Thailand was never on my agenda. I was stupid to think I was going to be surrounded by a whole load of backpackers. Don’t get me wrong, I have done all that, but I’m not in my twenties anymore. Well, I was proven wrong. So wrong. And I am the first to admit my mistakes. So get cosy and let me tell you about this little piece of heaven I was so kindly invited to.
Being one of the first to stay at the new and exciting Twinpalms Bangtao Phuket Tented Resort was an absolute pleasure, but don’t let the word tent fool you. This resort is nothing short of supreme luxury, beautifully tied with the element of raw adventure. The smell of their own range of diffusers lingering in the air screams luxe. Not overbearing. Just the right level of perfect. And if you’re like me and get obsessed with a scent, don’t worry, you don’t need to fill your bag with all the products when you leave. You can actually purchase the range, which comes in a candle, room fragrance, and, of course, the diffuser.
The Bogart and Bacall dream
Walking into the space is like walking onto the set of a 1940s film, and that has me hooked. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with film noir. The Twinpalms Luxury Tent Resort provides the perfect backdrop. I’m channelling my inner Humphrey Bogart, and my wardrobe choices fit the aesthetic perfectly. And if you’re a social media queen, then girl, they’ve got you. Clear some space on your phone. You’re going to have a million photo opportunities. Twinpalms is where romance meets intrigue underneath beautiful, swaying palms. The canvas-draped suites, with their rich wood furnishings and billowing curtains, seemed fit for Clark Gable’s next great expedition, while the jungle-meets-luxury atmosphere evoked the spirit of The African Queen. A hotel that instantly makes you feel calm and collected, that evokes peace and tranquillity, is a winner for me.
Every evening was an event in itself. Not just because of the setting but because of the sheer indulgence in dressing the part. Twinpalms demands sartorial excellence, and I, of course, obliged. Flowing linen, crisp tailoring, and the most divine silk shirts that caught the golden hour light just right. The kind of outfits that make you feel as though you belong in a Slim Aarons photograph. This wasn’t just about dressing for dinner. It was about becoming part of the scene, an extension of the elegance that surrounded me. There’s something about this place that makes you want to step up. To match the setting with the perfect ensemble.
The new adults-only site joins its sister resort, Twinpalms Surin, which opened its doors 20 years ago. The 28 tents are perfectly placed around a glorious lagoon, creating the feeling that you are completely alone. Privacy, peace, and quiet. Exactly what I needed after a hectic few weeks. This chic new resort maintains its high-end luxury just like its predecessors. The serene surroundings make me want to take up journalling or curl up on the outdoor seating to read a good book. The birdsong and sounds of nature are like classical music echoing around you, and if you listen carefully, you can hear the magnificent waves of the sea. Whoever found this location to build on was a genius. It comes with its own timeless soundtrack.
Good to book? Here’s what to consider
As a guest at Twinpalms Bangtao, you have full access to Twinpalms’ portfolio hotels and their amenities, including Twinpalms MontAzure and Twinpalms Surin
Super chic and divine tents that marry a modern-day safari edge with a 1940s movie scene
Luxurious touches such as bathroom essentials, a beautiful minibar, divine coffee products, and rainfall showers
Easy access to Bangtao Beach, where you can witness the most unreal sunrises and sunsets while sipping on your favourite cocktail
Martin Palleros, founder of Tierra Design, is the visionary behind the concept. They say it’s all in the details, and at Twinpalms, not a page has been left unturned. Everything is considered, from plush towels to ready-to-dive-in bedding. Sixteen of the 28 tents boast their own private pools, which at night are so sensually lit, you will not want to leave. I have grown to be a creature of comfort, and as much as I love adventure and my lifestyle of unpredictable travel, there is a certain level of luxury I need. Twinpalms goes above and beyond. And luxury isn’t just about the thread count of your sheets. I mean, it helps, but it’s more than that. Luxury is about the finer details. It’s about how the furnishings marry into the linens and accessories. Here at Twinpalms, everything is carefully curated and considered perfectly. I was speechless at the consistency, and yes, the details do count. Just book your trip already!! if you’re still reading.
Delectable delights at Twinpalms
Food isn’t available on the hotel grounds, but I don’t see that as an issue. There’s a danger with hotels of this calibre that you develop a straight-from-the-airport-to-the-hotel mentality and never actually explore the surrounding areas. That’s not the case at Twinpalms. As a guest, you can access the entire Twinpalms portfolio via an easily accessible shuttle service. There’s also a complimentary buggy service straight across to Catch Beach Club. Or if you prefer, it’s just a three-minute walk. It’s here you’ll find their famous Sunday brunch, and directly next door, you have the Lazy Coconut, where the champagne flows and the cocktails are moreish. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
For an upscale, sophisticated experience, I headed to Wagyu Steakhouse. The meats are so exclusively picked and the knives so carefully selected that every morsel of food that enters your mouth is like an invitation to a secret party no one knows about. A visit that redefined my love for fine dining. The moment you step inside, you know you’re about to experience something spectacular. The aroma of perfectly aged beef fills the air. An orchestra of flavours waiting to unfold. Every cut is treated like a masterpiece, cooked to perfection with precision and artistry. The melt-in-your-mouth wagyu was nothing short of a revelation, paired with decadent sides and the most exquisite wine. This wasn’t just a meal. It was a moment. A memory that lingers long after the last bite.
Other activities which guests have access to include sunrise meditation, mango tasting, yoga and campfire gatherings. You can also book a yachting adventure via Andaman Cruises – day trips include Koh Phi Phi and Ko Racha Yai, and the sites that you pass are beautifully stunning.
Eco-Friendly Footprint
The Twinpalms brand takes sustainability seriously, priding itself on providing eco-friendly alternatives that reduce plastic usage and waste. It’s refreshing to see. They encourage mindfulness in usage and the importance of minimising waste. And today, that’s more important than ever. Here at House of Coco, we love that. Save for the future, so places like this are loved today and tomorrow.
I have spent nearly a week at the Twinpalms resorts, witnessing the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Some leaving me speechless. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a small part of this opening. My experience of Thailand has been perfection. I have a tendency never to return to the same place twice, but Twinpalms feels like an unfinished series of love letters. There’s still so much I want to see. So much I want to say. I promise myself, as I watch the last sunrise and feel the grains of sand between my toes. I’ll be back. Twinpalms, you got me.
Overall the Twinpalms is a magical experience. It transports you back to a time of an old vintage adventure film. Everything is so throughly thought about and the staff are exceptional! I came feeling anxious and I left feeling absolutely invigorated. The morning meditation on the beach and divine food has fed my soul uncontrollably! I am so grateful for the cooking class that was offered to me because now I have a little piece of Thailand that will be with me forever.
Head across to https://www.twinpalmshotelsresorts.com to treat yourself to a series of moments that will be imprinted on your memory for a lifetime.