Paresa Resort Phuket

Paresa is an ultra-stylish, boutique hotel that pays extra attention to minimalist detail. Guests enter the property through a paved stone-walled courtyard, with a porte cochere and small shrine. Walk down a flight of black steps and into the minimalist lobby that combines feng shui and the outdoors to create a reception area that wouldn't be out of place in a high-end spa. There isn't any furniture other than four stools in front of the streamlined slate gray front desk. The semi-open-air concept allows the sun to hit the reflection pools filled with green plants. A large gong is one of the few decorative pieces in the space. The almost bland arrival is in high contrast to what lies on the other side of the property: sheer cliff drops (mostly covered in greenery) that lead down to Kamala Beach and seemingly never-ending views of the sparkling Andaman Sea. Outside, artificial grass covers a deck where guests can gape at the views. The grounds are intimate and walkable, though golf carts are on call to shuttle guests who prefer to ride. Kids are welcome here, but the quiet vibe (most of the noise comes from the sound of the waves hitting the rocks below) is more conducive to couples looking for sophisticated romance than for family vacations. 

Paresa is located off a bumpy, winding road on top of a hill, which means a slightly uncomfortable ride but also epic views on a stretch of unspoiled cliff coastline between Kamala Beach and Patong. This area is home to some of the most expensive private villas in Thailand, but there's not much else within safe walking distance. Expect a 10-minute drive to the nearest town of Kamala and 20 minutes to reach Patong Beach. Phuket International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away. The resort has a free shuttle every hour to bring guests to the beach or town. Parking on-site is free. 

Honeymooners take note: Paresa has 49 over-the-top luxury villas designed with privacy, comfort, and ocean views in mind. The only quibble is that some (though not all) of the plunge pools are technically shared with the neighbors. Each villa is slightly different in terms of layout, size, and features. For example, the Talay Suites have an adjoining option which is nice for families or couples traveling together. Cielo has a full kitchen and Dima includes a gorgeous "floating" bathtub in the middle of the infinity pool, as well as private steam rooms. All villas are designed with the high attention-to-detail and minimalist aesthetic found throughout the rest of the hotel. Hardwood floors, substantial wood furniture, white walls, and Asian-inspired art like gongs and framed painting make up the decor. Flat-screen TVs with DVD players and satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and stocked minibars are standard. Each villa has a gorgeous infinity-edge pool that overlooks the Andaman Sea and a furnished balcony. Bottled water, espresso machines, fresh fruit, and aromatherapy toiletries add to the overall spa-like feeling. 

It's no surprise that Paresa includes a spa as much of the property and the villas look and feel like a private spa already. There are five double treatment rooms with baths and steam showers, plus a salon for nail services, waxing, and hair treatments. Yoga, reiki, and meditation appointments can be arranged. The gym has floor-to-ceiling windows and a nice selection of Lifefitness cardio machines. There's space for yoga and a pulley-style strength-training machine. The Library Room serves as a makeshift lobby. It includes bookshelf-lined walls filled with books, a chess set, and cushioned bamboo furniture in front of enormous windows overlooking the grounds. There's a coffee machine and bottled water for guests' use. One large meeting room seats up to 40 and can include audiovisual equipment. Catering is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.There's a small on-site boutique that sells women's resort-style clothing, spa products, and souvenirs. Staff is available 24/7 to accommodate late arrivals and arrange excursions or tours. 

Diavolo serves a Western and Asian breakfast menu, then focuses on upscale Italian food for lunch and dinner. Like almost everywhere else at Paresa, the Diavolo dining room is both indoors and outdoors and overlooks the Andaman Sea. There's also an extensive wine cellar and bar, plus freshly squeezed exotic juices. Talung Thai is open for dinner on the sunset balcony, under the cover of large Banyan trees. Guests can order 24-hour room service. For a fee, guests can accompany the chef to a local Thai market, pick herbs at the resort's garden, and make (and then eat) an authentic Thai meal. 

Because each villa has a
private pool, there's rarely a crowd at the infinity-edge pool available to all
guests. It may be worth climbing the flights of wooden steps to reach the
sophisticated area, just for the views of the Andaman Sea. There's a small staffed bar offering cocktails, fresh coconuts,
and exotic juices. Small tables sit under the shade of several Banyan trees.
The pool itself is rectangular with an infinity edge that drops down sheer
cliffs into the Andaman Sea. Four "floating" islands hold two comfy
sun loungers each and wide umbrellas. Submerged stairs gently slope into the
water. The best time to visit the pool is after sunset, when the LED lights
come on. Hundreds of twinkling lights in the black water look just like stars,
adding to the overall heavenly theme of this unforgettable property. 

Paresa is built far above the sandy stretch of Kamala Beach; it's located way too far from the sand to be reachable by foot. The resort provides a free shuttle every hour to a private spot on the sand that includes sun loungers, towels, and complimentary drinking water. Vendors sell snacks and beer, but this beach isn't the party scene found at Patong.