Trisara: A luxury resort in Phuket that’s the perfect beach escape
Bookmark this tranquil oasis to visit on your next trip to the Thailand island
By Cheryl Lai-Lim -
Finding a short beach escape from Singapore can sometimes feel like a Catch-22: the most popular and nearest destinations are naturally the most crowded. Take Phuket for example. Home to many luxury seaside resorts, spas and restaurants, the island is often bustling with tourists exploring its sun-kissed shores.
Peak season often means that the beaches could get extremely overcrowded – which is why when I discovered that luxury resort Trisara is the only hotel on the island to have its own private beach, I was instantly enticed. With the promise of frolicking on pristine white sands without the concern of crowds, it was an irresistible invitation to experience true tranquillity and indulge in a blissful escape.
Set over a private bay along Phuket’s north-western coastline, Trisara’s Sanskrit name translates to 'Third Garden in Heaven,' and the exclusivity and impeccable service of this haven more than justify its heavenly reputation. The beauty of the stylish retreat lies not just in its stunning surroundings but in its ability to provide a complete sensory experience for discerning travellers.
Attention to detail is evident from the outset. As soon as we entered the arrivals area at Phuket airport, a host was waiting for us with a sign. All guests at Trisara receive round trip airport transfers as part of the standard offering, which really ensures that you are enveloped in a complete feeling of luxury, throughout your time as a Trisara guest.
Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted with warm and genuine Thai hospitality. The staff's attentiveness is matched by their unobtrusiveness, ensuring you have the privacy and serenity you seek during your stay (Case in point: the housekeeping staff that magically enter and disappear during the turndown service, effortlessly completing their tasks with remarkable efficiency and leaving the room in perfect order within a matter of five minutes).
The resort features 60 spacious ocean-facing villas and residences. The diverse selection of luxurious accommodations, ranging from Ocean Front Pool Villas, Family Ocean View Pool Villas, and Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Residences, is designed to suit every traveller's desires, whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a solo sojourn.
Each villa is a sanctuary of good taste and boasts its own private pool. During our stay, we had the privilege of staying in the Ocean Front Pool Villa. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens that offered an unparalleled level of seclusion and privacy, the villa sits 25 feet above the beach and bay and offers breathtaking ocean views.
Upon stepping into the villa, we were greeted by an infinity pool that overlooked the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. The private pool (coupled with the views) is definitely the villa’s crowning glory – imagine waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the clear blue waves of the sea and having your own pool to dip into at your leisure; this is the kind of experience that Trisara effortlessly delivers. You can also opt to have a lavish floating feast for breakfast within your own private pool.
Inside, the villa itself is a seamless fusion of modern luxury and traditional Thai elements, creating a soothing ambience for you to unwind in your own piece of paradise. The spacious bathroom was decked out in modern amenities that elevate the comfort of your stay, including a large bathtub for soaking in and an outdoor private shower.
We were told by our friendly concierge as we were checking in that sunsets here are extremely beautiful due to the resort being located nearer to the north, and she was right – the villa offered a front-row seat to witness the kaleidoscope of colours as the sun gracefully dips below the horizon and paint the skies in a vibrant tapestry of hues.
The resort is flush with activities to do, ensuring that you are wholly entertained throughout your stay without ever having to leave the resort's haven of luxury.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, Jara spa at Trisara is an oasis within an oasis. Nestled amidst the tropical jungle, the spa offers a range of treatments and therapies that draw on traditional healing practices, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. You’re given a quick consultation to understand your preferences before surrendering yourself to skilled therapists who will pamper you with a transformative experience for your body, mind, and soul.
Seeking something different during your stay? One of the resort’s most popular activities is Muay Thai. The sport is open to enthusiasts of all levels, and even if you’re a complete newbie and feeling apprehensive (like me), the patient and experienced instructors will instantly have you feeling at ease.
That’s not to say that they aren’t firm when it comes to the hour-long session of teaching you the art of striking, clinching, and grappling. The expansive training area and facilities provide an optimal space for honing your techniques, while the scenic surroundings evoke a sense of tranquillity that enhances the mind-body connection central to Muay Thai.
