My Journey to Heaven

Switch off. Pack Up. Escape. The perks of living in Asia. Where everything is less than a 2-hour flight away. It’s always a blessing to have so many destinations to pick from.

It seems, however, that the Thai immigration stamp always makes a special appearance in my passport …. particularly Phuket. There’s something about this tiny island that always leaves me craving more. And instead of constantly staying with the safe-choice of the personally tried-and-tested resorts, I love discovering new ones to see how one destination can bring me so much variety.

This trip, Phuket’s famous Millionaire’s Mile was calling my name.

From high up on the hills of Kamala, overlooking the Andaman Sea, the Paresa resort offers breathtaking views of everything you’d expect with living along the stetch that houses superstars, governors and people with just too much money. It’s certainly easy to get used to a life where all that’s required is laying by a pool, cocktail in hand and a stack of good reads.

Straying away from the ostentatious, traditional-Thai architecture, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design language was adopted; organic and minimalist, without losing any Asian warmth. Understanding the value of privacy paired with unrivalled standards of luxury, Paresa offers one a sanctuary to recharge, renew and rediscover.

The open-plan interiors of the villas are spacious and further highlighted with their off-white walls and seamless flow from inside to out, where a private pool awaits.

The luxurious bathrooms are dressed in Italian-terrazzo tiles and accented with traditional Phuket-batik works. With his-and-hers sinks and wardrobes, an indoor and outdoor shower and a gorgeous bathtub that showcases a spectacular view, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to stray too far away.

And when you can drag yourself away from your villa, step out of your temporary home and discover the property that’s made up of a labyrinth of stairs, meandering walkways and paths shaded in Thai bamboo. The resort was constructed with several very special Banyan Trees in mind. They’re hard to miss. One in particular stands 4-stories-tall, it’s branches extend through the building. You get the feeling that the trees offer some sort of protection to the property. And you wouldn’t be wrong. The Thais believe that Banyan Trees spiritually haunt the property and landlord, providing security and ensuring peace and prosperity.

Be it myth or fact, the trees certainly offer an interesting talking-point for guests and please anyone who’s respectful of the environment. I’ve always had a penchant for big ol’ trees. Curious about their story. And the kind of stories they could tell.

All throughout this “Heaven of all Heavens” (the translation of Paresa’s Sanskrit name), sustainability is hard to ignore. The Pandanas leaves are used to their full capability; adding flavour wrapped around chicken, providing colour to desserts, acting as an ingredient for the body wraps at their in-house spa and offering fragrance to their cold towels.

The spa is exactly what you’d expect; incredible views, strong hands, intoxicating smells and gentle sounds.

There’s something about a spa session that really gets your appetite going. Head to the main building and be welcomed by Talung Thai and Diavolo, where you’re guaranteed to find something that’ll please your palate.

The former is an al-fresco dining area that complimented with piercing views of the Andaman Sea. And as its name suggests, authentic Thai cuisine is on the menu and in my opinion, amongst the best on the island.

Just steps away, indoors, is Diavolo, Paresa’s Italian dining space. It’s fire-red walls and black tiles are a cheeky, and devilish, salute to its name. And it’s here where you’ll sample New Zealand-born, Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda’s gastronomic delights.

That’s not the end of your dining choices. The Infinity Experience at Paresa will have your feet gently kissing the water of the main pool. Within the shallow waters of the fibre-optic lit pool, your evening will be filled with light from within the pool, mimicking the Milky Way and above, the Universe shines down upon you. Couldn’t get much more romatic.

Paresa lives up to its “Heaven of all Heavens” reputation; exquisite cuisine, ultimate privacy amongst understated luxury, heavenly Angels to tend to your every whim and those views …. need I say more?

Till my next adventure,
xA

THANK YOU!!!

A big thanks to the team of Paresa for my stay at the property.

Thinking of Going?

For your next stay, click HERE to book!!!