A hillside luxury hideaway in southern Phuket: V Villas Phuket

V Villas Phuket is an award-winning, all-villa resort set 39 meters above sea level, about 128 feet, on a remote hilltop overlooking Ao Yon Bay on the southern tip of Phuket. The property features 26 private pool villas in one- to six-bedroom layouts, many with ocean views, all set amid a lush forest canopy in the Cape Panwa and Panwa Beach areas. The resort is intimate and designed for maximum space and privacy, which is why it has been featured in the Michelin Guide. It is about 1 hour from Phuket International Airport and 15 minutes from Phuket Old Town.

Accommodations

I arrived to one of the most beautiful welcome amenities, filled with delicious treats like macarons, cake popsicles, brownies, and more. I stayed in the One Bedroom Hill View Villa, a tropical nature refuge. The private pool measures about 9.8 by 29.5 feet and is paired with a Bose soundbar, a spacious living area, and a master bedroom with an en suite marble bathroom featuring twin baths.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors open directly onto the pool area, creating the ideal indoor and outdoor living experience. The villa includes a private infinity pool with sun loungers, wooden decks, and tropical landscaped gardens. The design is minimalist and modern with natural tones. Guests enjoy twenty-four-hour dedicated butler service.

One evening I ordered room service and the traditional Thai dishes were incredibly comforting, including Pad Kra Pao, fresh mango, and morning glory.

Dining

Akoya Star Lounge is the signature rooftop bar and one of the most Instagrammable sunset spots in Phuket. It sits about 180 feet above sea level, above the main restaurant with 360-degree ocean views. The modernist design features double daybeds partially submerged in the pool and ample seating. Order from the excellent mixology menu while DJs spin sets and the sky shifts into one of the area’s most beautiful sunset views. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s infinity pool with panoramic views, along with decks and loungers that create a relaxed, upscale day-club vibe.

Yon Ocean House is the resort’s European and Thai coastal restaurant, designed with an Art Deco-inspired interior and a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. The space has ocean views and takes inspiration from the bay below and the nearby pearl farm. The design features natural wood grains and handcrafted metal panels, and the menu highlights daily catch and fresh seafood. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Pisut “Nong” Nahan, who is known for serving Thai cuisine with a modern twist. For dinner I ordered the spaghetti kee moa, which I highly recommend featuring Thai-style wok fried spaghetti with basil and scallops.

There was an elegant breakfast spread with local and international offerings. There was also a made-to-order noodle bar, which was my favorite.

Activities

One of the highlights at V Villas Phuket is Hatha Yoga, thanks to the exceptional instruction of Jose Arnel Flores. Classes rotate between the beachfront and the resort’s beautiful yoga and fitness studio. Jose is highly attentive and descriptive, guiding each movement with care and making sure guests are aligned. He also led a deeply relaxing, private sound bath in my hotel room.

Had a lovely massage at V Villas Spa, inspired by the natural beauty of Phuket pearls. The treatments use organic, vegan-friendly, and science-conscious formulas. The menu also includes indulgent options featuring Mother of Pearl body scrubs and wraps, a nod to the island’s pearling heritage.