Impiana Private Villas, Phuket

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.