Our weeklong stay at Villa Baan Panwa, nestled in the breathtaking Sri Panwa Resort on the island of Phuket, Thailand, was nothing short of magical. As a family with two teenage daughters, we were searching for a destination that combined luxury, adventure, and cultural exploration — and Villa Baan Panwa delivered all of this and more. Located in the southeast corner of Phuket, the villa offers privacy and tranquillity, while the surrounding Sri Panwa Resort provided access to world-class amenities and a wide range of activities. Throughout our stay, we explored the beauty of Phuket, indulged in incredible food, and made lifelong memories.

From the moment we arrive, we are mesmerized by the panoramic views. Set high on a peninsula, the villa’s infinity pool seems to stretch into the Andaman Sea, and the vistas of Koh Phi Phi and surrounding islands are simply breathtaking. It is clear from the start that this trip is going to be a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Our daughters immediately fell in love with their own spacious bedrooms, each offering uninterrupted views of the sea. The villa itself is elegantly designed, blending modern luxury with natural surroundings. The open-plan living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows allowedsthe beauty of Phuket’s landscape to flow into every corner of the villa.

The master bedroom

What made our stay truly special is the personalized service provided by the villa’s exceptional staff. From the moment we meet Noi, the villa’s manager, and her staff, we know we are in good hands. She makes sure that everything is taken care of, from organizing airport transfers to helping us plan our excursions around Phuket and booking us a really nice massage in our “own” bedroom. Ofcourse a massage, or any other treatment, can also be done at the beautiful resort’s Spa. With a splendid view and surrounded by nature, Angela and our oldest daughter decide to have their nails done here.

The true highlight, however, is our private chef, Add. Her culinary skills are beyond anything we expected. Every meal is a delight, from traditional Thai dishes to Western favourites. We can’t get enough of her pad Thai, green curry, and fresh seafood dishes. Eating at the villa feels like dining at a five-star restaurant, but with the comfort and privacy of being in our own space.

While Villa Baan Panwa offers everything you could possibly need for a relaxing stay, we also take time to explore the island of Phuket. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Phuket has so much to offer visitors of all ages.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, has a fascinating history as a trading post dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, it has welcomed traders from China, India, and Europe, each of whom left a mark on the island’s culture, architecture, and cuisine. Today, Phuket is known for its vibrant mix of Thai, Chinese, and Western influences, making it an exciting destination for cultural exploration.

One of our favourite excursions was a visit to Chaithararam Temple, also known as Wat Chalong. This beautifully ornate Buddhist temple is one of Phuket’s most important spiritual sites. As we walk around the temple grounds, we admire the intricate architecture, with its gleaming golden details and towering spires. Our daughters find it fascinating to learn about the history of the temple and its significance to the local community.

Later in the week, we spend an evening in Phuket Town, where we explore the famous Phuket Weekend Night Market (Naka Market). This bustling market is a sensory overload in the best possible way. We wander through the stalls, sampling local street food like grilled meats, sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes. It’s a pleasure to do some shopping for souvenirs here, from handmade jewelry to quirky fashion pieces, and we have fun haggling for the best prices. The atmosphere is electric, and it is a fantastic way to experience local life.

In addition to the incredible meals prepared by Add at the villa, we also take the opportunity to dine at several of the resort’s excellent restaurants. Sri Panwa is home to some of the best dining experiences in Phuket, each offering something unique. Our favourite spot for lunch was Baba Poolclub in our Sri panwa Resort, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu in a chic, poolside setting. We love their fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and seafood platters. It is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the ocean views.

One evening, we dine at Baba IKI, the resort’s Japanese restaurant. The sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh, and we are particularly impressed with the Wagyu beef and tempura dishes. The elegant atmosphere made it a great choice for a special family dinner. Of course, we couldn’t leave Sri Panwa without visiting Baba Nest, the resort’s famous rooftop bar. This exclusive venue offers 360-degree views of the Andaman Sea and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. We arrive just in time to see the sky light up in shades of orange and pink as we sipp on signature cocktails (and mocktails for the girls). It is one of the most memorable evenings of our trip — the kind of moment that reminds you how magical travel can be.

BABA IKI

Sri Panwa Resort offers an array of activities, and we make the most of our time by exploring everything the resort has to offer. You might opt for the sunrise yoga session on the rooftop of the same Baba Nest. Practicing yoga with the sun rising over the Andaman Sea is a surreal and peaceful experience. Or head for the tennis court or boxing area, or ofcourse one of the many watersports.

The resort’s pool becomes one of our favourite afternoon hangouts. Nestled in a lush, tropical setting, the pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat. We spend hours swimming, relaxing on the loungers, and soaking in the beautiful surroundings.

Mother-daughter moment

On our second visit to Phuket Town, we once again immerse ourselves in its vibrant mix of Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, and trendy cafes—a refreshing contrast to the island’s beach resorts. We stroll through the old town, revisiting the colorful colonial buildings and stopping for coffee at The Feelsion Cafe, a quirky spot filled with vintage memorabilia. Our daughters, as before, love capturing photos of the murals and street art that decorate the area. For lunch, we return to Blue Elephant, savoring the standout green curry and crab fried rice in its historic mansion setting, complete with chandeliers and antique decor, which transports us back in time.

As our week at Villa Baan Panwa comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible experiences we have shared as a family. From the peaceful mornings spent by the infinity pool to the culinary adventorus in old Phuket town, every moment of our trip was filled with wonder and joy. The exceptional service at the villa, combined with the world-class amenities of Sri Panwa Resort, made this trip a true luxury escape.

WOW

# Our daughters, who initially wondered if a week at a luxury villa might be too quiet, end up loving every minute. They appreciated the freedom to explore the resort, the private pool at the villa, and the chance to experience the culture and beauty of Phuket.

# If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, we highly recommend Villa Baan Panwa and Sri Panwa Resort.

# It’s a place where luxury meets nature, and where every member of the family can find something to enjoy. We’ll be back — and next time, we might just stay a little longer.