For the adventure seekers, the resort offers a plethora of complimentary water sports activities and thrilling excursions, including sailing, kayaking, and snorkelling expeditions – depending on the season and tide, of course.
Remember the private beach that I was so excited about? The idyllic coastal paradise offers an intimate and peaceful beach experience where soft sands and crystal-clear waters await. Private daybeds and sun loungers that dot the shore are perfect for sunning and lounging about whilst looking out to the mesmerising Andaman Sea, or you can also opt to dip into the 45-metre salt water chlorinated lap pool to cool yourself off.
Other activities you can do at the resort include tennis – there’s a full tennis court available – golfing, and private cooking classes. There’s even an in-house digital studio should you wish to opt for a new headshot, Instagram profile photo, or if you’re simply looking to capture memories as a family.
When it comes to the dining experiences, guests can savour a tantalising fusion of authentic Thai flavours and international cuisines, reflecting Phuket’s multicultural legacy. Each restaurant uses fresh locally-sourced ingredients, and Trisara works alongside local farmers and fishermen to source seasonal vegetables, fish, and tropical fruits, as well as naturally-raised poultry, pork, and beef. The resort supports sustainable practices, partnering with small-scale fishermen who use traditional handmade nets and traps.
There are several restaurants around the resort serving a wide variety of cuisines, though a couple of restaurants were closed for renovations during our stay there.
The resort is home to Pru, which holds the title of being the first and currently only Michelin-starred restaurant in Phuket. Pru, which stands for ‘plant, raise, understand’ offers a menu centred around seafood and plants, featuring ingredients sourced from their very own 96-hectare organic farm. The award-winning farm-to-table restaurant takes gastronomy to new heights, focusing on sustainable practices and locally grown produce to create exquisite dishes that showcase the essence of Thai cuisine.
The Deck, perched atop the resort, offers an intimate dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views. Here, guests can enjoy a delightful variety of international dishes and contemporary classics while taking in the spectacular sunsets. The bartenders also serve a mean cocktail, with a special cocktail menu that switches depending on the season.
Located a short drive away from Trisara is the resort’s sister property, Tri Vananda. An integrative wellness resort, Tri Vanada is enveloped by verdant greenery and sprawled across 235 acres.
Tri Vananda is also home to the on-site Pru Jampa Farm, where tours to discover the expansive farm are available. Here, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a way of life. Every aspect of the farm's operations is guided by a deep commitment to preserving the environment and nurturing the land for generations to come.
The farm's bountiful offerings, including an array of seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, succulent fruits, a chicken coop and a duck pond as well as an assortment of fungi, serve as the heart and soul of the farm-to-table dining experience at Jampa, Tri Vananda’s showcase dining venue and the sister restaurant of Pru.
The Michelin Green-starred restaurant, helmed by Dutch chef Rick Dingen, features a contemporary European menu innovatively presented whilst embracing a philosophy of sustainability and zero waste. The team at Jampa takes great pride in crafting innovative dishes that revolve around the freshest ingredients harvested right from their own land – even the garnishes and ingredients used in the cocktails are from the farm.
Jampa’s exquisite Experience Menu embodies the delicious culmination of chef Rick’s knowledge and passion for "zero waste cuisine." The seven-course introduction to his food philosophy is a gastronomic journey, showcasing dishes that are not only innovatively crafted from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, but are also equal parts nutritious and delectable.
A captivating sanctuary that effortlessly marries luxury with the beauty of Phuket's nature and culture, Trisara is an unparalleled tropical paradise. It’s the perfect place for leaving the hustle of the city behind, and instead spending the day basking in the sun, with a refreshing Mai Tai or a freshly cracked coconut in hand and without a care in the world.
Before you head to the resort however, remember to stock up on mosquito repellants if you’re hoping for a bite-free stay. Trisara does not do fogging in order to not disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem and harm the friendly animals living in the lush jungles. The downside of that is that mosquitoes are everywhere throughout the resort – though they do provide a complimentary bottle of natural insect repellent as well as incense for your stay.
Trisara Phuket is located at หมู่ที่ 6 60/1 ถนน ศรีสุนทร Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand.