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Stylish Rentals in Phuket
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'Retreat to Bangtao Beach in tropical Phuket, home to a private villa where ancient Thai mythology meets luxury accommodations', reads the brochure. It was to the forest of Himmaphan that an ancient Thai King sent his rather uncontrollable son in the hope that he would return calmer and more contented. |
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Just as the king's hopes were fulfilled, so will a stay at Himmaphan leave you recharged and rejuvenated, with increased energy, regardless of whether it be to take on new challenges or return to the old ones. Himmaphan Villa, managed by the Richmond group, lies 3 minutes walk from Bangtao beach, some 30 minutes from Phuket Town or 20 from Patong Beach. Other beaches, such as those of Surin and Lamsaen, are also in the immediate neighbourhood, as are golf courses, shopping centres, restaurants and bars. Yet guests of Himmaphan have been known to just laze around the Yin-Yang pool, either reading or just listening to the sound of the birds that find sanctuary in the villa's lushness. The Himmaphan, explains Mr. Murphy, General Manager of the Richmond Group, is a luxury rental property geared towards high-end clientele. Whether it be a large family, a group of friends or for a casual business retreat that combines some golf and a meeting, this eight bedroom luxury residence offers all the facilities one can expect from a rental villa of this calibre.
Six villa bedrooms, each with a distinct colour scheme, are arranged in symmetry around the Yin-Yang pool. Large glass doors bring in the sunlight, the sweet smelling frangipani and the lean palm trees, creating a link to the outdoors. The decoration in every room varies, with the materials being carefully chosen so as not to overpower the guest, but to accentuate the feeling each room evokes. Marble floors are decorated with carpets from China, tatami-like mats and colourful rugs from other exotic locations, while furniture of rattan or teak wood complement the King-size bed, which acts as the room's centerpiece. To incorporate the guests' varying tastes in style, some rooms have a more contemporary character, while others appear to verge on the traditional without being heavily ornamented. The bathrooms, all en-suite, are exquisitely fitted with full size tubs and some of them open up to a small outdoor garden, thus spicing up the normally commonplace act of bathing. An additional two bedrooms with more modest decoration, but with a balcony and a shared bathroom can be found over the main living area, making Himmaphan a place that can sleep up to 16 people.
Guests can meet at the large living and dining areas, decorated with tasteful sculptures and paintings from Thailand and Indonesia to create warmth and tranquility, or, on rainy days in particular, seek the comfort of the adjacent media room and watch a movie in the 42" plasma TV. This room is complete with a full audio system, DVD player and a selection of Hollywood hits. If you really need to keep in touch with the outside world, there is 24-hour access to internet and even a fax service. Mr. Murphy, who prior to joining the Richmond group in Phuket worked in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok and more recently in the Bahamas, sees Himmaphan as a place where people can be allowed to 'refocus on things', since all other aspects of their lives are being taken care of. With Himmaphan's friendly and attentive maid service that caters to the guest's needs from 7 am till midnight -their duties involve providing complimentary breakfast and housekeeping services-, all one has to do is express one's wishes and they will be fulfilled! Culinary preferences, for instance, need not be an issue here, for a menu can be created from scratch by an experienced private chef, while taking your tastes into consideration. Your favourite dish can then be served at a time specified by you and your friends, which further enhances the feeling of freedom usually experienced in holidays, as time revolves around you only. The large open kitchen, located between the dining cum living area and the media room, is perfectly equipped to cater to your needs! In case you feel like dining in style somewhere nearby, in a cosy yet sophisticated ambience, the Red Room, run by the Richmond group, is just around the corner. In this contemporary restaurant and bar, you will be enticed by Thai and Italian flavours amidst a vibrant red that not only has given the restaurant its name but is a necessary ingredient to the glamour experienced within.
Other needs, such as massage or beauty treatments can be arranged in the privacy of Himmaphan with a simple phone call. Should you wish to explore the island or go shopping, a 7-seater Toyota SUV can be hired, so you can enjoy the experience without actually having to drive. This service is available daily from 8:00am till 5:00 pm, thereafter only by prior arrangement. Security is also taken care of with a Security Guard ensuring the villa is safe and secure every evening from 7:00pm till 7:00am. According to Mr. Murphy, Himmaphan is one of a very few luxury villas for rent in Phuket for its size. Despite the fact that it has been operational for the last 16 months, the villa already has made its mark on guests' holiday plans, with people returning to it vacation after vacation. As more and more guests seek alternatives to staying away from hotels, Himmaphan certainly has carved out a niche for itself . Indeed Himmaphan is self-contained to the degree where you will
probably not need to go anywhere at all during your stay there!
Remember: the paradise of tranquility and calmness needs to be experienced
in its totality before the ultimate results can manifest themselves
in the form of recharged batteries, renewed energy and rejuvenation.
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Tropical Living: August 2004, Volume 4 Issue 3 |
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