After almost a year of full-time travel, a stay at Impiana Private Villas was exactly what both my body and mind had been craving. Perched on the point overlooking Kata Noi Bay, the exclusive boutique resort promises luxury, privacy, peace and quiet in your own piece of paradise in Phuket.
Lush green lawn and water feature complete with lily pads and palms at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Boutique Luxury in Kata Noi
With just four villas and seven suites on site, Impiana Private Villas is ideal for honeymooners or couples and holidaymakers who are in search of a serene setting with personalised service. Each room has its own butler, available 24-hours a day, so you don’t even have to leave the cool comfort of your private pool for meals or cocktails.
A couple of young coconuts sit on the edge of an infinity pool at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Warm reception area at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Private pool with undisturbed views of the Andaman Sea at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
I stayed in one of the Deluxe Pool Suites. The main living space had a comfortable lounge, coffee table, television, Nespresso machine and work desk. The most spectacular feature was revealed when I pulled back the sliding doors to the private infinity pool and undisturbed views of the Andaman Sea; the sky and the horizon, carefully divided by a single fine line and marked by silhouettes of distant boats.
My Deluxe Private Pool Suite at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Living area with a million dollar view at Impiana Private Villas, Kata Noi, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Welcome letter, fruit platter and fresh blooms at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The king-sized bed was positioned on the back wall of the living area, sharing the breathtaking panorama. The bed came complete with a pillow menu, with lighting and music controls accessible from the comfort of the soft sheets. The room also features a unique, personalised aroma setting.
Pure Indulgence: A rose petal bath with a view of the Andaman Sea at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The spacious bathroom was about the same size as the living and bedroom area and was a large, luxurious space. The walk-in shower and spa bath share the glass wall, facing the sea. I sat in a rose petal spa bath watching the jet skis creating ripples in the water below. It was mesmerising.
Fine cotton and soft and fluffy robes hang in the walk-in robe for guests at Impiana Private Villas Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Bvlgari bath products at a touch of luxury at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A walk-in closet with fine cotton and larger fluffy robes sat to one side, next to a tall boy. A double vanity and a dressing table were positioned opposite, complete with Bulgari bath products.
Enjoying my private infinity pool at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Dining at Impiana Private Villas
The Living Room
With a butler on hand to answer your every call where and what you eat is entirely up to you. I started the day with breakfast at the restaurant so I could take in the view across the lush green lawn. A small buffet was waiting each morning comprising fresh fruit, cold meats and pastries, with a selection also delivered to your table. I also ordered an omelette a la carte with the chef coming out each morning to greet me and check on my meal. It was a welcome and very personal touch. I mixed up my other meals between the restaurant and sunset dinners by the pool.
A tower of fresh cold cuts, pastries and fresh fruit to tempt for breakfast at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Vibrant and fresh tropical fruit for breakfast at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Cold cut meats and fish were a welcome treat for breakfast at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Tasty Tom Yum Goong for lunch at The Living Room restaurant, Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Smoked salmon salad at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Ceviche from the in-room dining menu at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fresh, delicious chicken satay at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Tuna caesar salad at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
When I came to in-room dining, I stuck to a combination of appetisers; both western and Thai, so I could try a little of everything. The sunset cannot be missed during a stay at Impiana, the sky takes on a baby blue hue and slowly blushes pink. The sea is calm and the show happens right in front of your eyes, from the comfort of the pool, beach chair or outdoor dining setting.
Settle in for sunset cocktails or a swim in the privacy of your villa terrace at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Exploring Nearby Kata Noi and Kata Beach
Impiana Private Villas overlooks the quiet bay of Kata Noi. A five-minute stroll or jog down the hill takes you to the sand at Kata Noi Beach. That’s where I started my days; running the soft sand with a handful of other tourists at daybreak. It was a lovely, quieter stretch of sand than neighbouring Kata Beach. Impiana also provides guests with a local running map and can help with alternative routes.
The view from the main lawn over one of the villa pools to Kata Noi bay. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Mornings spent running the soft sand at Kata Noi beach just a stroll from Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The hotel gym is just footsteps from the main lawn. It has pin-loaded machines, some cardio equipment, fit balls, free weights, mats for functional work. It was a great spot for a post-run stretching session and some body weight resistance work before jumping in the villa pool for a swim. For a more indulgent recovery session, Impiana offers spa treatments off-site and bookings include transfers to and from the spa. Alternatively, spa therapists can be booked for treatment in the comfort or your villa.
The gym at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Cooling down in the hotel gym at Impiana Private Villas after a run on Kata Noi beach. Image © Skye Gilkeson
For those who need to buy souvenirs, want to wander through the local markets or shop up at the nearby boutiques, Kata Centre is a short walk from the hotel. The resort also has an on-demand shuttle service that transports guests to Phuket Town and Patong Beach. However, I would challenge you to tear yourself away from your villa. I embraced the barefoot luxe feel of the villa; spending time in the pool, napping in the sun and savouring Thai favourites from the room service menu. I left Impiana feeling relaxed and refreshed and most importantly ready to see my family and friends after such a long time spent away from home.
Relaxed, recharged and ready for the trip home after a wonderful stay at Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A local fisherman trying his luck off the rocks in front of Impiana Private Villas, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A father and son stand up paddle boarding in front of my villa at Impiana Private Villa, Phuket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Impiana Private Villas
10 Kata Noi Road, Moo 2, Karon District, Muang Phuket
The Fit Traveller was a guest of Impiana Private Villas for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.