Villa Zolitude Resort and Spa

The Villa Zolitude Resort has just 45 rooms so even when it's at full capacity, the overall feel is personalized and quiet. Still, the property itself is large because villas are spread out over a hillside for maximum use of lush rain forest views and guest privacy. Some of the villas require a ride in a golf cart to get to them. The lobby is located inside a semi-open air pavilion (bamboo blinds can be closed to block sun and rain) with rich wood ceilings and lattice-work partial walls. There's a covered lounging area with breathtaking views of the jungle and city in the distance. A telescope sits on a tripod near a wooden railing. Comfy wicker furniture is topped with thick cushions and colorful decorative pillows. White orchids and green plants add splashes of color. An outdoor wooden deck holds modern tables and chairs under black and white striped umbrellas.

The majority of guests at Villa Zolitude are couples who want a quiet holiday and prefer the inland setting to the beach. Families come too, but most of the kids are older. 

Villa Zolitude Resort and Spa is built toward the Southern end of Phuket, in the rain forest. While there is a free shuttle to Naithon Beach and Central Festival Phuket Department Store, most guests suggest having a car to get around the island. Parking at the resort is free. Here are driving times for main points of interest:

• 40-minute drive to Phuket International Airport
• 30-minute drive to Patong Beach
• 30-minute drive to Nai Harn Beach
• Seven-minute drive to Wat Chalong Temple
• Three-minute drive to Phunaka Golf Course
• 12-minute drive to Central Festival Phuket Department Store

There are 45 villas divided into four room categories: Deluxe Pool Villa, Grand Pool Villa, Two-Bedroom Villa, and Four-Bedroom Villa. The villas were built to emphasize privacy (most of the outdoor spaces are enclosed with short walls) and great views of thick, lush rain forest. Each villa comes with an individual teal-colored swimming pool (some pools have submerged seats with jets) surrounded by a gorgeous wooden deck furnished with padded sun loungers and tables and chairs. Some villas have open-air bathrooms and day beds to further embrace the indoor/outdoor lifestyle that Thailand's climate makes possible. Indoors, the overall decor is stylish with attention to intricate details: high wood ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rich fabrics give a bright and airy ambience. The Deluxe Pool Villa has a raised platform behind the bed that holds a soaking tub for two, covered by three pieces of gauzy white fabric. A private water closet, rainfall shower, and double trough-style sinks complete the bathroom. The Grand Pool Villa is two stories, with the master bedroom on the upper level. Groups can upgrade to a Four-Bedroom Villa. Free Wi-Fi and minibars stocked with free goodies are nice touches. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, robes, umbrellas, safes, hairdryers, and toiletries are standard in all of the rooms. Noise and cleanliness issues aren't problems at this property.

While there aren't never-ending features found at Villa Zolitude, the features that are available are convenient and high-quality. A free breakfast buffet is served every morning in the on-site restaurant, which then serves a la carte Thai and Western food for lunch and dinner. There's a full bar for cocktails and guests can order drinks and light meals poolside. Because each villa has a private pool, the communal pool is rarely crowded. It has an infinity edge that drops off into the rain forest and shallow water that's lit up at night with fiber optics, so it twinkles in the dark. A small wooden deck holds sun loungers and umbrellas. The highlights at Zense Spa are romantic treatment rooms for couples with open-air walls that overlook a reflection pool, then the jungle. There's a Japanese onsen bath built for two. A comfortable library area is set with books, DVDs, and CD players for guests to borrow while a function room is available for meetings or private parties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Thai cooking lessons, candlelit dinners for two, and barbecues can be set up in the villas by staff, for an added charge.