| By Leana Tao Set atop the headland of Kata Bay
between two of the most beautiful sandy beaches on Phuket, Mom Tri's Villa Royale
has the choicest location. Nestled in luxurious terraced gardens that spill down
into the Andaman Sea this gem is very private, charming and tranquil. Formerly
called Baan Kata, this was originally built as the private residence of renowned
architect, Mom Luang Trihosyuth Devakul. Arriving at the circular drive
at the top of the property, the open entrance leads to a patio and a new reception
converted from the original kitchen and dining sala. Carp pools spill one into
another down along the walkway down to the next terrace. The cascade of steps
end at the saltwater pool formed into the natural rocks of the headland. Along
the oceanfront is a small restaurant, which serves home-style cooking, prepared
by Mom Tri's personal chef. There are six exclusive suites, each unique in character
and d?cor. Displayed throughout the property is a collection of art, sculptures
and artifacts. As the much celebrated home of Thailand's premier architect, the
former Baan Kata has been featured in a number of books and magazines. Author
William Warren writes "Mom Tri's Villa Royale is a highly personal creation, long
one of Phuket's most talked about private properties."
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| Villa Royale not only exudes the warmth and comfort
of a magnificent home, but also has an eclectic art collection ranging from the
whimsical statuary to select antiques, lending an air of intrigue and sophistication
at every turn. Some of the pieces were acquired from artists who exhibited their
work during the annual Baan Kata Arts Fest held on the premises. Each year the
Baan Kata Arts Fest brings together artists and musicians and all those who are
appreciative of both. The 9th Baan Kata Arts Fest will take place this year on
Saturday March 1st. The event includes and an exhibition of art, a concert and
a dinner party. The dedicated concert hall on the oceanfront at Villa Royale has
a separate entrance from the private suites with a magnificent antique carved
wooden gate. The walkway is bordered with meditation alcoves and opens onto a
terrace lawn with a collection of spirit houses. Led by M.L. Usni Pramoj, co-founder
and Concertmaster of Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, a different guest musician of
international renown is featured each year, accompanied by members of the BSO.
Following the concert, visiting Michelin Chef Noel from Chateau Le Prieure, Anjou
Province presents a sumptuous dinning experience.
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An avid patron of the arts, the multi-talented Royal architect Mom
Tri, sponsors the Chao Praya River Club Art Exhibitions at Mom Tri's Boathouse
on nearby Kata Beach. Mom Tri also initiated and cosponsors the annual King's
Cup Regatta yachting race, now in it's 17th year, which takes place in December
coinciding with His Majesty's birthday celebration. Mom Tri creates environments
that symbolize the harmony of man and nature, retaining natural features incorporated
into the hardscape or structure. Efficient function and satisfying beauty are
fully realized concepts in the Traditional Thai style design of Villa Royale.
The overall effect is relaxed casual elegance. The suites are each very different
in design. Original rooms are renovated with updated amenities such as Suite Dao-a-Duong,
which has a high vaulted ceiling with a large Buddha in the attic recess, sharing
the floor to ceiling window view. A new addition, Suite Toy Talay incorporates
the natural rocks within it's walls and has a lovely gold leaf door that conceals
the private L' Ambroise Wine Cellar built into the rocks behind. The beautiful
bathroom features hand painted rolled bamboo tiles. In the Feng-Fa suite, the
smallest but not the least beautiful, the bath wall has a hand-set inlay stone
design and a shuttered picture window that looks directly into the sparkling Andaman
Sea. Each Unit is equipped with superior amenities and the resort library offers
a selection of music as well as good books for guest enjoyment. The personnel
are a mix of original house staff and those associated with Mom Tri's Boathouse.
They are highly skilled and attentive service professionals. In a unique shift
toward butler-style service Villa Royale spurns departmentalizing service. The
waiter who serves your breakfast on your private patio may also have cooked it,
becoming pool attendant or chauffeuring you to the beach as you require. This
unusual style adds to the intimacy, privacy and comfort of this very romantic
and peaceful retreat.
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| The suites are named after some of the plants in
the extensive gardens of this beautiful property. The informal Thai style garden
tries to fit into the environment rather than shape it and uses mainly native
tropical plants. Often included are houseplants mentioned in Siamese poetry and
specimens chosen for their scented flowers. Superstition may play a role in the
choice and position of some plants.
Placed throughout are base relief carvings,
arches, weathered statuary and modern sculpture including some cast bronze sculptures
by Mom Tri. One can linger in the gardens for hours enjoying the splendid views
under a canopy of lush tropical foliage. The atmosphere is fresh and tranquil. Mom
Tri's Kitchen has moved from its location on the uppermost terrace to the Thai
sala adjoining a large patio overlooking the Andaman Sea. This is a perfect place
to enjoy the glorious Phuket sunset. Recently completed is a new modern sunken
kitchen where Chef Wanchai presides. As Mom Tri's personal chef for more than
twenty years, Wanchai has developed his own fusion style. His noodle dishes for
example, while essentially Thai recipes, are prepared with his own fresh hand
made fettuccini. Homemade ice creams are uniquely delicious, often made with Thai
fruits such as tamarind or Rosella flowers. The mango souffl? is very special.
Mom Tri's Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner. The menu changes daily and the
wine list is from the famous Boathouse award winning cellar. Click
here for more information about Mom
Tri's Boathouse or here for a photo gallery of Mom
Tri's Villa Royale |
