11 September, 2014
Travel, Weddings

Relax and unwind Cliffside with COMO

11 September, 2014

If you’re looking for a resort that will leave you refreshed, energised and invigorated then look no further, because Point Yamu by COMO in Phuket is your perfect destination. I arrived at the resort at the tip of Cape Yamu overlooking the Andaman Sea, tired and slightly stressed, and left without a worry in the world. Nourishing food for my body coupled with the stunning colour combinations decorating the modern architecture proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

This is the perfect place for a couples retreat, girlie getaway, honeymoon, baby-moon, wedding and family reunion. A mere 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, this is a little piece of fashionable paradise in a stunning destination. The interior by Italian designer Paola Navone combines clean lines, traditional Thai craftsmanship and sparks of eclectic colours. The effect is spectacular and the views from the UNESCO-protected cliff-top location make you feel on top of the world… literally!

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The food is faultless, the service is stunning and the facilities are out of this world. The resort is made up of 79 rooms and 27 private villas ranging from Bay Rooms to COMO Pool Villas that are perfect for larger parties or families. We stayed in the huge blue and white Bay Suite with crisp Egyptian sheets and a tiled floor. A massive round bathtub with modern lighting fixtures and an enormous bed made up one half of the suite, and the other half was filled with a round dining table and huge sofa. We were pretty exhausted after our late night flight so we hopped into bed straight away and I looked forward to a healthy breakfast and some exciting adventures we had planned for the next day.

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Waking up to a view filled with an endless sea dotted with tiny islands was breathtaking and I spent the early morning chilling on the balcony that spanned the length of the room. Now, I am and never will be a breakfast person, so when I say the breakfast spread at Point Yamu took my breath away, you know it’s extraordinary. Whether you’re detoxing, retoxing, abstaining or indulging, there is something here for everyone. My boyfriend ate his fill of bacon, eggs, croissants and fruit juice while I feasted on greens, fruit, coconut water and wheatgrass shots. We were both completely satisfied and for once I didn’t have to order off the menu because both gluttonous and healthy options were on offer!

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We boarded the complimentary shuttle bus and boat to a private island near the hotel at 10am and chilled there until 1pm. Secluded and quiet, I felt like I had just uncovered a hidden secret and really felt like I had found my escape from hectic Hong Kong. It’s really relaxed and chilled out so it was nice to feel like a beach bum for a little while! We finished our day by the three pools and I did laps in the 100m infinity pool while my boyfriend nodded off on the comfy sun-beds. Feeling a bit peckish, I took a look through the holistic COMO Shambhala menu and ordered the BIG Raw Salad with tahini dressing. What arrived was the largest salad bowl I’ve ever seen filled with spiralised vegetables covered in a light dressing. Delicious, nutritious and, most of all, filling… I bought a spiraliser on the spot so I could attempt to recreate the fabulous dish at home – which I’m still trying to do!

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Wellbeing and cuisine are two crucial elements of the guest experience at all COMO Hotels and Resorts, and I spent my evening discovering one after the other. The award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat offers yoga, Pilates and spa treatments. It was bright, airy and light with gorgeous turquoise and white interiors and was literally like a breath of fresh air. I opted for the signature COMO Shambhala Massage and hoped that the masseuse would be able to eliminate a huge crick I had on the right side of my back. An hour later I was feeling invigorated and much less stiff around my shoulders and neck. A massage is a must at this resort and the expert spa technicians are pretty magical…

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Dinner was spent dining on fine Thai cuisine at Nahmyaa. We feasted on snacks inspired by Thai street cooking like fried prawns, curries and stir-fried dishes and noted the hot, salty, sweet and sour notes that balanced out each dish to perfection. We finished our evening having a few after dinner drinks at Aqua Bar before the sun, sea and sand caught up with us and we headed to bed.

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The next morning I made some enquiries about the diving, snorkeling, cave exploring and deep sea fishing on offer in the activities and excursions brochure, but our early flight didn’t give us enough time to take part. This meant that I was already planning my return trip to the resort before I had even left so I could do some exploring! We bounded down to breakfast where I had some delicious juices while my boyfriend ate smashed guacamole and eggs, before taking it easy by the pool. The resort was busy but not packed and full of friends, couples and family giving it a fun and friendly atmosphere.

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We had a lovely lunch at La Sirena, the Italian all day dining option, featuring a terrace with views of Phang Nga Bay. Artichokes, beautifully prepared beef and some seared tuna were divine, and left us full and satisfied before our flight back to Hong Kong. I also couldn’t resist getting another BIG Raw Salad to go so I could much on it on the flight back to Hong Kong… yes it is that good! Executive Chef, Daniel Moran has quickly become one of my favourite chefs after my visit to Point Yamu. He merges Asian and European ingredients and flavours together and the result is clean, fresh and inspiring, just like the resort.

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Point Yamu by COMO is a rare wonder located away from the buzzing touristy Thailand crowd. It’s a perfect place for a romantic getaway or some alone time and it’s also a great destination for all of the family too. Whether you want to treat yourself to an awesome culinary experience or detox for a few days, everything you need is on hand to craft your ultimate holiday. It costs a pretty penny to stay there, but I guarantee it’s worth every cent!

heart-purpleA stay at Point Yamu by COMO starts from $2,409 for two people per night and includes daily breakfast. For extra special perks like free cocktails at Aqua Bar and upgrades on spa treatments book with Mr and Mrs Smith here.

Point Yamu by COMO, 225 Moo 7, Paklok, Talang, Phyket 83110, Thailand, www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/point-yamu-by-como

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