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Credit: Helen Chik

I’ve been to Phuket more times than I can count now and each time I’ve stayed at some amazing properties, but none that can top the experience I recently had with Sri Panwa. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to stay at this lush, green haven perched atop a cliff at Panwa Beach. Needless to say, you didn’t have to ask me twice and I already had my bags mentally packed before I even had flights booked.

With 37 suites, 45 villas that come equipped with private pools, panoramic views of the Andaman, six amazing gastronomical dining locations and sanctuaries for escape with the new Habita Olympic sized waterfall pool – I think they’ve nailed the concept of luxury accomodation.

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Credit: Helen Chik

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Credit: Helen Chik

Arriving at my villa, I was greeted by my villa assistant (yes, I had an assistant) before being introduced to a private sanctuary named Moby. It didn’t take long for Moby and I to get well acquainted, as the first thing I did was dive into my infinity pool and absorbe the tranquility of my surroundings as the sun disappeared.

We were treated to an in-room dinner on the first evening as we settled into our villa fully fitted with a lounge, kitchenette, indoor and outdoor shower, a steam room, a huge bathtub and, most importantly, a ridiculously large and comfy bed overlooking the pool and out to the sea. If heaven had its own version of Sri Panwa then I’d like to sign up for a villa there, pronto.

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Credit: Helen Chik

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Credit: Helen Chik

We were treated to so many gourmet meals during our stay that my waistline couldn’t keep up! The Baba Hot Box located in the Habita was probably one of my favourite meals, as the mouth-watering selection of meats had this modest meat-eater drooling and asking for seconds.

The resort has been known for being the hub for providing an assortment of international dining experiences and during our stay we experienced the pop-up eight course dining experience curated by two Michelin star chef Stefano Baiocco and the Villa Feltrinelli team. Each course came with the perfectly paired wine as renowned hotelier Robert H. Burns taught this girl how to enjoy a fine wine. To say I was lulled into a comatose state is probably an understatement.

I’ve always been a sucker for Japanese and Baba Iki did not disappoint as we feasted on amazing sashimi platters and meats for our last night in paradise.

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Credit: Helen Chik

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Credit: Helen Chik

No stay would be complete without a visit to the Cool Spa and the menu includes pamper packages that are tailored to your personal blood types. Intrigued by this, I chose to go with a Type O detoxifying massage and body scrub and walked out the Moroccan inspired doors 90 minutes later feeling like I was on cloud nine.

I could rave on for days about how this place will make you not want to leave but experiencing it for yourself is the only way to see. Since returning from Sri Panwa, I’m hard pressed to think of an experience that tops this.

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Credit: Helen Chik

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Credit: Helen Chik
THE FOUNDER OF FASHION AND TRAVEL BLOG CH1K.COM, HELEN CHIK STAYED AT SRI PANWA AS A GUEST OF THE HOTEL

Tile and cover image: Helen Chik