IF THERE'S a measure of Phuket's change from a quiet island retreat into something far more up-market and sophisticated, it's the appearance of the Vijitt Resort.
The site that was once peppered with about 40 bungalows is now blooming with 92 five-star villas, ready for an opening in September.
It's a family establishment on the move, although in reality it will continue to be a mainstay of the scene in Rawai.
Baan Vijitt, the Sino-Potuguese style house that was once the clan's weekend home, is to be converted into a ''contemporary dining experience'' offering traditional Thai food, with a focus on regional specialties.
The resort has a 250 metre sea frontage that overlooks Chalong Bay to Lon Island, Coral Island and Cape Panwa.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the view, even from the outdoor showers, where windows have been cut in the bamboo especially to allow in the vista.
Coconut palms and rubber trees sway gracefully, making the place look quite idyllic, even though construction is continuing.
Phuketwan did the guided tour and was shown the Vijitt Pool Villas that will take pride of place amid the grass along the shorefront.
A spacious living area sits in a sala across from a second sala that contains the bedroom and bathroom, surrounded on three sides by a decorative pool.
Pleasant by day, the outlook should be equally stunning by night.
Prices are likely to range from 9000 baht to 38,000 baht, with the choices including 72 stand-alone villas, 13 Prime Pool Villas of two storeys, each with a seven-metre pool, and three Family Pool Villas, incorporating a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two bathrooms, and a pool.
The spa area will be a prominent feature and The Rotunda will house a large Kids' Club, along with a movie theatre, outdoor stage, outdoor covered playground and a cafe.
A fitnes centre, activities programs, a business centre, shuttle buses to Phuket City and Patong, a dive shop and a kite board school are all going to be provided.
The Vijitt is planning to offer Villa Dining, a service they hope will match the best that a good restaurant can offer, whether it be a snack or a sumptuous seafood extravaganza, all in the comfort of your own quarters.
Teak adds to the quality finish and coconut and bamboo have been used widely to project a southern style of architecture.
There will be a grove of fruit trees and a Thai herb garden as well. Down the hill on one side lies the Rawai village shorefront with its mix of seafood restaurants and bars, and Friendship Beach and Chalong Pier are not far away on the other side.
The hunt is already on for staff, with Vijitt looking for some senior people now and more closer to the opening date.
Vijitt Resort telephone 66 76 381342 E: gm@vijittresort.com
The site that was once peppered with about 40 bungalows is now blooming with 92 five-star villas, ready for an opening in September.
It's a family establishment on the move, although in reality it will continue to be a mainstay of the scene in Rawai.
Baan Vijitt, the Sino-Potuguese style house that was once the clan's weekend home, is to be converted into a ''contemporary dining experience'' offering traditional Thai food, with a focus on regional specialties.
The resort has a 250 metre sea frontage that overlooks Chalong Bay to Lon Island, Coral Island and Cape Panwa.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the view, even from the outdoor showers, where windows have been cut in the bamboo especially to allow in the vista.
Coconut palms and rubber trees sway gracefully, making the place look quite idyllic, even though construction is continuing.
Phuketwan did the guided tour and was shown the Vijitt Pool Villas that will take pride of place amid the grass along the shorefront.
A spacious living area sits in a sala across from a second sala that contains the bedroom and bathroom, surrounded on three sides by a decorative pool.
Pleasant by day, the outlook should be equally stunning by night.
Prices are likely to range from 9000 baht to 38,000 baht, with the choices including 72 stand-alone villas, 13 Prime Pool Villas of two storeys, each with a seven-metre pool, and three Family Pool Villas, incorporating a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two bathrooms, and a pool.
The spa area will be a prominent feature and The Rotunda will house a large Kids' Club, along with a movie theatre, outdoor stage, outdoor covered playground and a cafe.
A fitnes centre, activities programs, a business centre, shuttle buses to Phuket City and Patong, a dive shop and a kite board school are all going to be provided.
The Vijitt is planning to offer Villa Dining, a service they hope will match the best that a good restaurant can offer, whether it be a snack or a sumptuous seafood extravaganza, all in the comfort of your own quarters.
Teak adds to the quality finish and coconut and bamboo have been used widely to project a southern style of architecture.
There will be a grove of fruit trees and a Thai herb garden as well. Down the hill on one side lies the Rawai village shorefront with its mix of seafood restaurants and bars, and Friendship Beach and Chalong Pier are not far away on the other side.
The hunt is already on for staff, with Vijitt looking for some senior people now and more closer to the opening date.
Vijitt Resort telephone 66 76 381342 E: gm@vijittresort.com
