A relaxing escape for members of The Hideaways Club
Located on the northwestern strip of Phuket, Layan’s quiet charms has attained its reputation as one of the island’s most desirable residential locations. It lies somewhat secluded among lush tropical rainforests, quaint thoroughfares and a scenic beach which bears the same name. Aquatic pursuits in this area range from snorkelling and diving while the mid-year ‘summer’ months sees winds picking up, attracting avid windsurfers and kite flying activities. The cherry on top, however, are its kaleidoscopic sunsets which grant an observation of a nature’s extensive palette of colours.
In this setting, The Hideaways Club has earmarked a property at the gated and guarded neighbourhood of Layan Estate which offers its globe-trotting members an invitation to immerse themselves in the villa life. Villa Layan, as the property is called, sits among a crop of Balinese-styled buildings amidst manicured lawns fringed by palm trees. This pretty landscape welcomes guests to Villa Layan as does the villa’s housekeeping and kitchen staff, with cold towels and a jasmine wristlet.
Even before you arrive, the polished concierge service of The Hideaways Club would have reached out, arranging for the airport transfer, local transportation, groceries needed (an eclectic selection which includes rib-eye steak, lobster and swordfish fillet) and an advanced list of meals to be prepared. You could also receive assistance on a myriad other requirements, from yoga and spa sessions to golf games. And in the case of Phuket; elephant trekking to the nearby Bangpae waterfall, island hopping on a private speedboat and helicopter charters (with the doors removed to facilitate photography).
This concierge service is a double team of the international outfit and local representative, the latter of which furnishes guests with specific insights and insider tales – particularly useful for first time visitors to foreign locales. Launched in 2007, the Hideaways Club’s portfolio spans almost the entire globe, from Spain’s Ibiza and Morocco, to South Africa, the Americas and Japan. Across the club’s Classic Collection of villas and ski chalets, each of the properties averages a value at £$1.8 million, and presents an excess of 2,700 sq ft of living space with a minimum of four bedrooms, and family friendly amenities.
Certainly, at Villa Layan, the setup is ideally configured for holidaying couples or families on vacation. Peaceful Buddhist-inspired sculptures and art infuse the villa with a sense of serenity, as does the inviting blue of its salt-treated private pool. There’s even a chance for bird-watching as the Layan Estate receives an occasional visitor in the form of local feathered friends and migratory birds on their transcontinental journey.
Four opulent en suite bedrooms include a two-storey master bedroom which overlooks the property. Outdoor verandas and the pool deck provide for fun under the sun while the glassed living room becomes the cool retreat for relaxing with drinks, indoor games and lazy afternoon reading. Each room also holds bookcases filled with all manner of novels, biographies and some fairly esoteric literature such as the science of grading gemstones.
Its adjacent audio-visual room is kitted out with state-of-the-art speakers, satellite television, a Nintendo Wii and a superb collection of DVDs which run the gamut of classic Hollywood to foreign art house. This extensive DVD also comprises box sets of TV series, while a music library has options which serve up rock and roll standards, Def Leppard, Paul Simon and Beethoven, among many others. For the executives who need to switch on from time to time, the villa is also thoughtfully provided for with a laptop and printer.
For the young, the villa stocks a roomful of toys, paddle boards and even baby chairs for in-house dinners – either prepared by the local chef or by the guests themselves. The two dining areas include an indoor long table and a dining gazebo with an attached bar. In the balmy evenings, al fresco dining beckons by the brilliantly illuminated pool. The villa’s resident chef whips up all manner of authentic Thai cuisine on request, from tom yam goong and massaman curry to a spicy beef salad with the spiciness level of your choice.
There’s an unobtrusive quality about the villa’s service, with the local concierge and villa manager Neung and her team. The pool is always in kept pristine condition despite the surrounding foliage, rooms are immaculately turned down and pool towels are placed within easy reach.
Should you fancy, the villa’s appointed driver can ferry you to a range of delicious dining options located under a 10-minute drive radius. These culinary attractions range from Trisara Phuket’s oceanfront Seafood restaurant and the Siam Supper Club for west coast cuisine, to the 360 Degrees restaurant for spectacular sunsets accompanied by signature cocktails.
