Como Point Yamu Hotel

Phuket, Thailand

If there’s a place that embodies serenity, it’s the east coast of Phuket, overlooking the glistening Andaman Sea, dotted with untouched islets, and the karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay. This is the backdrop to Como Point Yamu, whose 106 rooms, suites and villas are scattered across the Cape Yamu hillside. Within, Med-inspired, contemporary luxury laced with artisanal Thai design are emblematic, from sun-flooded corridors to bold, lobster-trap lampshades, chaise longues made from monkeypod trees and touches of burnt orange, reminiscent of Buddhist monks’ robes.

The ocean is the centrepiece: pops of cobalt and turquoise cut through sleek white and grey patterned floor tiles, matching the endless blue outside. For ultimate privacy, stay in the Como Suite, positioned at the very tip of the peninsula, or opt for the two- floor Pool Villa for a family retreat– the sun deck is made for mornings spent working on your tan, lunchtime barbecues of seabass in banana leaf and evenings of stargazing. Alternatively, enjoy the panorama from the hotel’s 100-metre infinity pool or head to Como Shambhala Retreat for world-renowned holistic treatments – from acupuncture, Chi massages, lemongrass and galangal- scented scrubs and yoga sessions.

Mediterranean flair meets local culture in the restaurants, too. Sophisticated La Sirena is all about wood-fired Italian pizzas, while Nahmyaa is the place for southern Thai favourites, from red prawn curry to spiced coconut wafers with braised duck. For breakfast, order from the nature-forward Como Shambhala menu – pancakes with candied papaya, young coconut and cashew cream will set you up for exploring the shrines and temples of Phuket Old Town.

If adventure is on your holiday checklist, join an excursion to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park’s gibbon sanctuary, with a waterfall swim to follow, and take a Thai cooking class on your return. And a stay so close to Phang Nga Bay would be incomplete without cruising between the soaring limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches and not-to-miss-spots like James Bond Island (known for its cameo
in The Man with the Golden Gun).
For those wishing to discover the Andaman from beneath, sightseeing coral reefs alongside porpoises and manta rays makes for an unforgettable experience.

Doubles from £223. 00 66 7636 0100, comohotels.com

Jasmina Matulewicz