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."

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.

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.

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.