The Boathouse Phuket anchored in the ‘Bay of Plenty’
The Boathouse Phuket is not a ‘juggernaut’ resort. In fact, it is what is fashionably known as a boutique hotel – 39 rooms to be precise. But it has two inestimable advantages: one, god-given, is its unique location; the other, man-made, is its legendary reputation for hospitality.
Created three decades ago by Thai visionary Mom Tri Devakul, it was the first five-star hotel in Kata, located in a dominant prime beachfront position. Originally a venue for boat owners – hence the name – it may still be ‘anchored’ between the road to Kata Noi and the Andaman Sea, but as a consequence, every one of its splendidly appointed suites enjoys a seaview.
A warm welcome provides the perfect entrée to The Boathouse experience. Greeted at reception by unfailingly courteous staff – and the courtesies are maintained for the rest of our stay – we are invited to enjoy a pre-prandial cocktail. The choice is huge: complex concoctions include the signature Boathouse Cocktail based on camomile gin, vermouth and cola syrup, but my choice is a classic rum mojito which comes in a tankard with wedges of lime and mint. So refreshing. The house list of spirits is equally impressive: nine whiskies by the glass, half a dozen gins and vodkas, five tequilas, even seven varieties of mineral water.
Escorted to our suite, we are instantly struck by its easy charms. Unusually spacious by today’s standards, the choice ranges from 36 sqm deluxe rooms to our 63 sqm Junior Suite, up to Ocean Suites overlooking the infinity pool and finally to the lavishly appointed Penthouse Suite. Each and every living area boasts a massive bathroom with huge rectangular bath and rain shower; ours possesses commodious twin wash-basins, with everything impeccably clad in gleaming white tiles. A remarkable feature of our suite is the huge bevelled glass ‘porthole’, which visually links the bathroom and the seascape beyond. While towelling down or just waking in the morning, your gaze takes your eye past the French windows, past the private terrace with its personal sunbeds, past the courtyard with its four-leafed jacuzzi pool and all the way out to the breaking line of surf and the azure sky. What a vision to awake to…
The Boathouse’s nautical theme is accentuated by a rope framed circular mirror, a standard lamp with – yes – rope fittings, and by grey, wavy textured headboards that echo the pleated curtains and accentuate the seafaring motif. But the emphasis is squarely on traditional comfort: a huge sofa with piles of colourful cushions set in an inviting alcove, a luxurious double bed, a spacious desk, armchairs, deep woollen carpets and wooden floors.
The attention to friendly detail is everywhere apparent: a personally written letter of welcome from the general manager, Max Chin, is reinforced by an illuminated television greeting. On the coffee table is a message saying “Welcome Home”. It does not seem inappropriate. There are bowls of fruit, biscuits and sweetmeats, a coffee machine, a safe, a range of elegant toiletries, thongs and slippers, sumptuous terry towelling – even a mosquito spray. A tablet lists an array of illustrated features and activities, which naturally include free wi-fi. The fridge is amply stocked and a bottle of wine awaits the new guest. No stone is left unturned.
The Boathouse has an intimacy and compactness that few luxury establishments can hope to match: one can walk from prow to stern in minutes; a scenic beachside stroll from the grand reception area through the main bar, with its nautical motifs, past the elegant restaurant where one can either dine in air-conditioned comfort, or caressed by ocean breezes beneath arching sea almond trees. On to a serene courtyard flanked by palms and terraces with its unique, four-leafed jacuzzi pool; beyond to a sunbathers’ paradise with rows of white, parasolled sun-beds clad in blue livery next to a crescent-shaped infinity pool. The area is flanked by a matching pool bar serving appetising snacks and drinks. If you want privacy, there is a sala next to the beach and even a secluded dining room.
GO TO TOP
