The resort proves itself the perfect retreat for those seeking to slow down and reconnect with nature

Situated on Emerald Bay in southwest Phuket, one of the island’s last remaining secluded beaches, the Rosewood Phuket highlights a unique design approach as a luxury vacation destination. I was immediately taken aback by the old-world grandness of this relatively new resort. The architecture feels like a mix of Roman and Khmer and perhaps otherworldly, too. Structures are monolithic, covered lushly in epiphytes, making the resort feel as though it has been absorbed by the jungle, which was largely left untouched during development. Giant Thai colocasia dotting the property create impressive swathes of green, and at dusk, as the sun sinks into the Andaman, you can see silhouettes of bats dancing against the twilight sky.

Prior to arrival, I was asked to advise any dietary requirements, to which I responded vegan. The resort’s Italian restaurant, Red Sauce, has a number of vegan options, including pizza featuring vegan mozzarella. The daily breakfast at Red Sauce, however, is the star of the show with many plant-based options leaving you spoiled for choice. In particular, one of the chef’s specials during my stay was a lemon-infused rice pudding served with granola and fresh berries, which I could happily eat every day.

The hotel’s rooms and amenities made the idea of ditching my active trip agenda and becoming a 5-star recluse an incredibly enticing one. Of the 71 pavilions and villas the Rosewood Phuket has to offer, I was booked in one of the Partial Ocean View Pool Pavilions. A buggy transports you from the lobby building to your accommodation, passing through the welcome shade of jungle canopy. The resort is cleverly designed in that maximum privacy is reserved throughout. Though the rooms have views across the bay, external line of sight to any of the rooms or living areas is impossible, making it the perfect spot for a private celebrity such as myself—minus the celebrity.

All accommodations at the Rosewood Phuket are blessed with an open-air bathroom enclave that features an oversized bathtub and shower. It is like having a private Roman bath all to yourself and there is a certain element of decadence as the steam wafts skyward and the stars glimmer above at night. The stone from which the floor and walls of the bathroom are constructed is a welcome change from the overtly glossy marble so frequently used in luxury hotels and residences. Not only does it feel wonderful under your feet, you’ll never have to concern yourself with slipping on wet tiles.

Each day, the turndown service would leave a sweet treat, corresponding to my initial dietary request. From housemade soft vegan gummies to velvety chocolate truffles, each was a delight. Rooms are also equipped with Nespresso machines and selections of coffee types, as well as teas.

Living up to its reputation as a village at one with nature, the resort relies entirely upon its own water supply, collected through its tiered rooftops. Rainwater is fed into a reservoir lake by an advanced plumbing network before it is processed by the onsite filtration system. Solar water heaters atop each villa and pavilion help to reduce the ecological footprint further. In fact, I am told the RosewoodPhuket employs the largest solar energy system of any hotel in the island-province. It has also committed to protecting the ecology of its surroundings and is currently waiting to see the long-term results of planting hundreds of new corals just beyond its beachfront. These are just a few of the hotel’s sustainability practices that are fascinating to bear witness to when staying at the exquisitely green location.

The Rosewood Phuket
88/28, 88/30-33 Muen-Ngern Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
+667-635-6888, phuket@rosewoodhotels.comm, rosewoodphuket.com

[This story first appeared in Koktail Magazine Issue 1.]