Last Updated on March 27, 2025

The Pavilions Phuket – a tale of privacy, elegance, and unparalleled relaxation

The Pavilions Phuket is situated in a prime exclusive location, elevated in the Phuket hills above Layan Beach. As we entered through the large wooden gates, met by a serene, seated Buddha and a magical bamboo tunnelled driveway we already knew we were in for a treat!

Our first stop was at the airy, open-plan lobby with expansive windows providing spectacular views of Phuket and the ocean beyond. It boasts a traditional Thai wooden peaked roof and is elegantly appointed with upholstered chairs and sofas in botanical prints, large black urns, and a poised stone Buddha. Here we were met with customary Thai warmth and gifted with fragrant fresh jasmine garlands, inviting cold flannels and refreshing juice.

Customer service at The Pavilions is finely tuned, extending seamlessly from the front desk to the spa, management, restaurants, room service, and drivers. Everyone is super friendly, helpful, and ready to assist.

This is no ordinary hotel, it is made up of 95 luxurious accommodations from private pool villas to spacious suites spread over the hillside each providing superb places to stay with the ultimate sense of privacy, the perfect romantic Thailand getaway.

On arrival, we downloaded the Pavilions App which lays out all the information you need and updates you with what is going on that day. Here you can book spa treatments, order room service, arrange excursions, book a shuttle to the Layan Beach or Laguna shopping area and much more.

It is set up in your preferred language making it super easy to message the staff team directly with any requests or queries. As the resort is spread out over the hillside you are transported effortlessly from one location to the next via a buggy, which swiftly picks you up and delivers you to your destination, be it the restaurant, bar, pool, or spa.

Location of The Pavilions

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island province, located in the southern part of the country within the Andaman Sea, is approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok. Renowned as Thailand’s island gem, Phuket captivates visitors with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural experiences.

The Pavilions is in the northwest region of Phuket, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the island’s natural beauty. Close by, is the prestigious Laguna Golf course and a string of picturesque beaches, including Laguna Beach and the tranquil cove of Banana Beach, and Porto de Phuket, a buzzy destination for shopping and dining.

We explored the vibrant markets during our short stay and visited the colourful Phuket Old Town. We relished the island’s tropical allure, lounging on beautiful beaches, and indulging in delectable Thai cuisine.

The most convenient way to travel to Phuket is to fly to Phuket International Airport (HKT), just a 30-minute drive from The Pavilions. The hotel can arrange transfers.

Accommodation options at The Pavilions

Choosing between a villa and a suite won’t leave you disappointed. Both options have been renovated to an outstandingly high standard, providing luxury and sophistication. Plus, some villas boast a funicular for convenient access.

We were staying in an Ocean Pool Villa, accessed via a private entrance with its own lily pond and sturdy wooden doors.

These elegant and palatial villas are set to impress with simple yet stylish contemporary design features – white-washed walls, a high vaulted hardwood beam ceiling with a fan, grey stone floor tiles, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto an expansive terrace, a pagoda with a comfy sun lounger, sun beds, table and chairs, a lily pond, and a seriously delicious private infinity pool – so well-proportioned that I enjoyed a proper morning swim each day.

The view is to die for with a wonderful vista of the hills, palm trees, Phuket, and the sea beyond. Its west-facing position makes it the ideal spot for sunset lovers and a very good reason to never need to leave your villa!

The living room is furnished with a grey comfy lounging sofa, a large smart TV great for a Netflix binge, a modern rug, and an open plan kitchenette- with everything you could want- a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities and a minibar with an excellent selection of drinks and an array of tempting snacks.

Other 5-star benefits are international adaptors, air conditioning, WiFi and immaculate room service.
The wide hallway way leads through to the bedroom and bathroom, but first, you are met with giant mirrored doors and a generous wardrobe area with a safe, iron and ironing board (a necessity when travelling) and an attractive basket to use during your stay.

The expansive bathroom offers a free-standing bath, double sink with separate showers and toilet. The products smelled so delicious I was forever slathering myself in the body lotion. Extras include a selection of useful travel toiletries, cotton robes and raffia flip-flops.

The bedroom is separated with a curtain which I rather enjoyed, a dreamily comfy king-size bed with premium bedding and plush pillows (there’s even a pillow menu for further indulgence), a linen-covered armchair and doors opening directly onto the pool… late night skinny dips are surely a must!

For Ocean Villa guests, the additional benefits include daily afternoon tea and early evening cocktails both served at Alto, which I can highly recommend.

Food and Drink

The Pavilions Phuket also features two award-winning restaurants with gourmet cuisine. Alto Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar presents a refined Italian dining experience under Chef Pietro Mangani’s expert guidance. With a decade of European culinary expertise, Chef Pietro blends contemporary flair with traditional Italian flavours, marking a significant moment in the resort’s gastronomic journey. His collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs have further enriched his creativity and culinary prowess.

Alto sits majestically atop the clifftop resort, accentuated by sweeping views of the view of the island and the lush forest below. Guests can choose to dine on the alfresco wooden deck, or inside the restaurant, surrounded by a tranquil moat and open French doors that invite in natural light and a soft ocean breeze. Adorned with works of art and striking modern sculptures, the ambience exudes effortless chic, featuring starched white linen tablecloths, a midnight blue painted ceiling, and a sumptuous blue velvet-clad bar.

