One bedroom Sky Pool Villa USD$1000; one bedroom Ocean Pool Loft USD$1150, both including breakfast
– The restaurant uses the highest quality produce and produces superb meals, including the à la carte and buffet breakfast
– Staff seemed to lack the genuine warmth that Thais are famed for
The anticipation grows on approach to Kata Rocks, from the visually stunning photos on the website and numerous magazine covers, to the ‘buzz’ about this hip resort. Expectations are high.
The small reception area is staffed by young, enthusiastic staff in Kata Rocks polo shirts, and then it’s onto a golf buggy for a short ride down a precipitous road to the resort itself.
In the bright Thai sunshine the resort’s iconic infinity pool with white, in-water loungers are blinding and the view across the Andaman Sea quite breathtaking. The 34 villas, ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, are situated on the hillside overlooking the sea and huge boulders that give the resort its name. Each of the multi-million dollar villas is ultra chic, with top of the range Italian designer furniture.
Our stay is in a one-bedroom ocean pool loft which, like all the villas, has a full glass wall looking out to the terrace, a 7m private infinity pool and the deep blue sea beyond. The living area includes a 55-inch HD LCD TV with digital movie library and an entertainment system with iPod and MP3 integration. The fully-equipped kitchen has a well-stocked wine cabinet by Verasu as well as a full-size fridge, dishwasher, oven, hob and washing machine.
Up the cantilevered stairs is the slightly cramped but comfortable bedroom. Once again, the view takes centre stage with the bed offering a beautiful sea view through the glass wall. There is also a 40-inch TV in the ceiling if you can tear your eyes away from the mesmerising view.
The resort includes a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art cardio machines, as well as a holistic spa with high-tech treatment rooms. In-villa spa treatments are available and the one-bedroom spa pool villas even have their own treatment room with two massage beds.
Although the larger villas are ideal for families or groups of friends, Kata Rocks really stands out as a romantic getaway for couples who appreciate the finer things in life.
