Secluded Luxury at Phuket’s Trisara

Heaven by name, heaven by nature. Kelly Allen checks in to the stunning and secluded Trisara resort.

The first thing I notice, while relaxing against the infinity edge of my pool, is just how private these villas are. No need to worry about getting caught skinny-dipping at Phuket’s Trisara resort – it must be one of the most secluded places I’ve stayed in. Although seemingly immersed in dense jungle, the villa sits atop a hill offering terrific views out to sea.

Arriving at Phuket International Airport close to midnight, the place is empty and the transfer is a breeze; I’m pulling into the resort just 15 minutes later. Trisara, which translates to “garden in the third heaven” in Sanksrit, is set along Phuket’s less-developed northwest coast, overlooking a private bay.

I’m staying in a newly renovated 240-square-metre Ocean View Pool Villa, which has a traditional red clay Thai-style roof, but sports an interior that is refreshingly contemporary. Dark timber is integrated throughout, along with a separate seating area, stone floors, and a massive ensuite with indoor and outdoor showers. There are 39 suites and villas in total, all with private pools, as well as 24 residential villas, which are wonderful for large families as they range from two to seven bedrooms.

Waking refreshed the next morning, I head to breakfast at The Deck, where my waiter, Aimy, suggests I try the pad see-ew gai. This is a dish typically associated with lunch or dinner in western society, but what the heck … when in Thailand. I certainly don’t regret my choice, as it’s the most incredible version I’ve tasted; a perfect balance of noodles, chicken and oyster sauce. I decide to let Aimy order for me every morning – another good decision, as every culinary offering is an absolute delight. The exotic coconut waffles with mango look sensational as they go by, as does the timeless avocado on sourdough toast with a twist of lime, coriander and balsamic reduction, but I decide to stay true to my new-found Thai breakfast special.

Morning yoga and meditation with Khun Miw provide the perfect recovery after my indulgent dinners. I choose the sandy beach setting of the outdoor yoga sala over the indoor yoga room; the beautiful view and soothing rhythm of the crashing waves is impossible to resist as we practise asanas and calming breathing techniques.

All of the meals are excellent at Trisara, with the standout being dinner at the newest restaurant, PRU. Chef Jimmy Ophorst has that natural ability to transform simple ingredients into something magical. I sample the six-course tasting menu, with paired wines, and am blown away. I can only describe the menu as innovative modern cuisine, with small dishes that are exquisitely flavoursome. I must admit I am a bit surprised to find such progressive and high-quality food in Phuket. My favourite dish – carrots cooked in the soil they grew in, with fermented carrot juice and egg yolk – is made from simple ingredients, but tastes so rich and robust. The plates they are served on are just as impressive; from slate and wooden slabs to a straw nest set inside a wooden box. The entire experience is a treat for all my senses.

Morning yoga and meditation with Khun Miw provide the perfect recovery after my indulgent dinners. I choose the sandy beach setting of the outdoor yoga sala over the indoor yoga room; the beautiful view and soothing rhythm of the crashing waves is impossible to resist as we practise asanas and calming breathing techniques.

Jara Spa, on the hilltop, offers six standalone villas, each with captivating views of the stunning Andaman Sea. I’m served a chilled ginger tea while I wait for my treatment, and a delicious hot lemongrass tea afterward – accompanied by miang kham, a traditional Thai bite-size snack wrapped in leaves. The spa uses Australia’s own Sodashi products (my personal favourite), and my Sodashi pure radiance facial lives up to its reputation.

What sets Trisara apart is the secluded resort’s ability to evoke solitude; that imperative feeling of grounding that is all too often neglected in modern life. It was this – along with the simple but incredible food – that left a lasting impression.

trisara.com