UNVEILING THE PAVILIONS PHUKET, A RESORT WITH AN ELEVATED POSITION
By: Roger Osbourne
Nestled among the constellation of luxury hotels on Phuket’s West Coast, The Pavilions Phuket is a discrete gem that may have eluded your radar. It’s not because of any shortcomings in quality but rather a conscious choice to maintain its serene slice of paradise. Let’s unveil the secrets that set The Pavilions Phuket apart.
Reaching the hill’s mid-way point, we found the lobby, with its panoramic view of the Laguna area, one of Phuket’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Truly spectacular.
MICHELIN KEY AWARD
Our friends, who were staying at the Pavilions, chose the property as they were impressed by the online reviews and noticed that the resort had been amongst the first hotels in Thailand to receive the ‘One Michelin Key Award’. This is a new rating scheme, introduced to the Michelin Guide in 2024, that recognises establishments offering exceptional service and hospitality, rather than focusing solely on food quality, which is of course what the guide is most famous for.
REFINED SOPHISTICATION: ALTO, AN ITALIAN CULINARY SANCTUARY
Once cocktail-refreshed, it was time to descend from the summit and seek out our dining venue. Alto, the resort’s Italian restaurant, boasts a prominent cocktail bar and a picturesque sunset-viewing platform. Here, we embarked on an authentic Italian dining journey, where the flavours of Italy come to life. It’s essential to note that this isn’t the original Alto, which is the twin restaurant to Alto Phuket—you’d have to book a flight to Rome for that privilege.
The menu boasts a vast selection of antipasti, main courses, and authentic pasta options that will leave your taste buds in awe.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a beverage, or two, or three. Their wine list is comprehensive, featuring Italian reds, whites, and rosés available by-the-bottle or glass. I like to try different wines so I opted for by-the-glass and alternated between the Itinera Prosecco DOC Brut – N/V, the Le Rime Banfi IGP Toscana white and a very smooth glass of Frescobaldi Chianti 2022 red.
SUNSET SUPREME: THE 360° BAR EXPERIENCE
Upon our arrival, we were ushered onto a buggy and whisked away to the hill’s summit and the 360° Bar. Perched atop the hill, the bar o.ers panoramic views of Phuket’s lush landscape and the Andaman Sea. As the day transitions to evening, the sky bursts into vivid shades of colour, creating a magical backdrop—a dramatic spot to reconnect with our friends and kick o. the evening.
DINING AL FRESCO: FIREFLY’S EVENING TRANSFORMATION
Alto isn’t the only restaurant at the Pavilions Phuket. Located at the resort’s lowest altitude, and at street level, you’ll find an al fresco dining oasis.
Firefly, is a charming bistro-style eatery nestled amidst tropical gardens, overlooking a serene 60-metre freeform pool. This daytime sanctuary transforms into a nighttime paradise, lit up like fireflies in the dark, providing the set for their Dive-in Movie Nights.
The open show kitchen is a captivating sight where chefs skillfully prepare modern Mediterranean BBQ and authentic Thai cuisine. It’s one of the few places where taking a chance on Western food is worth it.
AN ANCIENT HEALING OASIS THAT TAKES YOU BACK IN TIME
Blending ancient Thai healing traditions with modern Western spa practices, The Pavilions Spa ensures that every guest experiences the ultimate in rest and relaxation. They pay meticulous attention to detail, providing exclusive Moringa-based oils and products known for their powerful healing properties. Moringa, an ancient medicinal tree, has been revered in both Ancient Egypt and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
YOGA UNDER THE SALA – A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY
Our friends raved about their accommodation here, which was a private Ocean View Pool Villa perched on the edge of the escarpment, overlooking Layan Beach. They particularly liked the privacy the villa afforded, which compelled them to book some private morning yoga sessions.
This was their first experience with yoga, and the gentle vinyasa flow yoga proved perfect for beginners, starting and ending with seated meditation and breathing practices. These calming sessions are designed to release tension, improve circulation, and prepare your body for stillness in meditation. After a couple of private sessions they were confident enough to participate in the one-hour long sunrise group sessions, starting at 7.30am.