SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

A haven for those wishing to get away from it all, this five-star private villa resort breaks away from the ‘typical’ Thai luxury design model.

Many of Phuket’s headland resorts cascade down hillsides to beaches, but SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is built on flat terrain. From this setting flows a gentle design that delivers greenery, shapes and entrancing perspectives in every aspect of the resort.

Style and sensibility

The super contemporary and minimalist architecture of the SALA Phuket features clean lines and fresh white walls in such a way that going around each corner becomes an adventure of shadows and geometry.

Suites and villas, most with private pools, are set well back from the beach and their design breaks the rules, putting the bathroom outside by the pool and making the outdoors part of the bedroom.

The interiors are a swirl of textiles, pastels, cushions, sliding doors and curtains. This is almost Arabian-like opulence, but there are hints of Phuket’s historical ‘Sino-Portuguese’ style too.

The beachfront

Located on the beachfront, the resort’s three pools combine into a large multi-tiered area, with a shallow water Jacuzzi, a 38sqm kids’ pool and a 30-meter long lap pool, and there is plenty of sun loungers and sofa-swings. Children’s water toys are available free of charge by the way, as are bicycles on which to explore the surrounding countryside.

Adjacent to the swimming pools is the Sala Restaurant & Bar, serving an exceptional blend of international cuisine and traditional Thai delicacies.

Nearby, the spa, which is simply stunning. It blocks out the world, comforts your soul, and prepares you for introspective pampering—in the serenity and comfort of one of five treatment rooms. The contemporary design delivers the sensual harmony of a tropical Chinese garden.

Great location

Sala Phuket is located in the Phuket’s north-west shoreline, miles from the riff-raff crowds of the popular beaches and their nightlife. This allows for tranquillity and access to a wide, deserted beach.

The Mai Khao Beach is the longest and least developed in Phuket and offers fantastic seaside treks along its 11km length.

in our opinion

In a place rich in culture and landscape it takes serious skill to subtly accompany it: too much takes away from the beauty, and too little will leave guests wanting for the comforts of home. SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort strikes the perfect balance.

It’s a great place for those looking to escape the busier areas of the island.

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What we love

• SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is located in a very quiet area, and has direct access to a stunning, deserted beach; we think one of the best in the island (no serried ranks of chairs and parasols here!).
• Very spacious, private villas, each with a great pool;
• Extremely warm, courteous and friendly staff;
• A la carte breakfast and dining: great service and excellent food.

What you should know

• Sala is not for the travelers looking for a more traditional Thai décor, nor for those who dislike minimalist design;
• The hotel is a bit cut off from the world: there are no shops, restaurants, and not much nightlife outside of the hotel, although there are some local beach bars. Very close to Sala is the Marriot, guests wanting for something different may want to visit for lunch or diner;
• The outside bathrooms in the villas are lovely, but perhaps heading for them during a storm is not the most convenient thing.