PUBLISHED July 29th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 02:27 pm
Those looking for a luxurious getaway in nearby Phuket are certainly spoilt for choice, with so many premium international chains and high-end boutique resorts to pick from. One of them is COMO Point Yamu, an exclusive property sitting on a promontory on the secluded Cape Yamu, a peninsular on Phuket’s east coast. Its coveted location means that all 79 rooms and suites, as well as the 27 private pool villas resort offer sweeping views of the oh-so-blue Andaman Sea and the picturesque Phang Nga Bay…which is undoubtedly the first of the many draws of the property.
At the end of a 25-minute ride from Phuket International Airport, you’ll catch sight COMO Point Yamu’s grey, minimalist exterior that might not be what exactly what you’d expect. But it won’t be long before you stand in awe of Italian designer Paola Navone’s contemporary interior décor, starting with the altar-like centrepiece of stacked wooden coffee tables in the lobby, where you’re welcomed with a lemongrass thirst quencher and a cold towel. While you’re completing the check-in procedures in the expansive space framed by a slanted roof and grey pillars with a splash of vermillion, you might also notice the unique shape of the lanterns, which cast fishing basket-like silhouettes on the ground at night. When the wind blows, it’s as if you’re standing in the sea.
From the lobby, one can see the infinity pool armed with panoramic views of Phang Nga bay and white sun lounges, so obviously, we went to check it out before heading to our Bay Suite. As we strolled along the corridor, we past the alcove where complimentary ice pops are dished out in the afternoon and a huge lawn overlooking the bay that looks like a perfect wedding venue. Flanked by both hotel restaurants – go to La Sirena for causal Italian cusine and to Nahmyaa for regional Southern Thai cooking – the 100-metre long pool is a sight to behold. It’s the kind of picture you’d want to save as a mental image to for a happy #throwback when slaving away at your desk.
In contrast to the grey and burnt orange we’ve seen so far, our 100 square metre (1076 square feet) suite featured blue and turquoise accents amidst white walls and pretty grey patterned tiles. The floor to ceiling windows separate the separate living room and bedroom (lovely Egyptian cotton sheets covered the king-sized bed) from the private terrace balcony overlooking the Yamu Bay. There’s also a dining table and chairs in a little nook next to the living room so in-room dining is a breeze. What’s more, the many international power sockets are placed around the suite in all the right places, so you don’t have to hassle with travel adapters and remain connected to the outside world.
The best part of the light-filled suite, however, is the bathroom. I don’t squeal in delight much, but I think I did when I walked into it. Anchored by a large circular bath tub (more than enough room for two) with a chandelier of suspended lights hanging over it, the bathroom is outfitted in deep blue and aquamarine tiles and equipped with fancy wooden ladders for hanging towels. The lavatory and the rain shower are separate, and the latter is stocked with more COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.
We didn’t manage to book ourselves in for a massage at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, but their treatment rooms have amazing views as well, so you don’t really need more incentive for rejuvenate through their signature COMO Shambala Massage (75 minutes, THB4,125) or a Lanna Heritage Full Body Compress (90 minutes, THB5, 270). That said, we did get a healthy dose of their spa cuisine offered at the semi-buffet breakfast in La Sirena. While the continental breakfast selection has the usual staples, it’s evident that the brand takes wellness seriously.
The first part of the spread you encounter would be the ample coconut water and a green clean juice blend in addition to the tropical fruit juices of watermelon, pineapple, and orange when you enter. The usual cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and pastries follow, with a live station dishing out bread toasted on a charcoal stove. Select your main from their extensive menu, which includes healthy plates like egg white omelettes and fruit & granola and local dishes like the Thai-Style Fried Rice and the Boiled Jasmine Rice with Pork Dumplings. It’s not the most mind-blowing hotel breakfast I’ve had but it keeps us happy when we’re hunting down a place for lunch.
One of the drawbacks of COMO Point Yamu is the lack of direct access to a white sand beach that more exclusive areas of Phuket is known for. In an effort to entice beachgoers as well, the resort has constructed a private COMO Beach Club on Naka Yai Island, 30 minutes away via complimentary shuttle bus and fast boat from the hotel. The salt water swimming pool is complemented by a large pool deck while those who prefer to be on the sand can look forward to the same comfortable sun loungers. Watersports equipment for activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding is complimentary as well. Just note that you’re not allowed to imbibe in self-brought alcohol at the beach club, corkage applies. Side note, the WiFi connection and network at COMO Beach Club and the resort itself were both excellent.
Another – the last, we promise – reason to stay at COMO Point Yamu is the array of complimentary activities that change daily, such as tai chi, floral arrangement, yoga, and bicycle tours of the nearby Yamu Village, so even if you feel like staying in, there’s something to do.
Make no mistake, we love the property. But one thing we couldn’t quite stomach was the price of the food. While the resort is priced in the same range as other five-star luxury resorts in Phuket, the food is a fair bit more expensive as compared to that of other hotel restaurants in the same category. If you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area and to look for food, consider renting a scooter for THB400 a day. Even with petrol, it’s less than half the price of one meal.
COMO Point Yamu is located at 225 Moo 7, Talang, Paklok, Phuket 83110, Thailand, p. +66 7636 0100.