- Stay 8 pay 4 or Stay 20 pay 10 for stays 18 April- 31 Oct
The Whole Story
On Nai Yang Beach, adjacent to Sirinath National Park, Indigo Pearl is a beach resort inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past. A combination of rugged industrial textures and tones expressed in traditional Thai patterns, and a modernity which has a focus on the colour indigo.
Nai Yang Beach is only 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport, but because it’s situated next to Sirinath National Park it’s one of the quietest areas on the island – although the hustle and bustle of places like Patong are only 30 minutes away.
The story of Indigo Pearl is very much the story of Bill Bensley – a Harvard graduate who has been responsible for some of the most innovative hotel work in Asia – and the proprietors who own the property that was once a tin mine. The culmination of the two has produced a resort that has not forgotten its origin. The authenticity of the inspiration can be found in the billiard room bar Tongkah Tin Syndicate, which not too long ago was still one of the mine’s surveyor sheds.
There are six categories of rooms, all of which are united by one dominant theme, being the design work of Bill Bensley, which through clever use of texture and uncompromising modernity creates a very unusual aesthetic which, in an abstract sense, evokes Phuket’s origins as a tin mining island.
More a lake than a pool, with bridges and natural boulders, the main swimming pool (one of three) is a dominant architectural feature of the grounds.
Set in a raised pavilion that catches glimpses of the beach, Rebar neatly sums up indigo Pearl’s ambience ie funky and blue. There are four different restaurants, the most spectacular being Black Ginger, a traditional Thai building on stilts in a man made lake with an all black interior accented by cobalt blue chandeliers.
The trip in to the hotel takes in a view of Sirinath National Park, a densely forested area with very little development.
The Rooms
Kelly Quarters
Each Kelly Quarters terrace overlooks the abundant gardens of the resort. Textural contrasts throughout the postmodern interior create a style imbued with intrigue. Locally crafted furnishings complete the luxurious feel. The name of the room is inspired by Phuket's tin mining past, 'kelly' being pieces of the machinery which were once used throughout the area for drilling in the tin mines.
Pearl Bed Suites
Embodying the Indigo Pearl experience, the Pearl Beds rooms offer a spectacular interplay of rich wood and stone floors. Postmodern accents are at work in the furnishing, lighting and art. The expansive terrace makes outdoor relaxation irresistible. Luxurious bathrooms sport walk-in wardrobes. Enjoy a private view of the garden from the stylish tub discreetly positioned on its own balcony. Rooms offer 56-65 square metres of interior space and 2 terraces of 6sq meter each.
Private Pool Pavilions
Suffused with luxurious detail, the Private Pool Pavilions offer a spectacular interplay of rich wood and stone. Post-modern accents are at work in the furnishings, lighting and art. Astounding design drawn from Thai influences, modern architecture and the architect's own imagination. A cooling plunge pool awaits in the pavilion courtyard, which also sports an outdoor bath, double sun lounger, and sun umbrella. Interiors are 50 square metre with a 55 square metre terrace and plunge pool of 8 square metres.