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My Sri Panwa Review; The Best Hotel in Phuket

I’ve been a blogger for 10 years. And what a journey it’s been. From being a broke English teacher in Thailand, to visiting every country in the world. It’s a lot of stress, but being a blogger certainly has its perks. And getting to stay at the best hotel in Phuket was one of my early wins! My Sri Panwa review should help you guys see why. I’ve since gone back as a paying customer, it was that good!

So while I’m still a backpacker at heart (as my impending tours to South Sudan and Central African Republic and Mauritania can testify), it’s so nice to kick back and rejoice in some lavishness now and again. So in Phuket, I did just that. With bells on.

My Sri Panwa Review

Sri Panwa Hotel

Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island. And Phuket town is one of the most visited cities in the world. But what makes Sri Panwa hotel special is that despite so many people being here, you feel like you have the paradise to yourself.

The hotel is on the utmost southern point of Phuket Island, on the ‘Panwa Cape’. It’s about a 45-minute taxi ride from the airport. So although that’s a little further than ideal, it’s worth every minute of the journey. It’s Phuket’s most beautiful area, AND it gets you away from the madness.

They have taken an entire peninsula where they’ve built a series of pool villas amongst the lush Thai jungle. All of which have epic sunset views and wrap-around glass windows. It’s honestly insane.

Sri Panwa Rooms and 3Pool Villas

They have pool suites (hotel rooms part of one big building) as well as 1 and 2 bedroom pool villas. I’ve stayed in the pool suite too, and don’t worry it doesn’t feel like a normal hotel! It too feels like you’re in a pool villa, and it’s huge!

But for my first stay, I stayed in the iconic 2-bed villa. My then-girlfriend (now wife!) and I were escorted to our villa by our villa representative (i.e butler). He is then our go-to guy for everything (EVERYTHING!) we needed. We got his personal number and he’s literally at your beck and call. Motorbike rental help? He’s got you. Massage or restaurant reservations? Yup. Best place for a party? He knows!

Walking into the villa was a genuine jaw-dropping moment. As soon as you open the door the first thing that hits you is the insanely beautiful ocean view, unobstructed and stretching across the whole cape.

I first got a tour of the villa. First the living room (complete with bose speakers, complimentary Ipod, recliners and of course a sprawling view of the ocean with automatic curtains!).

Out of the front of the living room are 2 sunbeds, again with the most majestic views. These are beautifully propped up beside the main attraction of the hotel, the private pool.

Around the second room (the bedroom), is a u-shaped private infinity pool. Deep enough to dive in and about 12m long. The pool guys come and clean it daily so it’s in amazing condition.

On the end of each of the branches are Jacuzzi streams so any remaining stress you have in your body can be buzzed away in minutes. Although if you experience any stress in Sri Panwa hotel, then you’re certainly doing it wrong.

The bedroom is a huge space, with a massive king-size bed. Another flatscreen, full of international channels (including the football, bonus!) and of course another complimentary iPod and surround sound system are all waiting for you.

As you leave the bed, and step down to the l-shaped couch again you’re confronted with the most amazing view, the massive glass wall opens up onto the private pool with the ocean starting straight back at you, waking up to his never gets old.

The view from the rooms

I‘ve been to a lot of places and stayed in a lot of hotels but I woke up here on my first morning, forgot where I was for a second, and literally shouted ‘wow’, when I saw it first thing. I’ll never forget that reaction. I’d go as far to say this is the best view any hotel room in the world can have, you can only match it, not better it.

The ensuite to the bedroom is a sight to behold too, behind the outdoor shower where you can gaze into the Andaman sea is a double Jacuzzi hot tub. Behind that is your own private steam room and of course more showers and bathrooms.

Don’t expect to see much of Phuket!

Normally I love to explore areas but I feel no shame in saying I spent almost 48 hours in Sri Panwa without even leaving the resort, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. This is unadulterated luxury. Best hotel in the world? It’s certainly the top 5 I’ve ever stayed.

Facilities

Of course, that’s just the villa. The hotel also has amazing facilities. Tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, a (surprisingly average) breakfast, and a very, very special spa.

I couldn’t resist adding to the grandeur of the whole thing so my gf and I indulged further with a 90-minute treatment at the spa in the hotel. You can get cheap massages outside the resort too of course. But once in the Sri Panwa spa, you see why you pay the extra.

I’ve always wanted to experience a hot-stone massage so what better place than Sri Panwa, right?! Right! Well, I did it, and I think a week later, I’m still relaxed!

They discuss with you any past injuries (a lot, but thankfully I had travel insurance, NOT!), any areas you enjoy the massage most, how hot the stones should be. Really, this is service like I’ve never seen before. So 90 minutes came and went in the blink of an eye, but what an experience.

My final night here was spent with a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. A Thai fusion menu with really reasonable prices, I was expecting a horrific bill for our dinner for two. But 2 courses with a couple of drinks came to around $50, considering the surroundings, that’s a crazy cheap price. And then there’s Baba’s Nest.

DON’T MISS Sunset at Baba’s Nest

Regularly featured in one of the top 10 bars in the world. You can come here without staying at Sri Panwa but you need to make a reservation. There are only 12 spots or so each evening for sunset. And it’s often referred to as the best sunset point in Thailand, this place is somewhere genuinely special

This is the view from Baba’s Nest, the boutique bar that Sri Panwa is justifiably proud of. There’s no food on offer, just drinks and they don’t come cheap. My cocktail was about $40. Beers run around $15 but we all need to splash out now and again, and rather than burning $100 on a drunken, forgettable night in Patong in Phuket, consider donning your best clothes and get yourself here.

This is the sort of place you’ll be talking about for years, honestly. It’s literally almost breathtaking.

I knew I was coming about a month or so early, so I reserved the corner table – the best seat in the house, with no one between us and the sunset view. Amazing.

Final thoughts on my Sri Panwa Review

My time in Sri Panwa, the spa, and Baba’s Nest was possibly the best hotel experience of my life. I’m terrified now though because after this, I don’t think I can ever impress my partner again. This is the pinnacle!

So was Sri Panwa worth it? Prices range from $300 on sale to $1500 in peak season. Even at the high end price, one night of pure bliss? Go for it. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to reserve your spot at Baba’s Nest!