Australia has 123 million days of accrued annual leave by full-time employees. Changing economic conditions are further reinforcing leave stockpiling behaviour. In an increasingly volatile economy it is evident consumers are trading down from luxuries and employees are showing a reluctance to ‘rock the boat’. But the benefits of taking leave are definitely worth creating a splash. Not only are there health benefits involved (reduce your waistline by reducing your stress levels) but the emotional benefits are incredible. Go back to work a happier healthier you. Our pick, Thailand.
There are so many reasons to go to a resort for a holiday, here’s our top 5:
- Your work/life balance has gone out the window – you are the last one to leave the office every night can’t remember what your family and friends look like and you can’t sleep because you are always thinking about work.
- To spend quality time with your friends or partner – there is nothing like a resort holiday for strengthening those ties that bind.
- Keeps you away from the bright lights and buzzing cashiers of the shops. If you’re not looking to be tempted by the big shops or tourist traps, a resort is a handy hideaway for the times when you don’t want to be shopping every waking second.
- Because a swim in an infinity pool is just too glorious to turn down.
- Do we really need a 5th reason about why you need a luxury resort holiday?
Thailand in Luxury: Sri Panwa
Review by Megan Aney
Sri Panwa, Cape Panwa, Phuket is magic. Not Harry Potter style magic, but the kind of magic that can change your perspective, rejuvenate your senses and put a glow back in tired cheeks. We recently travelled to Thailand to experience the magic. Here is our detailed review of the most beautiful resort in Thailand.
First Impression/Lobby:
We arrived at almost midnight but welcomed with a reception of a bright sunny Saturday morning. The team offered us a cool towel and juice to relax while our affairs were sorted. Transportation to our luxury villa was by Tuk Tuk, small open aired golf carts. A nice way to soak in your surroundings.
The Villa:
Our villa was located at the end of the property and offered maximum privacy. This beautifully landscaped villa was done up in contemporary Thai style and consisted of two separate living spaces. The main space contained a King size bed, lounge, spa bath, steam room and bathroom. The second spa offered a kitchen, second bathroom and day bed. To be honest we didn’t use the second space except to grab water from the fridge. The villa overlooked a breathtaking infinity edge pool. A private deck area furnished with loungers offered panoramic views. A sunken lounge area on the deck and an oversized tub in the bathroom were the other major attractions. All the standard amenities that you would expect from a luxury hotel were available in this villa.
Room Service:
We are one of those hopeless in love couples that sicken most single people. So we love the availability of room service when we are away so we can just hang out alone. The room service was available offered items from both the restaurants on site so both international cuisine and Thai cuisine were available. The food was always delicious. The only trouble we had was the language barrier. Ordering customised food over the phone was a bit hard as staff had limited English.
Housekeeping:
Housekeeping was meticulous and thorough and they truly did a wonderful job. Our room was serviced twice daily and on the last night our bed was spread with rose petals and swans made from bath towels. (that was such a nice touch to say goodbye!)
Restaurant:
There were a number of dining options at Sri Panwa.
Baba Soul Food: To be completely honest we didn’t try this restaurant (horrible journalist I know!) but we had terrible food poisoning from a tourist attraction (beware of Fanta Sea!) so we could not stomach Thai cuisine when we arrived to Sri Panwa. But this is what others have to say: Baba Soul Food serves up a delicious selection of home-cooked Thai food in a cozy, relaxed setting of intricate architectural detail and undisturbed, panoramic ocean views.
Using only fresh, wholesome ingredients, the Baba Soul Food experience caters to everyone who shares a common love for home-style Thai food.
Baba Pool Club: Part pool club, part international cuisine restaurant, part cocktail lounge we loved this space. The mastered Australian dishes like a great steak and also made beautiful Italian pizzas and pasta dishes. We didn’t eat anywhere else during this four day leg of the trip as the food was reasonably priced, delicious and safe for our poor sensitive stomachs.
Pool/Spa/Activities:
This hotel was equipped with an outdoor infinity pool, a full service spa, a steam room and a fitness center. The fitness center was equipped with the latest cardiovascular and weight building equipment while the two-storied spa offered a number of treatments in luxurious surroundings. You can read our review on the spa here.
Sri Panwa also offers guests a private beach where you can lay and tan or take out a double kayak.
Check-Out:
Check-out was a breeze just like check-in. There were no issues with the bill as well.
Overall Impression:
Gosh I can’t say find enough positive adjectives for this beautiful location in Phuket. Thailand is a destination usually associated with cheap holidays and messy Australian tourist, but Sri Panwa turns all those stereotypes upside down. It’s a place of glamour, fun, sophistication and a luxury lifestyle The only drawback, if at all any is that Patong, the main tourist location is situated a bit far, but with the beautiful surroundings at Sri Panwa there wasn’t much reason to venture too far!
Megan Aney is a fashion and lifestyle blogger and editor of An Australian Wintour. Megan’s accommodation was courtesy of Sri Panwa, all thoughts and comments are her own.
