‘V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection’, as it is officially known, is part of the VIE Hotel Group, with sister properties in Hua Hin and Bangkok. I never did find out what the ‘V’ stands for in their brand name, but having just stayed there I can tell you that the word “vibrant” fits nicely.
By Madeleine Becker
Our journey through Phuket had taken us to a variety of beautiful spots, but as the trip was nearing its end, we felt a growing desire for a final touch of luxury—a private place where time could slow down, allowing us to fully unwind and savour our last days. That’s why we chose V Villas in Ao Yon, a secluded retreat that promised the perfect blend of elegance and relaxation for the conclusion of our adventure.
We checked out of our hotel in Kamala and drove the little Toyota rental toward the southeastern part of Phuket. The drive took us about an hour, skirting around the edge of Phuket Town and then cruising along some excellent wide roads, passing the island’s main port, towards the Cape Panwa peninsula. The scenery shifted as we left behind the busier parts of the island and moved deeper into quieter, lush areas—hidden corners of Phuket that most visitors never get to see.
As we approached our destination, excitement bubbled up within us. “There—turn right here!” I eagerly pointed out as we neared the discreet entrance, marked by nothing more than a simple sign. Although understated from the outside, we were immediately welcomed with warm smiles by four staff members who escorted us into a small but elegantly designed lobby. The atmosphere was instantly inviting—Demie greeted us with chilled towels, lightly scented with fresh floral notes, and offered us a welcome drink called “Pinky”. This refreshing blend of apple juice, lime juice, and rhubarb syrup was both sweet and tangy, setting the perfect tone for our stay. The lobby was understated yet chic, with tasteful décor.
We arrived earlier than the official check-in time, but our villa was ready, which felt like an extra stroke of luck. Our butler, Kitty, appeared promptly with a buggy to escort us to a one-bedroom villa. The buggy ride itself was an experience—a two-minute journey through a narrow labyrinth of lush greenery, with tall bushes on either side forming natural walls. The anticipation built with every turn, heightening the sense that we were being whisked away to our own private paradise.
When we finally arrived at Villa 3, it was everything we had hoped for and more. The first thing that caught our eye was the stunning view of Ao Yon, with its turquoise waters shimmering in the sunlight and a few boats lazily drifting on the horizon. The villa itself was an exquisite blend of modern design and natural elements, a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity.
The living room greeted us with an elegantly arranged afternoon tea set, presented in an ornate LV-like mini luggage trunk, with beautifully crafted pastries and treats. Expansive windows offered an uninterrupted view of the infinity pool, which seemed to blend seamlessly with the ocean beyond, creating a visual harmony that immediately made us feel at ease. The indoor-outdoor flow of the space was thoughtfully designed, allowing one to move effortlessly between the comforts of the villa and the sun-soaked deck outside.
The bathroom was just as impressive—marble steps led to a large jacuzzi tub surrounded by candles housed in lanterns, inviting us to indulge in a moment of pure relaxation. Every detail, from the plush towels to the carefully chosen décor, reflected the high level of attention that had gone into curating this experience. It was clear that nothing had been overlooked.
On our private deck, two sun loungers were perfectly positioned to take in the sweeping views of the bay and the afternoon sun. A large umbrella provided ample shade, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors without the intensity of the rays. The villa’s layout made it feel expansive and open, yet intimate at the same time—a true escape from the world.
After settling in and soaking up our surroundings, we decided it was time to explore the beach. Kitty reassured us that we could call on him anytime, and sure enough, within minutes, a buggy arrived to take us down to the shore. The beach was picture-perfect, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that seemed to sparkle in the afternoon light. We couldn’t resist grabbing fresh mango smoothies from one of the roadside stalls before finding a spot to relax.
That evening, we dined at the resort’s Yon Ocean House, perched 39 metres above Ao Yon Bay. The restaurant’s design was a perfect blend of natural wood and subtle Art Deco touches, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic ocean views framed by lush greenery set the stage for what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience. We started with a plate of tuna tartar, each bite bursting with fresh flavours. For our main courses, I enjoyed the bold and spicy ‘Yum Nua’—a Thai beef salad that delivered just the right amount of heat—while my boyfriend relished the ‘Goong Pad Char,’ a stir-fried shrimp dish with rich, aromatic flavours. We paired our meal with a bottle of Sancerre, a crisp white wine from the Loire Valley that complemented the vibrant tastes of our dishes perfectly. Encouraged by our waitress’s recommendation, we finished with the ‘Broken Bucket,’ a creative dessert featuring mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream, served in a chocolate bowl and topped with macadamia nuts.
The combination of flavours and textures was a lovely way to end a memorable meal. The following day began with a serene early morning yoga session led by Noom. I was fortunate enough to have a private session, as no other guests had signed up that Sunday morning. The session began with deep breathing exercises, followed by a brief meditation to centre the mind. As we moved through a series of poses, I couldn’t help but notice how out of shape I was. Nonetheless, Noom’s guidance was gentle and encouraging, making the experience both invigorating and relaxing.We concluded with a shabda meditation—a practice focusing on sound vibrations to bring inner peace.
After yoga, I took a refreshing dip in the pool, savouring the cool water against the backdrop of the ocean. While swimming, I spotted a turtle surfacing for air. Excited, I called out to my boyfriend, but the turtle had already dived back into the depths by the time he arrived. Beyond the turtle sighting, the villa’s surroundings were filled with life—vibrant butterflies, colourful birds, and the occasional insect fluttered by. It was clear that the property had been designed in harmony with nature, allowing both guests and wildlife to coexist peacefully.
Breakfast at Yon Ocean House was another highlight. The buffet offered a carefully curated selection of dishes, each one beautifully presented in individual portions. Our waitress, Olive, ensured that every detail was attended to, making us feel well taken care of throughout the meal. After breakfast, the day unfolded in a leisurely fashion—swimming, lounging, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
For our final evening, we opted for a light dinner at AKOYA Star Lounge, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views with a laid-back beach club vibe. The lounge had a clever touch—each signature cocktail was timed to match the colour palette of the sky at specific moments. My boyfriend’s “Crepuscular Rays,” paired with 6:05 pm, was a vibrant blend of colours that mirrored the hues of the sky at that time. We sampled several cocktails while enjoying the relaxing ambiance and indulging in tapas-style dishes like the “Laab Burger” and “Avocado Bruschetta.” Each dish was a delight, rounding off a perfect evening.
Our last night in the villa was spent soaking in a bubble bath surrounded by the glow of candlelight—a peaceful way to reflect on our experience. The next morning, we lingered over our final breakfast, savouring every bite as we gazed out at the ocean. Although check-out was at noon, the staff graciously allowed us to stay longer since our flight wasn’t until evening. We spent those extra hours lounging by the main resort pool, which we had all to ourselves—most guests seemed content to stay in their private villas, leaving the shared spaces wonderfully quiet.
As we lay by the pool, basking in the sun one last time, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for ending our trip in such a serene and idyllic setting. The entire experience at V Villas had been a blend of luxury, personalised service, and connection with nature. From the awe-inspiring views and thoughtful touches in our villa to the seamless transitions between relaxation and adventure, everything was meticulously designed to create a sense of peace and exclusivity.
Leaving was bittersweet, but in the end, there was no better way to close our Phuket adventure than with the vibrancy of V Villas—a retreat that left us rejuvenated, inspired, and eager to return someday.