Fourteen days, eleven of our gorgeous models and two epic luxury resorts. Yes, this is how MAXIM does Phuket…
Equipped with direct access to a pristine white beach and private pool, arriving at our luxury villa at Baba Beach Club in Phuket was nothing short of a dream. The Baba Group is known for good food and good times as well as the best DJs. Baba Beach Club also has their very own Circo de Loco music festivals and sunset parties that carry way into the night around the signature resort pool. It truly is the perfect escape for those wishing to vacay in the tropics with the intent to party all day and well… party all night. And, yes, suffice to say our days were filled with endless sun, coconuts and cocktails.
In true Baba style, their speedboat took us out on the crystal clear waters for an incredible local Thai-style lunch at the floating village of Koh Panyi, as well as an adventure to James Bond Island — a famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay – with views that are literally straight out of a movie scene. No filters needed. The everlasting sun allowed us all to top-up our tans and stage some incredible postcard-worthy photo shoots on the different islands with breathtaking back drops.
Our Phuket adventure continued with a relocation to the incredible Sri Panwa Resort, the crown jewel of the Group. Sri Panwa is a complete world of its own. Our luxury five- bedroom villa and private infinity pool was beyond belief with incredible views across the ocean and surrounding islands. The scale of the resort gave us multiple options for backdrops for this MAXIM shoot with plenty of pools, rooftop bars and many restaurants offering Thai, Chinese, world-class Japanese, Italian, American and much, much more.
The luxury spa was a hit with the team, too, spoiling us to quality massages and treatments while guaranteeing a peaceful end to the day before we wined and dined around the resort.
A big thank you to the Sri Panwa and Baba teams who were determined to exceed our expectations at all times. Mr. Issara’s family style of management at the resorts flows through the energetic team who are also all about the vibe. Their passion for fun is contagious and attitude to service is second to none. It was certainly a sad day for all of us when leaving this magical world Mr Issara has created. We will definitely be back.
Who You Need To Know
If you like to party, live the VIP life and plan on visiting Thailand, there is one person you need to follow on Insta – Mr. Wan Issara at @wan.issara. As you will see from his Instagram feed, the Managing Director of Baba Beach Clubs and Sri Panwa, this international DJ and hospitality guru is an avid member of the International jet set, travelling the world to luxury destinations globally, and he’s all about the vibe. Whether it be private yachts in the Mediterranean or DJing at the top clubs in Ibiza, it is obvious he has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the best in lifestyle, food or entertainment – and his five-star commitment to luxury means there are no expenses spared at his properties. His ultimate passion for delivering exceptional experiences for guests from all over the world means there is never a dull moment. The incredible properties located in Phuket, Huahin, and soon Southern China, are laid out to allow for guests to participate or opt out as it suits. Needless to say, we opted in. ■
PRODUCED & STYLED BY BELINDA ROELOFS
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROCKY BATCHELOR
LOCATION BABA BEACH CLUB & SRIPANWA
HAIR & MAKE-UP BY SIMMY CARR
PRODUCED AND STYLED BY BELINDA ROELOFS
LINGERIE AND BIKINIS BY MARY HOLLAND LINGERIE
VIDEOGRAPHY BY ALEX SCAPENS
For the full article grab the March 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
