Got the t-shirt: Inside Kata Rocks Resort & Residences

As soon as I stepped out from the air-conditioned arrivals hall at Phuket airport, even before the welcomed heat and blazing sun had a chance to dance across my shoulders, a Kata Rocks representative was on hand to assist with my luggage and aid me in making my way to a luxurious hotel-branded limousine. The door slowly opened to reveal two comfortable armchairs upholstered with a buttery leather that I quickly sunk into. In the arm-rest were a selection of cool drinks and snacks as well as the Wi-Fi password… what more could I possibly need for the hour-long transfer to the resort? Seat reclined, foot rest in position, I browsed Instagram and caught up on emails in utter bliss – my Kata Rocks experience had begun!

As we passed a quaint town bursting with restaurants and shops, the limousine took a right turn up a steep hill where at the top stood Kata Rocks’ reception and multiple smiling staff. I was swiftly given a cool towel and a phuang malai (Thai floral garland) before being invited into the reception for check-in. Then it was onto a staff-driven golf cart where I was given a quick tour of the resort before being driven to my One-Bedroom Sky Pool Villa.

One quick wave of the key fob and the door swung open to reveal a deluxe apartment that was almost double the size of my London flat. Comprising 175 sqm of living space that included a comfortable bedroom, en-suite, separate toilet and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, the modern design and chic finish took my breath away… Then I saw the terrace and its pride and joy, a seven-metre private infinity pool, and I knew I was in for an amazing stay.
 

To truly understand the beauty of this villa you have to see it for yourself but I’ll attempt to walk you through. From the front door a long corridor leads straight down to the living area and terrace meaning that the gorgeous sea and pool view is visible from just one step inside your private accommodation. Off of the corridor is where you’ll find a large bedroom with a comfortable double bed and goose-down bedding, a spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Complete with its own en-suite, the bathroom features a free-standing tub that’s ideally situated next to a TV, a walk-in rainfall shower and an extensive vanity and sink. Kata Rocks branded toiletries are available throughout and trust me, the lemongrass shower gel smells utterly delicious.

Sleeping and washing aside, the living area also deserves a mention. Home to almost every gadget you could dream of including a Verasu wine cabinet and luxury Nespresso coffee machine, every light switch, TV, blind and air-con unit in the entire villa can be controlled with one swift tap on the in-resort iPad. In the kitchen, there was enough cutlery for me to host a dinner party for the entire resort as well as an oven, hob, extractor, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. The fridge was stocked with a multitude of mini bar snacks and once I helped myself to a drink and chocolate bar, I was spoilt for choice as to where to sit. Should I perch on the breakfast bar stools, pull up a pew at the dining table or kick-back and relax on the Natuzzi sofa? I opted for none of the above and instead got comfortable on my private terraces’ sofa bed before diving on to the sun lounger in an attempt to top up my tan. 

However, the villa’s main draw is easily the private infinity pool that offers uninterrupted views of the Andaman sea. Each of Kata Rocks’ 34 villas are west facing meaning that every evening of my stay I got to witness the mesmerising Phuket sunset in utter bliss – a sight that I could never tire of.