A Serene Resort Experience: Sala Resort in Phuket, Thailand

Serene, contemporary, and a calm raw architecture are some of the words best describing Sala Resort Phuket which offers a uniquely different
resort experience. An architectural Zen-like calm beach resort far away from the party scene of Phuket.  Just a few select Thai ornamentations reveal the local context. I thoroughly enjoyed the alternative serene Phuket experience. experience, far away from the nightlife scenes.

A Zen-like arrival courtyard reflection pool

The arrival sequence is a staged choreographic journey with a series of experiences:

1. Arrival:  a peekaboo screened wall reveals a very shallow reflection pool as foreground to the open air reception area.  An adjacent open
library offers cushy seating while checking in and leisure reading during rainy days.

2. progression: A strong visual axis leads the path through the resort, to the restaurant, pools and beach.  Raw walls of exposed cast concrete surround the spa and pool villas, with trunks of rubber trees juxtaposing the rawness, creating softness and contrast.

3. Culmination: Restaurant, pools nd beach

Being a dedicated hotel designer I decided to stay different nights in the 2 best room types. My first night was spent in the luxury balcony room, which offers a comfortable bedroom and a very unique, grand al fresco bath experience on the large balcony with resin cast bathtubs under crystal pendants, a circular shower with the toilet tucked behind, and extremely huge day bed. Reminder: do remember to draw the curtains in front of your balcony or you will be exposed to the neighbors across from the courtyard during nighttime if you need to use the bathroom. An edgy exposure experience which may not be for the faint hearted.

De Luxe bedroom

Al Fresco bath experience

Second and third night I indulged in the pool villa experience, which on the other hand offer complete privacy. The bedroom is airy and contemporary with a full window wall opening up to your own private pool. 

Secluded pool Villa bedroom experience

Private pool with Al Fresco bath and glass doors opening to the bedroom/living room

This is wonderful privacy experience with a restrained contemporary luxury. The al fresco bath experience is centered on the pool and anchored by a sparkling glamorous glass pendant over the tub, centered on the pool.

Glamorous Al fresco bath experience at theend of the pool

The restaurant building and bar are both al fresco, without walls, facing the reflection minimalistic swimming pool. Quite a stunning and serene dining experience during evening rain as my stay was during the monsoon season. Excellent food is served in very minimalist surroundings.

Al Fresco dining facing the pool

Al Fresco dining with subtle minimalist Thai ornamentation

The public pools at the beach lawn are serene, but unfortunately there is no visual connection to the ocean and the beach is not appealing for ocean swimming. Palm trees and bushes create a private and secluded experience.

Pool and pool bar at the ocean front

Saturday night is Al Fresco movie night under the stars, what a great experience watching a horror movie juxtaposed by the sounds of the subtle waves coming from the ocean. Pop corn is served and the bar is adjacent. As this was monsoon season most guests did not show up, although is was a splendid evening.

Breakfast is served in the raw all day dining building, and is amazing! The AlaCarte menu is included in the room rate and offers a tantalizing variety of international and Thai dishes, which is complemented by great self- serve islands with home baked breads, sweets, fruits, fresh squeezed juices and smoothies. One of the best breakfasts I have ever encountered at a hotel resort.

The spa experience is a complete sensory experience, especially when rain is pouring down the exposed raw concrete walls.  From the spa reception you are lead through a paved pathway enfolded by steam surfacing through the water features on either side. Amazing signature
spa treatments are offered in the treatment rooms looking into your private zen courtyard and bathroom. I encourage going for the 2 hour treatments as this spa experience is true bliss.

All experiences were serene and a very memorable and fond guest experience.

ritten by Zia Hansen.  Photos by Zia Hansen