The Residence Resort and Spa Retreat

Past an understated sign and entrance, the Residence Resort and Spa opens onto a lovely cobblestoned walkway leading to reception. To either side of the entrance, rectangular pools set with lotus flowers give a polished first impression. Inside, cushioned wicker seats and soft instrumental music give a soothing and unassuming spot to check-in and receive a welcome drink. This room, with its vaulted ceiling, twirling ceiling fan, and small bar represents one of the few public spaces of the property. The other is the spa and fitness rooms just off the lobby, connected by a set of “floating” steps that appear suspended in water, as more still ponds set with lily pads and greenery surround the treatment rooms. Despite their obvious charm, these public spaces tend to sit empty, as most guests arriving to the Residence are looking for self-contained accommodations that provide peaceful solitude. The villas themselves are separated into neighborhoods of sorts, connected together by lush green walkways lined with leafy hedges and palm trees, and the layout is spread out enough that guests require a tuk-tuk shuttle ride to reach reception. Of the 90 villas here, 60 are privately owned, which lends even more of a residential quality to the property. Some are tucked away behind gates while others have front doors that open directly to the lane. The area tends to be exceedingly quiet with the occasional groundskeeper trimming back vegetation to keep it from spilling over into pathways.Guests here represent a range from families looking to rent out three-bedroom villas to honeymooners checking into one-bedroom units, and they rarely come together and mingle.

The Residence Resort has a location suited for solitude, as its set inland away from the hustle of the beach and all the commerce there. There's little in walking distance, as the surrounding streets tend to be leafy residential roads. Still, the property offers shuttle service multiple times a day to the Bang Tao Beach Club and the local Tesco Lotus market, both under five minutes away by car. A night market sets up in front of the Tesco Lotus market twice a week, too. It’s a four-minute drive or shuttle ride to Bang Tao beach or a 15-minute walk -- though the trek can be unpleasant and a bit treacherous with most blocks lacking any kind of sidewalk. The major attractions of the Wat Chalong temple and Big Buddha sculpture require a car and they're 34 and 51 minutes away, respectively. Phuket International Airport is a bit closer, a 21-minute drive to the north.

The Residence Resort’s villas are where its true appeal lays. They range from simple one-bedroom units to palatial three-bedroom duplexes. But all have private pools and sundecks. One dazzling feature is the retractable glass wall in each unit that allows for a living room or bedroom (or both) to open directly onto the pool area, merging the indoors with the outdoors completely. (These glass walls also offer solid soundproofing from the outside when closed up.) Pools themselves range as well, from intimate jetted pools with a waterfall rock wall in the one-bedroom units to L-shaped pools big enough for a few backstrokes in the three-bedroom units. Throughout all villas, decor is contemporary, clean-lined, and fresh. Soft grays, sandy beiges, and coffee hues give a soothing backdrop. Platform beds made up in white bedding and wood-veneer furniture keep the decor streamlined, and little details like floral prints and shag rugs add just the right level of embellishment. Bathrooms continue the look with dark countertops, glass-walled walk-in showers, and ladder towel racks. Most have both indoor and outdoor showers, but only the largest villas have soaking tubs -- massive white stone basins bordered by pebbles. Individual toiletries and hairdryers are stocked in all. Villas with second or third bedrooms can either have two twin beds or a single double, these can also be adjoining through their own second bathroom. Duplex units have rooftop spaces with covered dining tables and grilling stations, giving a pretty and private spot for alfresco meals.All villas have full kitchens with burners, microwaves, full-sized fridges, and electric kettles, along with cookware and dishes. Larger villas have full ovens as well. Standard amenities in villas include flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, free drinks and bottled water, safes, robes and slippers, individual air-conditioning, beach/pool towels, and safes.On the downside, housekeeping has received mixed reviews from past guests, and some of the villas are rather far from reception, requiring a tuk-tuk ride to reach. Another thing to note: Villas don’t really offer much in the way of views apart from looking out over the surrounding greenery. Those dreaming of beach views may prefer Centara Villas Phuket, which has some ocean-facing units.

As an all-villa property, the Residence Resort has little in the way of common features, though several in-room programs can be provided including Thai cooking classes or private barbecue dinners. In-room dining is available as well, and staff can set up poolside breakfasts on request. Outside of the villas, the hotel’s best feature is its attractive spa, with treatment rooms set around dark reflecting ponds. The spa menu is extensive, covering all manners of massage from Thai to Swedish, plus body scrubs, wraps, facials, and pedicures, which can be done alfresco overlooking floating lily pads. A little gym just by the treatment rooms provides a handful of cardio machines and weights. A small bar in the lobby can serve cocktails and coffee drinks, though most guests opt for in-room drinks and don't gather here for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap. There’s also a tiny restaurant serving all meals, though again it sees few guests. While there’s no public computer, the front desk can handle scanning and faxing of documents. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parents can also request babysitting (for a fee). Pools toys are available for rent as well.