Andara Resort and Villas, Phuket

One of our favourite Christmas and New Year holiday destinations, this year Phuket welcomed another glamorous addition to the already exclusive Millionaire’s Mile area. The brainchild of Allan Zeman (he of Lan Kwai Fong and Ocean Park fame), Allan has come up with a rather wonderful antidote to holiday stresses and strains – Andara Resort and Villas, a Preferred Boutique hotel. While other resorts brag about their luxurious credentials, Andara really delivers.

The pool and terrace suites range from about 2,500 square feet right up to 9,500 square feet. Laid out apartment-style and equipped with a full kitchen, en-suite bathrooms and private swimming pool if you opt for a pool suite, there’s plenty of space for rambunctious teens, little ones as well as extended family to all happily holiday together. The warm, Thai-style design (Buddha statues, abstract wooden sculptures and traditional furniture smothered in plush pillows) is designer chic without being overly style conscious.

But it’s the three- to six-bedroom villas the really stand out. The living and dining rooms are separated from the master bedroom by an open-air courtyard and infinity swimming pool, with each bedroom boasting complete privacy. Outdoor dining pavilions with views over the bay are the norm, and of course, the villa comes with your own housekeeper and chef to cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From the peppermint scented oil burners that fill the living room with the fresh aroma of mint to the subtle automatic mood lighting, Andara takes care of the little things so you don’t have to. OK, it’s pretty lazy to be driven 20m to your suite in one of Andara’s nifty golf carts, but holidays are all about relaxing, so we love the decadence!

Andara’s spa deserves special mention as it’s one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. The therapists are discrete and attentive and the treatment rooms heavenly – we had possibly the best Thai massage at the hands of Aum, a tiny 5’ woman who expertly twisted our aches and pains away.

Kamala beach isn’t as swanky as some of the other beaches on the island, but with a few low-key restaurants and safe, laid-back feel, the area is perfect for families who want to spend some quality time together, honeymooners looking to escape from the outside world and those who want to hole themselves up in Andaran bliss.

Insider tip: Andara also has two fabulous Italian motor yachts available for half, full or overnight rental. Sleeping under the stars and enjoying a private picnic on a deserted island sounds like our kind of heaven.

Three bedroom pool suites from USD 1,480 per night, can accommodate up to six people. Check out their romantic honeymoon and hubbie-friendly golfing packages for extra special deals.

For more information or to make a booking, please contact [email protected].

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