COMO Point Yamu, Phuket

Designed by Italian designer Paola Navone, COMO Point Yamu, Phuket is gorgeous, with design that seamlessly blends with its spectacular coastal setting while still creating a distinct sense of place. Unusually shaped columns span the front of the modern white and gray building, and guests climb a few stairs to enter the huge, open lobby. Big white sectional sofas provide comfy seating, and colorful decorative items on tables add a little decorative flair. It's a cool, sophisticated place where guests can hang out, and a clue as to the subtly funky style found throughout this luxury property. A lounge is off to the side, and guests can sip a beverage, play chess or Scrabble, watch TV, or read books and magazines from the shelves. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay, a major reason why so many travelers flock to this otherwise undeveloped part of Phuket. Given the relatively remote setting and sharp little details like tastefully deployed Buddha statues, it's not surprising that this place is a haven for couples. Still, some families and small groups of friends do pass through as well. 

This hotel is located on the eastern coast of Phuket, at the tip of the Cape Yamu peninsula. It's a scenic area that looks out over the limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay, but a far cry from the Phuket that many travelers might have in mind In other words, don't expect any bars, nightclubs, or brothels within walking distance in any direction. A car will be handy for anyone looking to explore the area. For that, travelers will need to head to bustling Patong Beach, which is about a 45-minute drive away. For something a little closer and a bit more natural, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is 30 minutes away by car. Phuket International Airport is can be reached in 35 minutes by car, and Phuket Town is a 40-minute drive from the hotel.  

Accommodations are divided between rooms, suites, and luxurious villas. Rooms were created by Italian designer Paola Navone, and colors draw from the Andaman Sea, with blue and turquoise offset by gray and white, while furniture and accents offer nods to both Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary trends in Thai design. Patterns are kept to a minimum, but are rendered in soft colors, and local details -- like repeated hand motifs in lotus positions -- are subtle and tasteful. Views of the bay or the cape through large windows are spectacular. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, electric kettles, proper coffeemakers, and safes. Most rooms have furnished terraces, and many have their own private pools. Bathrooms are luxurious, with chunky tiled walls, contemporary sinks and tubs, and huge walk-in showers. Upscale toiletries are the chain's own brand. Free bottled water and fresh fruit are replenished daily. Villas have fully stocked kitchens, and villa guests get free airport transfers, a free bottle of champagne on arrival, plus fresh fruit and treats daily, free laundry service, and a private butler. 

It's hard to find fault with almost anything on offer at this hotel, and that starts first thing in the morning when guests wake up. A free breakfast buffet served in the Italian restaurant, La Sirena, and includes a wide array of organic and healthy options in addition to more indulgent choices. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and it's a lovely contemporary space by the pool. Guests can dine indoors or outside, and there are lovely views of Phang Nga Bay. Nahmyaa Thai Restaurant serves Thai street food for lunch and dinner in an industrial-style space with huge fish faces painted on the walls. In addition, the hotel offers COMO Shambhala Cuisine menus that focus on healthy, organic ingredients. The Aqua Bar is open all day and serves cocktails, beer, wine, and smoothies, and there's a lounge in the lobby as well. The magnificent outdoor pool is huge and gorgeous and overlooks the sea. Lounge chairs with thick cushions and topped by umbrellas line the wooden pool deck, and there are sofas for lounging as well. Lounge chairs in a shallow section of the pool keep sunbathers cool, and children have their own section. Although the resort does not have direct beach access, it does have a private beach club at a nearby island, and it provides free boat rides there. The beach club has a pool, water sports, a restaurant, and private cabanas. The resort's spa is a luxurious, beautiful retreat with several treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Treatments include massage, reflexology, special baths, facials, body wraps and scrubs, and beauty therapies. Free yoga sessions are offered on most days of the week. The fitness center is a proper gym, with the latest cardio and weight-training machines, as well as free weights and exercise balls. The Kids' Club entertains the little ones, and teens have their own space with games, foosball, and billiards. Three meeting rooms and a courtyard can accommodate social and business gatherings, and event planners assist with all the details. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and parking is free as well. Excursions to the karst islands in Phang Nga Bay can be arranged, as can other tours. Airport transfers are also available, though they are only included for Villa guests.