Feel on top of the world at the island’s newest hospitality landmark.

By Ashima Sethi

How do we define luxury? For many, an experience of true luxury can be defined by the moments where we feel most at ease. Where every worry we’ve ever had, small or big, seemingly disappears as if it never existed to begin with. To find this said state of total relaxation, it takes a special experience, or in this context, a very special property.

V Villas Phuket—M Gallery Hotel is one of Phuket’s newest hospitality landmarks and certainly one of the most exciting. Nestled 39-metres above sea level, the resort overlooks the picturesque Ao Yon Bay in South Phuket, an exclusive enclave offering guests unparalleled privacy and indulgence.

An hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport and only 15 minutes from the famed Phuket Old Town, the resort’s dedication to tailor-made experiences begins the moment guests arrive at the lobby. Check-in was quick and simple as the resort was thoroughly prepared for our arrival. After sipping on glasses of their refreshing signature Sign of Love mocktail crafted from lychee, sea salt, lemon, sweet tamarind syrup and Fentimans rose lemonade, we were transported through the verdant grounds via a buggy service.

The terraced property houses 19 villas perched clifftop above the treeline, ensuring that all exclusive accommodations have stunning ocean or forest views. Beyond the villas, at the heart of the property is the main infinity pool framed by ample decks and terraces equipped with single and double sun loungers where guests can enjoy cocktails and canapes. Nearby, a winding staircase takes you down to the quiet beach where you can have a stroll.

After a quick buggy ride, we soon arrived at our weekend abode, a One-Bedroom Sea View Villa. The sprawling 180sqm room is ideal for lovers of the sea, offering panoramic unobstructed views of bay and the various boats that dot its turquoise waters. The bedroom boasts a king bed you can melt into, while the walk-in closet leads the way to the bathroom complete with a rain shower, his and hers sinks, and a twin spa bath.

The living area has sofas to lounge on, a smart television, a Bose soundbar that will make even your most-played soundtracks sound even better, and floor-to-ceiling windows you can open up to create a seamless flow between the villa’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The garden and terrace features an al fresco dining area, and beyond that is a private infinity pool with Jacuzzi jets. Every villa also offers a 24-hour butler service, a special touch that really makes you feel taken care of. Our butler, Khun Kitty could not have done more to ensure our stay was comfortable, from arranging for transport to a nearby bar for a night cap to changing our itinerary to suit Phuket’s rain showers.

If you prefer to be immersed in nature, the resort also offers a One-Bedroom Hill View Villa with all the aforementioned amenities, perched amidst the forested hillside. For families and groups of friends, the two-storey Three-Bedroom Sea View Villa offers 360sqm of space containing an elevated terrace with ocean views, spacious bedrooms with ensuite baths, generous living areas, al fresco dining spaces, a pool, and more.

Fit for celebrations and groups travelling together, the Four-Bedroom Hill Top Cliff Owner Villa (836sqm) is a true spectacle. Located on the lower level is an expansive infinity pool and spacious bedrooms, each fitted with a king bed and bathrooms with twin spa baths. Upstairs is the airy light-filled living area, dining room, and gourmet kitchen. The villa also features a wine cellar, while the owner’s personal art collection truly makes the space feel like a home away from home.

Drinking and Dining

No luxury experience is complete without five-star dining and V Villas Phuket truly delivers. YON | Ocean House, the resort’s gastronomic centerpiece, serves creative ingredient-driven menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring freshly caught seafood and organic local produce.

There were a lot of standouts from the menu but the tuna tartare was particularly delicious. Served with an avocado salsa and lime dressing, it was the perfect plate to enjoy in the Phuket sun. The roasted rack of lamb was also sublime as the red wine berries sauce was the perfect complement to the tender meat. To pair with a meal, the restaurant houses a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar featuring classic and boutique vintages from all around the world.

The space itself draws inspiration from the beauty of the ocean as it is adorned in an elegant colour palette with floral and pearl-inspired motifs adding a modern art deco element. A recommendation we have for a visit to YON | Ocean House is to sit outside on their large terrace, which offers stunning ocean views.

Beyond just the food, the team at the restaurant are very professional. Khun Beer was incredibly attentive, making sure we were well taken care of during all of our meals. He even went so far as to arrange bespoke cocktails for us at their Piano Bar that we enjoyed alongside specially curated, house-made canapés.

If Phuket’s monsoons are keeping you in the villa, worry not as the resort’s in-villa dining options are extensive. During our stay, we opted for breakfast to be served every morning on the terrace so we could look out onto the sparkling bay while dining. With Asian and Western options available in set format, you can pick mains, sides, cold cuts, and lots more to kick start your day on the right note.

Similarly, the team can also arrange other in-villa experiences. We indulged in the floating afternoon tea, a personalised process that began with picking out tea blends from their 54 options. Then, a mixed (and very Instagrammable) spread of savoury items, open faced toasts, Thai sweets, fruits, and more, arrived at the villa to be floated in the pool so we could enjoy them as we swam.

Exceptional Service

Personalisation and attention to detail are some of the most important core pillars at V Villas Phuket. For many of us, we have been lucky to call Thailand home for years, and are therefore very familiar with the famed ‘Thai hospitality.’ But even then, the level of care presented to you by the team here sets a new standard.

Wellness

The nature-inspired V Villas Spa is a haven for wellness. Their various programmes involve cutting-edge therapies, world-class skin and spa products, and pearl-inspired beauty regimens. The spa sphere also houses a gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym and a dedicated yoga sala, which provides daily private yoga and Pilates classes.

Weddings and Events

The resort’s unique cliffside location, soaring high above the Andaman Sea, provides a one-of-a-kind, romantic setting for a wedding in one of Thailand’s leading tropical locales. The resort offers three picturesque wedding venues encompassing YON | Ocean House, AKOYA | Star Lounge, and the Hilltop Cliff or Owner’s Villa, each with pristine backdrops for a memorable celebration. The resort’s professional wedding specialists will also oversee all aspects of your event, including assisting with floral arrangements, catering, entertainment, and spa and stay arrangements.

Masala Recommends

If V Villas Phuket is Ao Yon Bay’s crown, then the crown jewel is undeniably the AKOYA | Star Lounge. Perched 55 metres above the bay, this stylish rooftop bar combines chic settings with an unparalleled 360 degree view of the night sky and the ocean. On the menu are a selection of small plates highlighting regional flavours and signature cocktails crafted from exotic ingredients, while those who prefer Champagne and wine will be spoilt for choice thanks to the bar’s impressive selection.

A must-visit destination no matter where you choose to stay in Phuket, the lounge epitomises the saying “you have to see it, to believe it.” Inspired by elegant ‘akoya’ pearls, the space comes to life thanks to its striking chandeliers, ambient lighting, and radiant blue colour palettes that merge into the horizon.

V VILLAS PHUKET—M GALLERY HOTEL
39/39 Moo 8, Ao Yon Road., Wichit,
Muang Phuket, 83000 Thailand
Tel: 076 630 939
Email: HB775@accor.com
Facebook: @vvillasphuketmgallery
vvillasphuket.com