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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 reception converted from the
original kitchen and dining sala. Carp pools spill one into another
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 events usually include 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.
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 its
18th year, which takes place in December coinciding with His Majesty's
birthday celebration.
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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. 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. There is a modern sunken kitchen where the Chef presides.
As Mom Tri's personal chef for more than twenty years, he 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.
Transfer between Villa Royale and the beachfront Mom Tri's Boathouse
allows guest access to the fresh water pool or beach with the accompanying
amenities and service as well as the two Boathouse restaurants.
The Wine and Grill is a fine dining environment with a Thai and
European menu, while Gung Seafood offers Thai dishes in a casual
environment. Notes author Bill Warren, "Mom Tri's Villa Royale
offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the ultimate
in luxurious Phuket life style,"
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