There are defining moments in one’s lifetime and top of my list has to be the moment I entered our Royal Beach Villa at Phulay Bay for the first time and stood totally spellbound by the spectacular panoramic view over our private infinity pool to the Andaman Sea beyond.
This is truly something I shall never forget.
Add to this the private terrace replete with oversized sofa and enormous cushions, a dining area for in villa dining and an infinity pool complete with integral jacuzzi, all surrounded by sculptured trees and exotic flora to complement this generous and impressive private outside space.
The interior of this stunning property is simply beyond words. Over the top palatial, grandiose, awe-inspiring. A glossy feature come to life straight out of an Architectural Digest magazine!
The enormous 2 metre wide bed takes centre place in the bedroom and envelops you with is sumptuousness. I have never ever seen or slept in such an extravagant gargantuan bed or felt so luxuriantly comfortable and slept so well.
I could have spent hours here just gazing through the enormous glass floor to ceiling windows at the ocean beyond with those iconic lime stone mountains known as karsts, seemingly floating on the horizon and with the occasional long tail boat ‘popping’ by in the distance.
The OTT ‘bathroom’, a misnomer in this instance, is yet again In the same extravagant mould. An Uber spacious ‘his and hers’ or ‘his and his’ or ‘whatever floats your boat’ pale creamy marble wet room with dual rain showers and shelves laden with lotions and potions to pamper your own or each other’s body is one of two showers. The other is outside in the rear garden / terrace for those fancying a ‘back to nature’ shower experience with the same perfumed amenities.
Double vanity free standing shell shaped washbasins surrounded by mirrors on all sides, an enormous central relaxing area, all surrounded by the same creamy marble to complement the creams and lotions waiting to complete the pampering process plus a spacious toilet surrounded by glass cleverly designed for privacy and 2 dressing rooms completes this enormous bathing space.
No, I haven’t forgotten to mention the massive sunken bath which resembles a generous sized plunge pool accessed by marble steps and surrounded by beautiful black Moorish style hanging lanterns. More delicious smelling potions, bath salts and gels and toweling covered pillows to rest your weary head whilst bathing complete the scene. Situated next to an exterior water feature and adjacent to the infinity pool, but separated by glass, giving one an inside outside bathing experience.
Two evenings after returning ‘home’ to our villa after a delicious dining experience, the bath had been filled with water, sprinkled generously with rose petals and surrounded by dozens of tealights. Not to mention the little gift of sweetmeats and good wishes left by the Ladies and Gentlemen at ‘turndown’.
Divine decadence is alive and well at Phulay Bay!
Our evening dining experience alternated between Lae Lay seafood restaurant facing the sea and lit by traditional candles and Sri Trang, a fine dining cozy restaurant offering traditional Thai cooking at its best.
Both offering exquisite food, exceptional service from all the Ladies and Gentlemen in the restaurants not forgetting the lovely kind and thoughtful Somo (Pomelo). Thank you all!
All this exquisite fayre under the auspices of Executive Chef Nathan and Executive Sous Chef Vivek. Congratulations to you both and to your amazing team.
A sumptuous evening barbecue, lit by flaming torches, on the manicured lawns between the vast infinity pool and Andaman Sea made for a spectacular dining experience one evening under the stars. Think ‘Hangover 2’ as this is where the wedding reception was filmed. I believe Bradley Cooper stayed in our villa and slept in that very same enormous bed whilst filming here! Well what’s good enough for him......!
I must give a nod to the impressive hotel infinity pool with views of Hong Island and surrounding karsts on the horizon, the manicured gardens, waterfalls, numerous water features cascading from the stone walls around the winding paths of the gardens, the lakes and lily ponds within the property. The list is endless.
Special mention for the delightful and beautiful General Manager of Phulay Bay, Ruby Garcia, whose divine intervention in our reservation and exceptional personalized service and constant interest in our welfare throughout our stay made the entire Phulay Bay experience one we shall never forget. She was aware that we were celebrating a wedding anniversary and two birthdays and it seemed like she must have informed her entire team to ensure that everything was so very special for us. Thank you!
Last but not least I have to thank Tanya our wonderful butler who looked after us during our stay. A very special lady with the sweetest and kindest heart who cared for our every whim and anticipated our every need. Everyone should have a Tanya in their lives. We miss you still!
To conclude, Phulay Bay is more than just a vacation. It is a life experience. We loved every single moment and have taken with us very special memories that we shall never forget.
