|
By Marie Moon
Mayan architecture, Chinese geometry and Grecian history may have
little in common but at the Aspasia Phuket these distinct arts of
the world mesh into a visually exciting approach to resort design.
The resort's name Aspasia, meaning 'the desired one' was adopted
from a revolutionary woman of 5th century Greece. Aspasia, consort
of the great Pericles during a time period where women were not
typically part of Athenian society, founded a women's academy in
Athens which soon became a popular salon for philosophers like Plato
and Socrates. Besides her abundant beauty, the Aspasia Phuket has
emulated her innovatory thinking to produce a resort that is absolutely
unique to anything else in Phuket, possibly the world.
Managing Director Mr. Alistair Why described Aspasia as, "a
brand new product with a brand new concept." Developed by the
Breakers Resort and Development Co Ltd, the Aspasia Phuket is the
brainchild of Mr. Rudi Meyer, an artist among engineers with a thirst
for something different. "The developer wanted to use his talents.
He was able to pull together several elements from diverse areas
and make it all work. It takes some vision to mix Chinese geometric
patterns, Mayan architecture and Mediterranean d?cor and pull it
off!" The geometrical theme is one of the most striking design
tools carried throughout the resort; suite doors and feature walls
are decorated with bold black designs and wooden facades, exterior
walls are accentuated with more topological shapes. At every turn
there is a thoughtful, mesmerizing design to contemplate.
 |
|
Mr. Why claims, "the immediate reaction when you arrive, is
that you love it or hate it. The place is put together through images
of the past and images of the future." The design was heavily
influenced by the creative genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, an American
architect who invented the concept of organic architecture. Wright
used ornamental detail, earthy colours and rich textural effects
and these are the most apparent of his influences on the Aspasia.
A sensitive use of materials coupled with the prominent geometric
theme culminates into a dynamic expression of space. Slate, granite,
wood and pebbles are but some of the collection of natural materials
to be found all over the resort.
The Aspasia Phuket management company runs a rental pool system
for apartment owners who wish to participate. About 45% of the apartments
are currently in the rental pool and these form a boutique resort.
The rest remain as private dwellings. The total of 84 rooms includes
36 Far Eastern suites, which comprise two guest rooms each and 12
Forest Edge suites each with commanding views over Kata Bay and
the promontory separating Kata from Nai Harn. The Far Eastern suites
are enormous two-bedroom affairs which, when whole, offer 210 sqm
(170sqm for interior, 40sqm of balcony) over one entire level of
a three story building. These two-bedroom suites, are divided into
two separate rooms for holiday guests. The larger of the two areas
is then named an Ocean Gallery Suite and comprises 145sqm furnished
with king-size bed, writing desk, integral wardrobes and en suite
bathroom fitted with a large whirlpool bath and circular shower
area. Elegant and modern these suites are perfect for couples seeking
a romantic getaway. A kitchenette stamps this room appropriate for
guests who appreciate being able to make them selves a quick snack,
as opposed to living off room service and gourmet restaurant food.
|
|
|
The second bedroom and bathroom of the Far Eastern suite is sectioned
off behind thick, soundproof walls. Called a Cicada Chorus room,
and with a generous 65sqm, these rooms are suited to single guests
and couples. Forest Edge Suites are located on the ground floors
of each building. Literally a stone's throw from the thriving Phuket
jungle, these suites look onto the forest and the rustic beach access
way. The one-bedroom suites have en suite shower, dining area and
comfortable living space, a fully equipped kitchenette and a secluded
terrace. Talented local painter Khun Gop whose studio resides at
Lim's restaurant in Kalim, was entrusted with creating artworks
for all suites. Each room is decorated with exquisite abstract collections
exploring different themes. His artworks also feature in external
spaces, accentuating the creative project that is the Aspasia Phuket.
Construction of this resort took almost three years however the
sale of the units was rapid. Once the Breakers Development Company
had completed the resort they enlisted the Aspasia Management company
to manage the rental pool, the resort common areas and the operations
of the food and beverage outlets as well as Aspasia Spa. "I
think we have a great product!" Mr. Why boasted, "We haven't
stinted on anything from the cuts of meat used in the restaurants
to the interior d?cor of the rooms. Where we can produce something
of high quality, we'll do it ourselves. We have our own bakery,
we smoke our own meats. We are using the highest quality products."
Unpredictably this high-class quality does not translate into high-class
prices, "I'm sick of rip-offs!, stated Mr. Why, "I don't
want people to have to pay more than anything is worth."
|
|
The Aspasia presents two dining venues, Malina's and Columns restaurants
which are complimented by the Wine shop offering a selective range
of fine wines. Mr. Why explained, "we deal with the Wine Connection
in Chalong, it's a great shop and I've never had a bad bottle from
them. The French owner personally sources his wines from around
the world and then together we select the best Old and New World
wines for the cellar."
While Malina's restaurant is an all-day bistro, bar and bakery,
Columns is the ideal place for that obligatory romantic dinner.
Columns Restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine that encompasses
more than the usual Italian and Greek dishes. "Our chef is
a French-American and he has put together a Mediterranean menu that
resurrects some old forgotten dishes from countries like Morocco
and Israel."
"We are trying to be different within the general market in
terms of entertainment, food and beverage. We recently had a wine-making
dinner at Columns Restaurant which was a huge success and I want
to have more interesting events like that in the future. For example
we have hired a belly-dancer to perform every Friday evening in
Columns restaurant to add to the Mediterranean flair."
Additional facilities include two swimming pools, a well-equipped
gymnasium, business centre with high-speed wireless Internet access,
a meeting room and the sublime Aspasia Spa. The spa incorporates
three well-appointed individual treatment rooms and one grand couples'
suite fit with twin massage tables and hot tubs. The d?cor emphasizes
a sophisticated colour scheme of sea blue, jade green, earthy orange
and ruby red. Here again, carefully selected materials offset the
colour design with the natural warmth of bamboo and wood and the
modern cool of stainless steel.
Mr. Why described the Aspasia Spa concept as, "a feel good
spa; exotic but simple." Therapists are all highly qualified
and licensed, able to provide healing therapy or pure unadulterated
pampering. Therapists are trained in six varieties of massage as
well as body scrubs and facial treatments using organic products.
One particularly indulgent scrub entitled Positively Sinful involves
being smothered in chocolate. Another called Down at the Dairy employs
fresh milk as well as other beneficial ingredients such as oatmeal
and fruit juice for moisturizing and rice grains for exfoliation.
The prices at Aspasia Spa are extremely reasonable. At around THB1000++
for a one-hour massage, guests may well be able to afford a different
treatment everyday.
|
|
Located on the hill separating Kata Centre from Kata Beach, the
Aspasia Phuket boasts a location that can accommodate lovers of
peace and tranquility and those who seek an active nightlife. The
lively Kata Centre is peppered with bars and restaurants as well
as shopping venues and is only a short downhill walk from the Aspasia.
The design may be Chinese and Mayan, the name Greek, but the service
at the Aspasia is totally Thai and carries with it the high level
of hospitality for which the Thai people are famed. If you are looking
for a Thai holiday spot with a big difference, try the Aspasia for
value for money, luxurious comfort and the interesting aesthetics
of the arts of the world.
|
