125 Moo 3 , Srisoonthorn Road, Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thailand | (888) 551-4925
Quiet, private location with gorgeous views
Luxurious villa-style suites with outdoor showers
Spa Sereniti offers a full spa menu, including Thai massage
Guests get free admission to nearby beach clubs
Large outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and shady palms
Smoke-free property (a con for some)
Adult-only property (a con for some)
Free buffet breakfast
Room service (limited hours)
Fun Thai cooking classes available
Free Wi-Fi
Not on the beach (five-minute walk away)
Somewhat removed location
Past complaints of road noise
The 48-room luxury Ayara Hilltops Resort and
Spa is an adult-only resort built on the steep slope of Surin Hill, in
northwest Phuket. Thanks to its hillside location and lush,
jungle-like landscaping, there are unobstructed and spectacular views throughout -- especially the sunsets over the Andaman Sea on
the horizon. Each room is a spacious, private villa with luxe features including outdoor showers and deep soaking tubs. However, the resort's somewhat removed location from the action in Phuket may deter some from staying here. There are cheaper 4.5-pearl hotels nearby with direct beach access, such as the Angsana Laguna Phuket, but none of them have rooms as luxurious as the Ayara's.
Scene
Serene and private adult-only resort high above Phuket
The Ayara Hilltops Resort is all about
serenity, and its adult-only policy ensures more quiet than other popular
resorts. Because the property clings to the side of a steep hill, there are plenty of nooks and patios where guests -- most of whom are vacationing couples -- can find
peace and privacy. The Ayara Hilltops is
a vertical resort, with pathways and stone stairs snaking up and down the hill
between buildings. There are lovely wooden walkways through ponds and tall
bamboo, and the rooftops are peaked and shingled in traditional Thai style. With
only 48 rooms, the resort doesn't feel crowded, and the common areas
are designed and decorated to create a spacious, airy vibe. The colors
tend toward golds and gentle peaches, with rustic Thai sculpture and
traditional artwork throughout. The resort's spacious open-air lobby is surrounded by lush tropical plants and palm trees.The pool bar serves fancy artisanal cocktails on
a non-fussy, but elegant, terrace. Sereniti Spa in the jungle is filled with
fountains, tropical flowers, slate, and beautiful greenery.
Location
In a quiet, remote area on Surin Hill, within a 15-minute walk of beaches
The Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa is located
on Surin Hill, above the town of Surin Beach, on northwest Phuket. The resort
is off the main North-South beach road, but has a private access road that insures
quiet and security. There are several restaurants just a five-minute walk from the hotel, and guests can reach the nearest beach in about five minutes on foot. Phuket FantaSea is a 15-minute drive from the hotel and Patong and its nightlife district are 25 minutes away by
taxi. However, there are other clubs, like Catch Beach Club, within walking distance. Phuket town is a 35-minute ride. The Phuket airport is a 30-minute drive from the property.
Rooms
Spacious and luxurious villas with outdoor showers, private pools, and panoramic views
The Ayara Hilltops Resort consists of
48 private villas arranged up and down a steep hill, with unobstructed
rooftop views from private balconies and huge picture windows with no danger of
being spied upon. The higher up the hill, the better the view, and the most
luxurious rooms have private infinity pools and outdoor spa tubs. Others have
outdoor showers in exquisite personal courtyards. The modern Thai decor incorporates wood floors and a soothing color palette of creams and browns. Amenities include flat-screen
TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, free bottled water, safes, and free
toiletries, including bath salts for use in the deep soaking tubs.
Features
Serene outdoor pool with bar, restaurant with free breakfast, and full-service spa
The Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa features a
large outdoor pool ringed with lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, tropical flowers, and palm trees. There's also a lovely poolside bar that serves exotic cocktails
under a pretty pavilion. One story above the pool is the Spice TerraceRestaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving international and authentic Thai
cuisine, including a free breakfast buffet. Room service is available during set hours and cooking classes are offered. The spa, Sereniti, offers a variety of massage modalities, including Thai massage, as well as wraps and body treatments for singles and couples. There is a library, and free
Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.