Picture it: soft white sheets envelop you as you gaze out at a turquoise-tinted ocean. An endless stretch of swimming pool meets the sea, as the sun rises pink and purple in the sky. You sip on your perfectly poured latte as you watch the dawn break before you. You’re probably not thinking you’re in Phuket, the island now best-known for partying rather than pampering. But you are, since you’ve found an opulent oasis nestled in a quiet corner of the island, and in our opinion the best luxury hotel in Phuket, Como Point Yamu.
Location – a private escape from Phuket
We’d made our way to Phuket as part of an island-hopping jaunt, after taking the ferry from Phi Phi and a few weeks spent snorkelling and sailing our way around the Andaman Sea, from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta, and Koh Lanta to Phi Phi. Phuket wasn’t top of our Thailand itinerary since its reputation preceded it: one of the original locations for island-hungry travellers that has, over the last decade, become a bit of a party mecca.
So, it was with a sigh of relief that we found our way to the best luxury hotel in Phuket, Como Point Yamu, in our opinon one of the best hidden gems in Thailand! Located far away from the madding crowds of Patong and Kata, this incredible resort is perched at the tip of Cape Yamu, an outcropping overlooking the Andaman Sea and featuring the soaring limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.
Arrival – awed by the interior design
Winding your way up the streets of Cape Yamu, you’ll feel transported into an almost otherworldly place. Punctuated by birdsong, it’s a far cry from the crazy streets of Phuket as you pull up to the stately welcome area of the property.
Envisioned by prominent Italian designer, Paola Navone, Como is all about epic large spaces and dramatic design, starting from the reception area. Welcomed with a traditional local garland and some of the most accomplished staff contingents we’ve ever experienced, you’ll want to whip out your camera to already take photographs of the interiors.
The hotel has a contemporary feel that somehow merges Thai elements with Italian flair, with large columns and gigantic light fittings juxtaposed against the turquoise waters of the ocean surrounding it. Everything from the bright orange wooden pillars to the many reflective pools seems perfectly curated to fit the hotel’s unique aesthetic.
The Room – Sumptuous in its simplicity
We’re shown to our room – call that suite – for the stay. And this is where Como Point Yamu understands its audience. An almost entirely pristine white canvas, we’re ushered into the Point Yamu Suite, an opulent suite including two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a breath-taking balcony including private pool and seating area with impressive sunset views.
Even though the room is definitely designed with minimalism in mind, the key features are well-considered. An enormous bathtub with warm globes suspended above it, mother-of-pearl tiling which makes the bathrooms feel like you’ve stepped into a seaside retreat and interesting textures on everything from the tabletops to the dividing walls.
At this point we’re already blown away by this property and, as previously corporate travellers we’ve seen a LOT of 5 star resorts.
Food and Drink – signature simplicity
The property boasts two high-end restaurants: Nahmyaa, a smaller, more exclusive Thai restaurant and La Sirena, the bright turquoise-hued eatery which serves Western food options and is also your location for breakfast each morning.
La Sirena is perfectly positioned next to the swimming pool, giving you sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and, if you’re up early enough, sunrise while slurping on your coconut water.
The breakfast buffet is heavenly in that we found all the food options to be impeccably made and chosen. Delicious pots of granola, homemade honeycomb and an ala carte menu where we’d highly recommend the waffles and the avocado toast on greens.
After dining at both restaurants for dinner, it’s a tough call on a winner but Nahmyaa slightly nudges ahead as the trademark curries and to-die-for mango sticky rice were top-notch.
Hotel facilities – of spas and swims
There are two famous elements to Como Point Yamu: The swimming pool and the spa.
The pool complex is impressive – 100 metres long and stretching across three pools, with loungers dotted around it looking out to the ocean.
But it’s the spa that packs a punch. Como Shambala is globally renowned as a spa retreat and the Point Yamu property pays homage to this with a beautifully appointed spa which offers everything from Guinot facial treatments to signature bathing and wellness packages.
Adjacent to the spa is the fitness centre, which we really enjoyed. With free yoga classes and a range of cardio and weights equipment, the gym wasn’t enormous but had more than enough to satisfy the exercise enthusiast.
If you’re a fan of sandy beaches over swimming pools, Como also boasts its own private beach, the Como Beach Club. Accessed via their boat, this trip to their private island can see you scrunching your toes in the sand as you sip your cocktail in extravagant surrounds. There are thirteen private salas, each with them own sitting area and even shower, as well as a restaurant, beach bar and another swimming pool with pool deck.
Overall – the highs and the lows
When reviewing a property usually it’s easy to find the niggles: a surly staff member, too soft a pillow or even a disappointing buffet breakfast.
Como doesn’t have such issues. Even as slightly jaded travellers, we couldn’t find a single thing to fault. The beds were heavenly, the food was exquisite, the employees were well-trained and authentic in their friendly attitude and the entire property has been created with the luxury travellers in mind. It’s a rare retreat fit for the discerning guest, and we hope to return again one day.
If you’re interested in booking a stay at this incredible property, check out the best room prices here.
Disclosure: The Travel Scribes were invited to stay at Como Point Yamu as part of our trip to Thailand. Although we received a complimentary stay at the hotel, all views expressed in this review are our own. If you have any further questions about the property, get in touch with us here.
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