Trisara, Phuket
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