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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. And their bar, Babas Nest, is a top 10 bar in the world. That’s some serious credibility.

So while I’m still a backpacker at heart (as my upcoming group tours to Mauritania and Libya – join me! 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. Check out my Sri Panwa review, as to why I belive it’s the best resort in Phuket, and has a claim to be the best in Thailand.

My Sri Panwa Review

Sri Panwa Hotel – a brief look:

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.

Sri Panwa is a luxury resort perched atop Cape Panwa in Phuket, Thailand, offering sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.

Known for its ultra-private pool villas, sleek modern-Thai design, and world-class service, it’s a favorite among celebrities and high-end travelers.

Each villa features infinity pools, outdoor rain showers, and sunset-perfect views. Baba Nest, the resort’s rooftop bar, is often ranked among the best in the world. With a serene atmosphere, top-tier spa, and gourmet dining options, Sri Panwa blends exclusivity with barefoot luxury. Ideal for honeymoons, retreats, or indulgent escapes, it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic stays.

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 & Villas Types:

Here’s an approximate 2025 price range for each room type at Sri Panwa, based on seasonal averages and direct booking rates. Prices vary by season and promotions, but this gives you a solid ballpark:

1. Pool Suites

• THB 14,000–22,000 per night ($500ish)
• Great for couples or short stays
• Sea view with private plunge pool

2. Luxury Pool Villas

• THB 28,000–45,000 per night ($1kish)
• 1- or 2-bedroom with large infinity pool
• High privacy, full ocean view

3. Penthouse Suites

• THB 35,000–50,000 per night ($1k-$1500ish)
• Premium views, top-tier sunset location
• Larger pool and luxe interiors

4. The Habita Suites

• THB 10,000–18,000 per night ($300-$500)
• Sleek, compact, modern — near Baba Poolclub
• Some units have private plunge pools

5. Residence Villas (3–5 Bedrooms)

• THB 80,000–180,000+ per night ($2k++)
• Ultra-luxury, private chefs, butlers optional
• Ideal for groups, VIPs, or events

The ‘Luxury pool villas’ are, of course, the icing on the cake. But I’ve also 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. So if the pool villa is pushing it a little too much, the pool suite is still luxury at its finest.

Our 2 bedroom pool villa experience

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. It’s like something from a James Bond movie. A real ‘omg, I can’t believe we’re staying here’ moment.

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

Out of the front of the living room are 2 sun loungers, 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.

Jacuzzis and steam rooms

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 more surround sound systems 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 epic ocean views, 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.

It’s so good, that my advice would be to stay in a ‘normal’ hotel for a couple of days. See what you’d like to see. Big Buddha, elephants, whatever floats your boat. But then check into Sri Panwa and stay there. Guilt free. This place is built to relax, recover and pamper.

Sri Panwa Facilities

Dining

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

Sri Panwa’s dining is world-class, with stunning views and diverse cuisine. Enjoy Thai dishes at Baba Soul Food, Japanese favorites at Baba IKI, and grilled delights at Baba Hot Box. Don’t miss Baba Nest—an iconic rooftop bar with 360° sea views and tapas. Every venue offers bold flavors, elegant settings, and a luxurious culinary experience.

I’ve heard the breakfast has since been improved upon. I hope to go back soon and I’ll let you guys know. It has to be said, for the sheer unadulterated luxury that this place is, you’d expect a top-tier breakfast every morning. And it was very average. Although, once more, the views from breakfast are out of this world.

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 $80, considering the surroundings, that’s a crazy cheap price. And then there’s Baba’s Nest. Arguably the highlight of the resort.

Gym

A REAL GYM! I thought even luxury hotels forgot what a real gym is like. The amount of times I stay in 5* resorts and the gym looks like something from a 1990 condo. Not in Sri Panwa though. The gym was perfect. Yoga classes are also available.

The Spa

I couldn’t resist adding to the grandeur of the whole thing so my girlfriend 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.

Sri Panwa’s Beach

Unsurprisingly, Sri Panwa’s private beach is a secluded, peaceful cove with soft sand and clear, calm waters. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, it offers a tranquil escape from Phuket’s busier shores. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by the cape’s rocky edges, the beach feels exclusive and intimate. ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the ocean views.

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 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!

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