In the stunning city of Phuket, Thailand, Mohan Murjani’s timeless 12-acre Georgian estate has become recognised as one of the region’s most refined ultra-luxury hilltop destinations for families. Mr. Murjani, the visionary and founder of global fashion successes such as Gloria Vanderbilt and Tommy Hilfiger, visited Phuket over 13 years ago and was instantly captivated by its historic charm, beauty, and versatility. He describes the island as the perfect balance between tranquillity and vibrant energy — in his words, “the next Monte Carlo of Asia.”
What began as a personal dream soon took shape as The Sanctuary at The Vanderbilt Estate, a secluded 12-acre hilltop retreat now listed by Forbes & Partners and positioned to become Thailand’s most private and discerning destination for families.
The Estate was never planned as a holiday villa. Mr. Murjani, together with his renowned architect from London, took 8 years to build his family’s private residence, “without compromise and with an unlimited budget,” ensuring every detail reflected his personal vision of comfort, beauty, and serenity.
The retreat offers complete seclusion without distancing guests from the island’s finest experiences. Whilst the Estate, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic mountain views, feels like being a world away, it sits in the very “heart” of Phuket - just minutes from world-class dining, beaches, shopping and cultural attractions. For discerning travellers seeking their own version of a “Shangri-La,” arriving at the Sanctuary feels like stepping into a home-away-from-home — one that evokes the charm of a fairytale from a bygone era.
Today, The Sanctuary at The Vanderbilt Estate stands as the only one of its kind in Asia — an ultra-private architectural masterpiece that blends the poetic beauty of Asia with the symmetry and elegance of Georgian design. The result is a sanctuary of refined luxury and timeless grace.
Covering more than 48,562 square metres of enchanting countryside, the majestic Estate features a Georgian mansion overlooking sweeping gardens, mountains and a natural lava-tiled swimming pond. In contrast to the numerous sea-view villas that dominate Phuket’s property developments, The Sanctuary offers guests the rare peace and quiet of the lush, undisturbed countryside, whilst being in the heart of the city.
At the Estate, guests experience the fresh, oxygen-rich hilltop air and the profound sense of peace the moment one enters the grounds — a feeling of being completely removed from the world, yet only minutes from everything Phuket has to offer.
A private helicopter landing facility ensures unparalleled convenience and discretion. The expansive 2,500-square-metre covered verandah, complete with a wood-burning pizza oven, provides a beautiful setting for al fresco dining overlooking the Estate’s sweeping gardens.
Inside the Main Hall, a soaring nine-metre ceiling crowned by a graceful cupola sets a magnificent first impression. Antiques, works of art, marble sculptures and meticulously curated details, are thoughtfully placed throughout. For Mr. Murjani, symmetry is not merely aesthetic; it is the foundation of comfort, harmony, and balance.
The mansion features a museum-worthy art collection, a Michelin-designed professional kitchen, seven bedrooms crafted for warmth and tranquillity, including a four-room Regal Suite. Guests also enjoy a terrace overlooking the enchanting Japanese Garden, as well as a library, music room, wine cellar, private cinema, and games room.
Across its sprawling 12 acres, the Estate presents seven distinctive gardens — from formal lawns and a Versailles-inspired garden to an English flower garden, a serene Buddha garden, and a picturesque lake where swans Gloria and George glide quietly across the water - a refreshing contrast to Phuket’s usual villas.
Activities abound: Row-boating, Croquet, Pétanque, a Putting Green, Sand Pitch, Swimming, Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Aqua Aqua Aerobics, Massages and more. Guests also enjoy access to an Equestrian Horse-Riding Academy along with Pickleball, Paddle and Tennis courts, and an Elephant Sanctuary.
The “all-Inclusive” Estate, comes with chauffeured transport, a private gourmet chef team, premium wines and spirits, a full open bar, a dedicated butler, concierge and much more – true luxury.
True luxury is freedom. Unlike other villa rentals, the Sanctuary has done away with fixed check-in, check-out times, freedom from hidden charges, and freedom from the small, unnecessary stresses that interrupt the joy of travel. This is a place where families can reconnect, rejuvenate, and create timeless memories.
In much of Phuket, luxury is reduced to sea-views and infinity pool villas within one of the many property developments — beautiful, yet familiar.
But for families seeking a place that did not begin as a rental at all — a place conceived as a private family home — there is nothing in Asia comparable to The Vanderbilt Sanctuary. It is a private residence built with intention, passion, and an uncompromising devotion to detail. It offers space, silence, authenticity, and the rare feeling of arriving somewhere that instantly soothes the soul.
As Mr. Murjani often reflects, Phuket “offered everything.” Now, through The Sanctuary, he extends that same sense of completeness to every guest who arrives at his majestic hilltop haven.
About Mr. Mohan Murjani Mohan Murjani, Chairman of the Murjani Group, launched and built renowned International Designer Lifestyle Brands, including Gloria Vanderbilt and Tommy Hilfiger. He was born in India, grew up in Hong Kong, and educated in the UK and the US. In addition to launching the World’s First Designer Jeans, Gloria Vanderbilt, in 1975 and in 1985, Tommy Hilfiger, Mr. Murjani built India’s First Luxury Mall, “The Galleria,” in Mumbai.
Bookings for The Sanctuary at The Vanderbilt Estate are available through Forbes & Partners.
