Nested on a lush green jungle on the peninsula between Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, the Panviman Resort in Koh Phangan is truly a pleasure for the eyes.
The softly curved double bay in which the hotel is set is one of the most idyllic locations on the island thanks to the golden sand beaches and back-drop of emerald green mountains full of rich tropical rain-forest. In fact, the beaches are hardly ever crowded as the mountains add to their inaccessibility for the majority of tourists. The Panviman, however, offers direct access to a part of Thong Nai Pan beach which is framed by rocky headlands and adds a feeling of privacy. There are free SUP boards or kayaks available for those interested in reaching the neighbouring Thong Nai Pan Yai, less than 15 minutes away.
This paradisiac resort, hidden amidst the tropical vegetation of Koh Phangan is the perfect place for discerning sophisticated travelers who seek tranquility and to enjoy the sea and the natural tropical beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s located only 30-minutes from the island’s busier south and guests can arrange to be picked up at the Koh Samui airport and arrive by speed boat directly to the Panviman’s private pier, a 40-minute journey which is available at an additional cost.
Panviman is a well-known name in Thailand, with a spectacular sister property in Chiang Mai, and the service is excellent. The luxurious rooms include high quality bedding and wooden furniture with beautiful views of the landscape. All have large private balconies and different bathroom options such as indoor jacuzzies and outdoor private pools. There are various infinity pools and a jacuzzi at Panviman with some of the best ocean views in the country, a relaxing landscape of pristine golden sand and rain-forest.
Upon arrival, guests are escorted to the lobby on a golf buggy and treated to a glass of refreshing roselle juice and a small frozen towel which is much appreciated given the sunny weather that tends to be the norm on the island. Each visitor is accompanied to his or her room by a member of staff who will kindly offer all the necessary details for one to enjoy the stay: be it available activities or instructions on where each of the resort’s facilities is located. The staff strives to add a charming personal touch to each room with beautifully arranged towel origami figures of elephants, swans, lobsters and other animals complete with freshly picked tropical flowers and plates of fruit. In fact, as soon as you enter your room you will be handed a smartphone with free calls and a speed-dial to reception who will be happy to arrange transport within the estate on one of the highly entertaining tuk-tuks.
Both the beach and the pool area are well catered by seafront restaurants, Pool Deck Bar and Stone Beach, which strive to serve excellent local cuisine as well as international food at an unbeatable price with glorious views. Guests always have two excellent options for dinner, with the restaurant on the beach offering greater entertainment with theme nights including traditional dances or fire shows whilst the pool restaurant is a more serene romantic option for couples. Both serve meals throughout the day and there are various happy hour moments where you can get two cocktails for the price of one. A generous and varied breakfast of both Thai and international cuisine is included and served at the magnificent Pan Sea restaurant which towers over the resort and has spectacular 360° views of the Gulf of Siam.
The Panviman Resort’s architecture is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai Lanna style which shares a setting harmoniously with more modern grey stone villas. In fact, the property was originally a bungalow operation, and one of the first in Koh Phangan, but has evolved into becoming a luxury modern boutique hotel. The six-room spa, which is located on top of a hill also offers great views of the sunset and prices are more affordable than at other 5-star resorts.
Although the hotel is set in the calmer part of the island it is not oblivious to the world-famous party options on the island and on the night of the Full Moon Party, a shuttle bus runs to Haad Rin and will wait for guests until 2am.