A New Viewfinder To Look At Phuket

There is a new viewfinder to look at Phuket. And it's set on a rented piece of paradise.

- Vishakha Talreja

Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury, Coco Chanel once famously said. A four-hour direct flight, free visaon-arrival and luxury villas to choose from if Coco were to talk about a holiday, Phuket would fit the bill perfectly.

Besides the lure of a luxurious beach holiday, there was another rather mundane yet pertinent reason, for my recent vacation. It was my husband’s birthday so I decided to gift him a luxury holiday home, albeit only for four nights. No point spoiling a 35-year-old beyond that.

We checked in straight to our awe-inspiring two-bedroom sea facing residence at Anantara Layan that overlooked the bay and had the most gorgeous infinity pool I have ever taken a dip in. Our oversized villa also had a spacious dining room, a living room, a typical Thai outdoor dining sala and a lavish bathroom that stocked Bulgari toiletries. Anantara Layan Phuket houses 15 uniquely designed residences that dot the lush hillside featuring incredible coastal vistas showcased by high ceilings and expansive windows.

Some days we would hop skip and jump to the Thai restaurant Dee Plee at the resort next door, then there were days we settled for a private barbecue at our sala or a lazy in-residence bubbly breakfast that our charming butler Alan would lay down with warmth.

The evenings at our not-so-little paradisiacal residence were magical as it would turn into a magnificent abode, lit with many candles and outdoor torches. One of the most beautifully planned turndown services were at our disposal. Hotels can be so incredibly innovative, and subtly luxurious.