Phuket: The Hot A-List Destination this Season

Previously those fleeing gray winter weather typically headed for the warm, white sands of Barbados. For music mogul Simon Cowell it's become an annual tradition, as it is for Elizabeth Hurley, Michael Winner, and Topshop mogul Sir Philip Green. But this year, another destination, on the other side of the world, is garnering some major attention – and stepping into the spotlight that it rightly deserves.

It began, perhaps unsurprisingly with celebrities. There has been a definite shift in the star power making Phuket, Thailand their destination of choice. Kate Moss is rumored to be heading there in January as is her custom, Mick Jagger is a regular, as is Naomi Campbell, Blake Lively just left, and Beyoncé and Jay Z are expected this year. Not to mention the entire Kardashian family who set up camp back when Caitlyn was still Bruce in villas that ran around $150,000 per week.

Indeed, Phuket is getting a luxury makeover at the moment, offering a level of glamour and style that feels exciting and new for a place that's been a tourist attraction for a very long time. And stunning new luxury hotel Kata Rocks personifies this distinctive trend. Intrepid explorer and globally recognized Bear Grylls recently purchased a private Penthouse at Kata Rocks in order to spend his holidays there and says, “I guess in part that I make a living by eating some pretty disgusting things to show how to stay alive if you are in a survival scenario. But when I want to just chill out with family and friends, then I try and pick places that are discreet but spectacular; Kata Rocks is both of those in abundance.”

Sleek and chic, offering a minimalist vibe with contemporary apartment sized suites Kata Rocks is unlike anything else on the island. Right on the oceanfront on the headland between Kata and Kata Noi Beaches, every Sky Villa at Kata Rocks has a totally uninterrupted sea view and all have their own private pools. It is chic-ness personified. The furnishings are sleek and Italian-made, a lot of white-on white; think white linens, white umbrellas shading and white sun beds beside a white-tiled pool - it feels like the best of Miami found in the Far East.

Kata Rocks' spa is incredible with eight treatment rooms housing everything from metro nap energy pods to light-emitting treatment beds and chromotherapy which combine beautifully with traditional Thai wellness philosophies, bringing the best of West and East together seamlessly. There are 43 one, two, three and four-bedroom sky villas stacked across the hillside - big, bright and beautiful, they come with fully-fitted kitchens, living and dining areas, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto private infinity pools, each of which is a minimum of seven-meters long. They have private chefs who will prepare fine dining for you in the privacy of your villa, celebrity DJ's playing over brunch and TV's that come down from the ceiling over the bed. Not to mention a killer view from the bathtub. Their ‘Rock Stars' are concierges whose job it is to make sure that each and every need is met at all times.

Ocean Front Sky Villas start from £380 per night, including B&B www.katarocks.com


PACKAGES:

“Stay 4 Pay 2” promotion for the stay between 01 November – 19 December2015.
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“Stay minimum 4 nights, Save 35%” promotion for the stay between 06 January – 30 April 2016.