THE CLIFFS THAT SEPARATE KATA’S TWO BEACHES ARE HOME TO SEVERAL SMALL RESORTS AND PRIVATE VILLAS. IMPIANA PRIVATE VILLAS KATA NOI IS ONE SUCH ESTABLISHMENT, WHICH OFFERS GUESTS A STUNNING RING-SIDE VIEW OF THE ANDAMAN SEA AND PHUKET’S SOUTHWEST COASTLINE
By: Madeleine Becker
The Deluxe Pool Suite at Impiana is just one of eleven private villas and suites, which you reach via a hidden and shaded lane off the main road to Kata Noi Beach, suggesting total privacy from your very arrival.
THE VIEW: NATURE’S MASTERPIECE
As soon as you enter you are immediately reminded of the reason why you would choose this place: it’s private views! 50% of the large bedroom’s enclosure is sliding glass which opens up to westerly sunset views of the ocean.
The pièce de résistance, is the private infinity pool that graces every suite. Perched on the edge of the cliff, the pool seems to merge with the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Whether you’re enjoying a sunrise swim or sipping champagne as the sun sets, the view is nothing short of mesmerizing.
THE ACCOMMODATION: A HAVEN OF ELEGANCE
Each villa and suite at Impiana is a masterpiece of design, offering a harmonious blend of opulence and comfort. The interiors are sleek and contemporary, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panels that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Polished teak wood, natural stone, and vibrant Thai textiles add an authentic touch to the decor.
The bathroom is huge, with a couple-sized bathtub, the eye-catching feature, raised and positioned right up against cliff facing glass. No one can see you, don’t worry, but just in case you are overcome with modesty there are Venetian blinds.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining at Impiana is a personalised experience. The resort’s Living Room offers a Thai and International menu, but when you have the option of room service on your personal stretch of cliff it is no surprise that most guests opt to call ‘0’ on the bedside phone and have their meal served in their room.
For special occasions, the resort offers a draped gazebo on the lawn, under which a candlelit dinner for two can be booked; whilst I was there I witnessed an expectant groom popping the question to the would-be bride. I think the answer was ‘yes’ on this occasion as a champagne cork popped immediately afterwards.
EXPERIENCES CRAFTED FOR YOU
The resorts’ locally staffed concierge can get you booked into the best Kata eateries, and they can even assist with organising food deliveries from outside restaurants, which is a very rare service at resort properties; they usually restrict this so you are encouraged to order the in-house food and beverages.
The resort also offers curated experiences, such as Thai cooking classes, yoga sessions on the terrace, and in-villa spa treatments.