. . . . . . It reminds me exactly of what happened when Amanpuri first opened; but could Trisara compete, I wondered? Well yes, it could. In fact, Trisara is, quite easily, the new benchmark for Thai beach resorts. It is certainly not an up-dated clone of Amanpuri, as some suspected, but has taken on board what the new breed of discerning guest now requires, and that includes private pools in all 42 villas and suites, hideaway plasma TVs in every villa, absolutely silent, cross-current airconditioning, password-free WiFi that works like a dream, and custom 7-foot kingsizes with lightweight duvets that are, quite possibly, the most comfortable beds we have ever experienced.

What really impressed me, though, was how utterly relaxed Trisara was. This is one of the least pretentious resorts I have stayed in, and yet it is, without doubt, created for the world's top guests. Perhaps, unlike some, it genuinely understands that butlers and brouhaha are for the package hordes, and that flexibility and easygoing excellence are for those who are used to the best. Thus, you will not find fawning service here, just fabulously efficient, friendly staff that understands completely what makes you and I tick. This could be due to the fact that Anthony Lark hails from Australia, together with his Resident Manager, the delightful Narelle Kellahan. To them, luxury is all about space, privacy, relaxation and the best produce money can buy, and I would certainly not disagree about that.

Su from Guest Relations with Anthony Lark

Narelle used to manage Sydney's famous Rockpool restaurant, and as a trained sommelier and F&B expert, she really knows her onions. Both her and Anthony want the cuisine here to be exceptional, which is why they have just signed up Rockpool's Neil Perry to oversee their menus. Do not infer for one minute, though, that the cuisine here needs help. It is already the best in Phuket, with its stunning Thai menu by Executive Sous, Kla and his Chef de Cuisine, Aed, together with its moreish Australian inspired Western fare. From glorious breakfasts on the restaurant's 1,000 sq metre deck overlooking the Andaman Sea, to private barbecues on your villa deck, this little resort has already attracted Dane Clouston from Hong Kong's Opia restaurant at Philippe Starck's Jia Hotel, and the Pastry Chef from Bangkok's Sukhothai. It also lured Bobby from Amanpuri's beach café, whose eagle eye flits across staff and guests, from morning to midnight; his face lighting up when he recognises the ex-Amanpuri guests, who are already starting a new 'scene' here.

Anthony Lark is the first to recognise that Trisara is a work in progress; but he also knows a masterpiece when he sees one. This is already a very accomplished resort; the accommodation incredibly thoughtful. I loved the window-set daybed in our Ocean Front Villa, #408; the low marble table that allows you to eat indoors as well as out on the deck; the privatising sliding mirror doors in the bathroom that close it off at night, but allow an airy view of garden foliage during the day; the big walk-in indoor shower and the huge outdoor rainfall-shower patio. I was also impressed with the saline treated swimming pools that do not reek of chlorine, and the facility that allows you to download your exact choice of music from the Library onto your free mini I-Pod, which then connects to your Villa's BOSE system.

Nothing is lacking at Trisara. The huge Library is packed full of carefully indexed tomes, and if you do not travel with a lap-top, then you can use one of the Library's to check your e-mail; complimentary, of course. You also have use of Trisara's fleet of luxury motor yachts to explore the region, and if you dive, then Trisara's daily PADI diving tours will keep you happy, including, if you wish, professional instruction and certification.

The resort also has a pair of blue Plexi-pave tennis courts with nighttime floodlighting, plus complimentary racquets and balls, and coaching or hitting partners upon request.

One of the 100sq metre indoor/outdoor spa suites

For retail therapy addicts like me, you will be pleased to hear that there are three chic boutiques, offering everything from gifts and beachwear, to high-end jewellery and serious art.

Now, you know how picky I am about spas; well, Trisara's 2-level complex is very impressive indeed, with a terrific, viewsome fitness room (with or without personal trainers), and six big airy spa suites above, without the usual awful locker rooms, and utilising only handmade chemical-free skincare. Refreshingly, this spa is not merely a retail opportunity. In fact, there are no products for sale at all, apart from massage oil, and even then, you have to ask if you want to buy some.

Therapists here are extremely well trained and very thorough; the treatments a sensible 90-minute minimum, with really good scrubs and wraps, such as Trisara Fresh Produce, with coconut, pineapple and honey, grown on the resort's own land. There is also a full beauty and hair salon.

If you want to do one-to-one Yoga, Julie Hirunchai is Trisara's guest consultant and can work with you at a beachside sala, in your villa or in the Spa. Rhonda Ann Clarke is another guest consultant, specialising in Movement and personal training. Other consultants can be pre-booked for everything, from Reiki, to Cranial Sacral Therapy. Oh, and the Spa serves the best iced ginger tea I have ever tasted! . . . . . .

Hot Thai - Part One | Trisara, Phuket
(extract June 2006 VOL 16 No6)