Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel

Built on 32 acres of lush tropical grounds, on a high cliff overlooking the Andaman Sea, Sri Pawna Phuket has some of the best views in Thailand, and staff is on-hand to shuttle guests to and fro on tuk tuks throughout the sprawling property. The overall ambiance is cool and hip, aimed at a young and stylish crowd, although guests are usually honeymooners and Chinese bus tourists. The indoor lobby was designed for lounging; large windows overlook the grounds and ocean, and there are several clusters of sitting areas, including a sunken living room set with gray wooden sofas topped with orange pillows. Wood, water, and greenery are prevalent in the design style both indoors and out. There's a star-shaped tiered water fountain near the elevators, which are inlaid with tin star cutouts. Baba Nest, a rooftop lounge, consists of a large wooden deck surrounded by infinity-edge pools and set with large cushions and low-lying tables. Here, guests can take in 360-degree, panoramic views of the sunset and Andaman Sea.

The hotel is built in southern Phuket at the southern terminus of the north-south road that runs through most of the island, so there's no noisy through-traffic. Directly next door to Sri Pawna is the Phuket Aquarium and a few shops and restaurants, though there's very little else to see or do in the area. Expect a 45-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and 35 minutes to Patong Beach. Parking at the hotel is free. 

There are 60 villas divided into the categories of Pool Suites, Pool Villas, Family Suites, and Residences with up to five bedrooms. The villas overlook the ocean or the garden grounds, but each has a gorgeous unheated infinity-edge swimming pool. A hilltop location means that the edges of the pools blend almost seamlessly into the sea below. Air-conditioning, tropical fruit, Nespresso coffee machines, free Wi-Fi, iPods preloaded with playlists, and flat-screen TVs are standard. A minibar with free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in each is restocked daily. Decor includes neutral tile floors, wood rail ceilings, and textured gray wallpaper for an overall spa-like and soothing vibe. 

The Pool Suites' bathrooms have double bowl sinks and rainhead showers next to large bathtubs. Wooden blinds can be opened or closed for privacy over the glass walls that separate the bedrooms and bathrooms. Black wicker furniture is set on private patios next to the pools. Families aren't allowed to stay in the Pool Suites, as they're reserved only for parties of two. Past guests have reported occasional musky smells. 

While there is a swimming pool at the Sri Panwa, it's on the small side and better for swimming short laps than lounging. Hot tubs sunk into a reflection pool, and a sophisticated sun deck with loungers and epic sea views, are bigger draws than the infinity-edge pool itself, especially considering that all of the rooms have private pools. Cool Spa offers massages, nail services, a steam room, and a second infinity pool. Yaya Boutique sells everything from water toys to resort wear, from jewelry to yoga mats. Yoga and pilates classes are available, as are Thai cooking lessons. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

The indoor/outdoor building that houses the infinity pool is also the place to find eats and drinks at Sri Pawna. There's a pool bar and deck for cocktails and snacks, along with a nightclub, Baba 88, that hosts DJs and private events. The all-day dining restaurant, Baba BBQ, serves a huge selection of sushi, salads, pizza, pasta, steaks, Thai food, and bar food like chicken wings and burgers. Baba Soul offers family-style dinners in a dramatic indoor dining room. Baba Hot Pot is a fun spot for Chinese-style seafood, cooked at the table for dinner. Baba Nest is one of the sexiest spots in Thailand, with 360 degree sunset views and high-end cocktails. Non-hotel guests are required to spend 1000 Baht per person in order to dine at the resort. Expect to pay for breakfast, which is unusual in Phuket.