Match point
It’s always a pleasant surprise when the expectations that you inevitably develop during your extensive travels around Southeast Asian resorts don’t match what you actually see. Point Yamu by Como in Phuket is exactly one of these rare gems.
Situated on a hillside and offering magnificent views of Phang Nga Bay, Point Yamu is a fresh architectural interpretation of Thai luxury. Its interiors, which were designed by renowned interior designer Paola Navone, are open and airy. The lobby is an enormous open-air space with an altar-like installation made of stacked Thai tables and huge swaying lobster-trap lampshades.
Point Yamu consists of 79 guest rooms and suites. It also has 27 private pool villas that are available for purchase. The three-bedroom villas have an area of up to 705sqm, while the smaller two-bedroom ones have ‘only’ 248sqm of luxury living space.
The lucky owner will enjoy 60 days of complimentary usage at any time during the year, provided he claims his presence 45 days in advance.
Villa proprietors are entitled to 50 per cent of net revenue from bookings of their villa after deducting booking fees. Owners will also enjoy an array of benefits such as access to the main resort’s facilities. Two top restaurants, La Sirena and Nahmyaa, offer Italian and Thai-Peranakan cuisine. The meals could be arranged within the private villas for family celebrations or for parties with friends.
Owners can also use the facilities at Como Shambhala wellness and spa, which include a 100m infinity pool, fully equipped gym and an activity centre that has many spectacular offers including private boat trips from Marina Pier to the stunning nearby islands. I was shown some of the villas to get a first-hand impression and I truly felt reluctant to leave one of them. It was situated on the top of a hill and had huge panoramic windows facing both sides of the peninsula, offering magnificent views of Phang Nga Bay, the Andaman Sea and nearby islands. Its to-die-for views are a perfect example of intangible luxury, if you ask me.
Most of the villas have terraces, private pools and spa-like bathrooms. Rooms are flooded with natural light and cooled by sea breezes. All management services are provided by Point Yamu. This includes the general maintenance of your villa, marketing and accounting as well as management of the common areas.
In summary, Point Yamu is the perfect place for those who seek a family-oriented hideaway, for idyllic sailing around the islands and exploring dreamy lagoons. It’s not made for seaside socialising, shopping or bar-hopping. There are no beaches with maddening crowds but if desired, Phuket, with all its vibrant nightlife, is within easy reach.
Speaking about accessibility, despite its detached and remote atmosphere, Point Yamu is just a 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The island enjoys daily flights from more than 40 cities in Europe, Asia and Australia. Bangkok and Singapore, with connections to every major city in the world, are just over an hour’s flight away.
