Paresa Phuket, Thailand

Paresa Phuket

49 Moo 6 Layi-Nakalay Road | Kamala Kratu, Kamala, Phuket 83150, Thailand

paresaresorts.com

One day in Patong was more than enough for us and we were looking forward to going a bit farther north and spending our last night in Thailand in a different, much calmer place.

Our taxi quickly left the busy streets and entered greener areas. We were climbing up the hill for a long time, but tall trees were blocking the views and we were left for a big surprise. Not only because of the view but also how different Paresa appeared to be from the beginning. A man wearing simple white clothes greeted us and asked to follow him to the lobby. Being in Thailand for a week was enough for me to expect some crazy decorations and colours, so imagine how I felt seeing just bare brick and white tall walls. It was elegant, classy and minimalistic. And as just moments before we dreamt about calm and peaceful place I didn’t imagine it would happen so fast. We have arrived.

Paresa translates as Heaven of all Heavens and after our 24 hours stay there I’m sure that’s exactly the best way to describe this place. We felt heavenly from the very first moment, when in order to enter the resort grounds, we were asked to signal a gong before opening the doors. Stepping out from the narrow corridor to a lawn on the top of the hill was out of this world – the view up there was breathtaking.

Heaven theme continues throughout the resort – staff wearing white clothes, personal butlers called Angels or Dream-Makers and art featuring angels.

Set up on a cliffside is very interesting and clever. It doesn’t look like it’s forced, seems to be natural and almost blends with surroundings. I really liked that all suites and villas face the sea and you don’t have to make any difficult choices (other than what to pick for dinner or should I plunge into pool or admire views with a cocktail in my hand) to compromise views and location.

Room

10 minutes after our arrival to Paresa, check in and a quick tour around the resort, we were finally able to stop and calm all senses. I made a coffee, thanking Paresa Gods for putting a coffee machine in the room, went outside to the sunny terrace and for the first time in a few days I was able to enjoy the silence and breathe. There was no rush, no people around – just me, my coffee and the sound of waves down below.

Private infinity pool, bathtub with the best view, spacious bathroom and very quiet air conditioning made it very hard to decide to leave the room and check what else the resort has to offer.

I have a special place in my heart for wooden floors, they seem to me more elegant, clean and friendly than any kind of carpet or tiles. So imagine how happy I was seeing the beautiful floor in our Aqua Suite. Add to this classy furniture, light colours on the walls and you have an easy recipe how to create a very calming environment. It allowed us to have a proper rest and a good night sleep on the king size bed before continuing our trip to another Asian country.

Facilities

The biggest star of the hotel for me was the big infinity swimming pool with sun beds in the water, cocktail bar right next to it and a huge terrace facing the sea and being the best spot to watch spectacular sunsets. And happy hour from 5.30-630pm helps you make sure you’ll watch it with a drink in your hand.

There is also a gym, spa (offering also yoga and meditation), dvd rental (if you no longer feel like watching Andaman Sea is the best way to spend your time) and a shuttle service to Kamala beach.

If I wasn’t married already I would decide in one second that I want to do it in Paresa. And what convinced me so quickly was just one photo:

Food

Unfortunately, 24 hours wasn’t enough to properly test the restaurant. I can speak only for breakfast, which was lovely with some unusual things like french toast topped with candied bacon.

The restaurant offers a great selection of fresh juices, pastries and cheeses in a buffet area plus a la carte menu, which is enough to satisfy even fussy eaters.

Infinity Dining

One of the highlights of my stay in Paresa and the most jaw dropping experience of our Thailand trip was the infinity dining in Paresa. What a great idea for a romantic dinner!

Just imagine being on the top of a cliff, with waves crashing below, sun setting on the horizon and you’re having a great meal with the person you love the most. You feel like you seat on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean and you two are alone in the world. And all that matters is this very moment. It’s poetic, it’s romantic, it’s perfect.

And probably for the first time food wasn’t as important to me (even though it was divine) as trying to catch every second of this and keep it forever.

I know, I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t share our menu. Here it is:

Appetizer – Lamb Carpaccio sliced smoked New Zealand lamb with rocket, feta and oven dried cherry tomatoes, char-grilled eggplant, lemon olive oil dressing

Main course – Tasmanian Salmon pan-roasted Tasmanian salmon served with beetroot risotto, green beans, peas with minted garlic ‘foam’, crispy pancetta & Lobster Pad Prik Thai Dom stir-fried Phuket lobster Thai-style with local farmed vegetable and black pepper sauce

Dessert – Vanilla Pannacotta and Dark Chocolate Tart vanilla pannacotta tart with chocolate hazelnut brownie, mascarpone cream & Basil Vanilla Crème Brûlée basil and vanilla infused crème brûlée served with sablé biscuits and macerated forest berries

Overall

Paresa spoke to my sensitive and melancholic side. My mind was excited and my body comforted. I felt charmed and I don’t know how many times I was left speechless. Stunning location, breathtaking views, timeless design, delicious food and beautiful silence. Serenity. Heaven.

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