We drank Negronis and watched the sun go down on the deck before taking a seat by the window to indulge in their superb Signature Tasting Menu….

First, an amuse bouche of Spigola Ripiena alla Siciliana -Sea Bass Filled with “Sicilian Mollica” paired with a crisp fennel and orange salad, followed by sensationally good Gnocchi con Ragu di Coda alla Vaccinara, then Pancia di Maiale Nero Black – Vietnamese pork belly with smoked Leeks, enveloped in a sticky sweet honey sauce and finally Chef Pietro’s wildly creamy signature Tiramisù.…quite delicious!

Afterwards, it’s worth visiting the stylish Bar, where a dramatic red pool table and fabulous crimson upholstered chairs set the scene amidst an eclectic collection of artworks.

Firefly Restaurant and Bar is open all day and sits amidst a tropical garden and adjacent to a splendid 60-meter freeform pool. The open kitchen features a dedicated wood-fired grill for modern Mediterranean BBQ and authentic Thai specialities.

The open-air 360 Bar is perched on a platform up in the trees, offering a panoramic view of Phuket. The Trees are hung with fairy lights, and it’s furnished with cosy two-seater sofas positioned to look out towards the sea, perfect for a romantic sundowner.

We drank well-crafted cocktails and dined on prettily presented tapas, whilst the glorious sunset and a talented guitar and singer duo serenaded us with classic romantic tunes.

Breakfast is served at Firefly or if you are an Ocean Villa guest, as we were you can choose to have breakfast at Alto, which, it’s such a lovely setting first thing in the morning. Available to order is a cornucopia of delights, including fresh juices, smoothies, fruit, bircher, pastries and an excellent selection of cooked dishes. Alternatively, a floating breakfast in the comfort of your villa is quite fun!

Facilities at the Pavilions

For a lavish spa experience head to The Pavilions Spa which offers traditional Thai healing therapies, as well as soothing Western Spa rituals. Nestled under a canopy of trees, amidst lush greenery and a tranquil lake, with a pool to unwind by before or after a treatment. I highly recommend their Thai massage; an hour of blissful relaxation under the skilled hands of their therapists worked wonders for my overall well-being.

The Pavilions have their very own signature oil blends and beauty products. And for guests residing in the Pavilions and Penthouses, they offer further luxury with the benefits of in-villa treatments in the privacy of their Spa room. Plus, there is a fully equipped gym and fitness studio. An idyllic setting for a morning yoga class.

The swimming pool is gorgeous! Situated next to the Firefly restaurant and bar this is one of the largest free-form pools in Phuket, and the perfect spot for lazy pool days, becoming rather captivating at night when the pool illuminates like fireflies.

The Pavilions Wellbeing & Vitality Life Balance Centre

The Pavilions has recently unveiled its latest venture: the Wellbeing and Vitality Life Balance Centre, conveniently located just a short drive from the hotel. Unlike conventional Western approaches that primarily focus on treating illness, the Centre places prevention at the forefront, recognising it as the cornerstone of longevity. Through personalised programs and tailored support, guests have access to personalised consultations with the Centre’s doctor helping them address the root causes of health imbalances and empower them to take ownership of their health journey.

I met with Dr Jay, he explained that through comprehensive diagnostics, they were able to create customised treatment plans that aimed to restore balance and promote overall well-being. After thoroughly reviewing my medical history, we chatted about my health concerns. Dr Jay recommended a Body Detox IV Vitamin Infusion, a procedure wherein a blend of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is gently infused directly into the bloodstream, facilitating rapid absorption and optimal efficacy.
This was a first for me, but as I sat in the comfort of the infusion lounge, gazing out at the tranquil garden as the skilled nurse expertly administered my IV, I felt remarkably relaxed. The concoction included a meticulous selection of components, such as vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B, growth factor, Coenzyme Q10, zinc, collagen, glutathione, and stem cells. The effects were truly remarkable, I had an undeniable spring in my step and felt completely rejuvenated.

In addition to IV infusions, they offer cutting-edge NAD+ Therapy, boosting cellular health and energy for enhanced well-being and vitality. They also provide Ozone Therapy, utilising ozone gas to boost oxygenation and healing, supporting immunity and wellness. Their Peptide Therapy targets biological functions with tailored amino acids, promoting tissue repair, hormonal balance, and overall health.

The following day, I reluctantly prepared to leave this tranquil haven and return to the UK. Once home, I was astonished by how refreshed I felt after the lengthy flight – It was the IV doing its thing! I may have to make a habit of this!

If you’re visiting Thailand and looking to explore Phuket, one of its most beautiful islands, whether for a special occasion or simply to unwind, I highly recommend taking a trip into the hills. The Pavilions Hotel provides the perfect backdrop for a tale of privacy, elegance, and unparalleled relaxation.

The Pavilions
 31 1, Choeng Thale,
Thalang District,
Phuket 83110,
Thailand