Villa 360 Resort

Villa 360 is an unusual property. On paper, it's the ideal luxe tropical getaway. Built into a hill and accessible only by boat, the property offers luxurious and private villas, all with beautiful views of Loh BaGao Bay and remote islands dotting the horizon. Though Villa 360 lacks an actual beach, it has a long infinity pool that’s open day and night and offers snorkeling gear and kayaks for bay exploration. However, there are a couple of things to note about the property that might poke holes in its on-the-surface appearance as an ultimate island escape. The first thing to note is that getting on and off the property is dependent on not only boats, but also the tide. While this lends the property a sense of adventure, it can also make it feel lonely or even suffocating, especially in light of the fact that there is really very little atmosphere on-site. The only real common areas are the pool and restaurant, but it can be hard to find other guests (especially during low season), as most are off-site or tucked away in their villas. 

Another thing to note is that there are many old villas at the top of the hill, which were abandoned once the current villas were built and never torn down. The presence of these overgrown and dilapidating villas give the already-quiet property something of a strange feeling, especially at night. And finally (and this one may be obvious) Villa 360's incredible views are a result of its location on an extremely steep hill. The resort offsets this with 24-hour tractor service (and luggage service for arriving guests), but stairs -- a lot of them -- are unavoidable. Because of this, we can really only recommend this hotel for romantic couples with no mobility issues; it doesn't seem suitable for families, especially those with young children, or anyone with compromised mobility. Nonetheless, for guests who are okay with the steep grounds and the lack of accessibility and atmosphere, and who want fantastic views and accommodations, Villa 360 is a sound selection -- maybe even a dream stay. 

Villa 360 is located at the southernmost tip of Loh BaGao Bay, on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Don. The neighboring resort, Phi Phi Island Village, dominates the bay's entire stretch of beach, so while Villa 360 is on the water, it has no true beach to itself. The secluded location means that it is really only accessible by boat -- technically, you could find back roads there, but this is not a realistic option with luggage. Plus, walking involves cutting through Phi Phi Island Village and waiting for low tide, when you must wade through shallow water. So the location is dependent on the use of a hired long-tail or the hotel boat, which goes to and from town twice a day. Getting to and from town by boat takes about 25 minutes. There is also a tiny town behind Phi Phi Island Village that takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to on foot; here, guests will find a few restaurants, bars, and massage parlors.

Tides are a hugely important factor here. The hotel stresses that it’s important to check in with the front desk about getting to Tonsai and to find out about tides for the return trip. And when winds are high, the hotel's boat docks on a bay on the other side of the island and guests must walk. All in all, it's a challenging location, but the views and seclusion are worth it for many. 

The hotel's 33 private and freestanding villas are luxurious and kept in tip-top shape. Modern and subdued decor gently nods to Thai style. All villas have glossy hardwood floors and pitched ceilings with fans (individual air-conditioning is also provided), as well as pillows, curtains, and upholstery in deep shades of purple, crimson, and mahogany. The same amenities can be found in all villas: flat-screen TVs, free safes, bathrobes, slippers, pairs of Crocs, umbrellas, and flashlights. French-press coffee and tea are free, as are many items from the minibar, like peanuts, Pringles, chocolate, instant noodles, and sodas. Beer and mineral water cost extra.

There are big bathrooms with separate tubs (set beside openable picture windows) and showers (though the showerheads are standard, not rainfall). Hairdryers, shower gel, conditioning shampoo, lotion, cotton buds, combs, toothbrush/toothpaste, and razors are all provided. Every villa has a sizable private balcony pointing toward the bay. There may be trees blocking a bit of the view, but all rooms can see turquoise water and the steep green hillside. A word of warning: Don't leave room service leftovers or minibar items out on the balcony unattended, as monkeys might come by to scoop them up. 

Fresh towels and bottled water are delivered to the villas' front doors every morning. The higher-up villas can feel especially isolated from the main part of the property, but the hotel provides 24-hour tractor service around the grounds. Wi-Fi is free in the villas.

Villa 360 doesn't have a proper beach, and it tries to make up for this fact by providing snorkeling gear and kayaks for exploring the bay and with an 80-foot-long lagoon-front infinity pool that stays open day and night. Below the pool are two levels of wooden sundeck lined with loungers and umbrellas, and during the day, the pool is serviced by a bar. Past guests have commented on mildewy cushions and rotting wood on the deck and on stairs around the resort, but the hotel responds to these gripes that they are constantly replacing planks and rebuilding when necessary. Above the pool, Villa 360's restaurant offers the same knock-out views of the water from its banquet-hall-style dining room and outdoor dining terrace. Breakfast is served for free (either buffet or a la carte, depending on food availability), and Thai lunch and dinner are served a la carte. Room service and Thai cooking classes are also available. 

The property's fitness center occupies its own villa with sea views; inside there are free weights, a treadmill, a recumbent bike, a lateral pulldown, and adjustable and flat benches. The spa takes up three villas, two of which are open pavilions by the water. In-room massages are also available.

The hotel provides 24-hour tractor service around the resort grounds, as well as two or three daily trips to and from Tonsai Pier. Island trips by long-tail boat can be arranged for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout Villa 360.