Sri Panwa Phuket

Sri Panwa Phuket Review

Sri Panwa is one of the most impressive and exclusive hotels in Phuket. Everyone we know heard of it, but not many actually stayed there, and we finally did. This resort is built on a hillside of the remote Cape Panwa and is best known for its incredible rooftop bar called Baba Nest. We booked a weekend at Sri Panwa, and even after so many years spent in Thailand and so many hotel reviews, they managed to impress us.

The exclusivity of Sri Panwa strikes you as soon as you reach the gates. The security staff is friendly and polite but serious; they will take you to the lobby through a road lined with manicured bamboo trees. The reception area where you check in looks surprisingly ordinary, but it seems a smart way to prepare you for what happens next.

We were not sponsored and paid in full for our stay. We came unannounced to experience the hotel the way any regular guest would.

The Pool Villas

Once the doors of our one-bedroom villa opened for us, we couldn’t hold our surprise and pleasure. Our villa was huge, divided into two rooms, with a large infinity pool in the front, and beyond the pool was a glorious sea view. We stayed at most 5-star resorts in Phuket and many more worldwide, but this was simply perfect. Exactly what we needed for a weekend hideaway far from the crowd.

The villa is large and so well-designed we spent much more time enjoying it than we thought. On the right is the bedroom and on the right is the living room we used for work(yes, we did!)

The vast bedroom has a comfortable living area between the sleeping area and the pool and an oversized bathroom. Both the beds and the large sofa enjoy a panoramic sea view. Watching the first lights of the day over the ocean is a fantastic way to wake up in the morning, and walking straight from your bed to the pool is simply perfect. (Then swimming to the supplied espresso machine is also a nice touch).

The bathroom is large, with an indoor shower (with steam!) and an outdoor rain shower. The bathtub comes with a Jacuzzi and can accommodate two persons.

The villa on the left comes with a table, day bed, and a small attached kitchen with all you need to prepare your first breakfast or even cook if you don’t feel like going anywhere. In front of these rooms, you will find the outdoor living area fitted with beach chairs. Your infinity swimming pool is large, surprisingly deep and very private. Your neighbours can’t see you, but people on the boats anchored in the bay might. However, they are probably too far to appreciate ‘the details’.

Dining and Restaurants

Sri Panwa has no less than six restaurants, all surprisingly good.

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Baba IKI – Japanese Cuisine

We started with Baba Iki, Japanese, which served a beautifully presented and fresh choice of sashimi. The restaurant mostly consists of a single massive table designed to create a casual party atmosphere, which is a little surprising initially. The views of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls are superb.

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Baba Hot Box BBQ and Steak House

We were pleasantly surprised when we went to Baba Hot Box BBQ and Steak House for our first dinner. The quality of the meat, the cool equipment used to cook and smoke it to perfection (a Spanish Josper BBQ) and, most importantly, the chef’s skills made this evening a treat. Probably one of the best steak experiences on the island. We probably will go back for the steak!

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BabaQ Phuket

Guests can enjoy breakfast at the beautiful seaside restaurant with an extensive buffet. Breakfast defines how your day starts, and Sri Panwa ensures your day is perfect from the moment it starts.

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Baba Soul Food – Thai Cuisine

The Thai restaurant was maybe the least impressive because it lacked sea views (you tend to get used to this luxury at Sri Panwa), but the food was good, and the service was spotless.

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Baba Nest Rooftop Bar

And what better way to end the day than at Baba Nest rooftop bar? This now-legendary rooftop bar offers a 360 panoramic view of the bay of Panwa in the south of Phuket; it is fully booked weeks in advance! Just look at the photos, and you will understand why. On the day we had the privilege to sit there, we had the most glorious sunset on the west and a rainbow on the east! How can you possibly beat that? Outside guests are allowed, but minimum spending is requested; seriously, book long in advance! Don’t just drive there the way we did the first time; it is a long way! Read more

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Facilities

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The Beach

Sri Panwa only has a tiny beach, but we loved it. It has a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ feel with the jungle crawling on the hills and many coconut trees. The stairs leading to the beach are steep, but that is good exercise. On the beach, a few water sports are available, and guests mostly use the floating pier for selfies and photo shoots.

There are three swimming pools for you to enjoy if your private infinity pool isn’t enough or if you booked one of the few rooms without a swimming pool.

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Cool Spa

Cool Spa is Sri Panwa’s wellness centre, offering a long list of relaxing treatments, including a special ‘La Mer’ package!

Summary

Sri Panwa is the most enjoyable place to hide and release stress from your busy life. The casual staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel cosy. It may not have a fantastic beach, but the location and the views are unbeatable to make your holiday as perfect and as relaxing as possible.

Sri Panwa Photos

Information, Bookings and Availabilities

More reading

Baba Nest Rooftop Bar at Sri Panwa

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