I’ve never been welcomed to such grandeur upon check-in. With upper management in line awaiting our arrival, we followed a staff member towards the pavilion. There was no traditional lobby within eyesight, no usual concierge desk aiding to guest’s every request. Then again, there was nothing traditional about this property thus far. I was handed a refreshing cup of tea and a cool towelette (a stark contrast to the oppressive heat index) as we headed towards our pool villa.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve begs the question…

I’m glad you asked. As only three Reserves exist in the world, these unique sanctuaries act as a place where all unexpressed wishes of the guest are fulfilled. As with any Ritz-Carlton, quality service and amenities are expected. At a Reserve surrounded by exotic beauty, that experience is elevated with a nature-based environment and extraordinary happenings that create a place where the guest feels that the hotel is completely his or hers. In this case, all mine.

The Villas

The concept is obvious when touring the 54 acre property. Romance, couples, and honeymooners thrive here. Take this Honeymoon Villa for example. The beds in each of the 54 villas at Phulay Bay are double the size of a typical luxury hotel: two California king mattresses sewn together, totaling two meters wide by three meters long. TWO BY THREE. You can do a lot of varying activities with that kind of generosity. Like play a full-court basketball game probably. Just sayin’. Their counterparts, the rosy custom-made oversized bathtubs, deserve some praise here. Note the rich, deep purple color that runs throughout the entire resort. Give me allll the Moroccan influences, pretty please, even if I’m confused on my whereabouts when I wake up. Am I in Marrakesh? Am I in Thailand? Am I in a dreamworld of pure magic? *Le sigh* Hopefully I’ll remember this room when someone, anyone, puts a ring on it. Does that sound desperate? I am already in dire need of a round two here, that’s all.

Alright. Enough with the honeymoon villa. My Royal Beach Villa did not pale in comparison. How can it when it totals almost 1,300 square feet of pure luxury? In fact, my bed was even bigger than the previous as it took approximately nine barrel rolls to get from one side to the next. Obviously, this is a super scientific and mathematical way of computing the true size of a mattress. If you can beat nine (highly unlikely and likely impossible), let me know. Phulay Bay is known for having the biggest beds in the world. If I’m spending 1/3 of my life in a bed as one typically does, I wanna go big or (not?) go home.

Moving right along into the bathroom, it’s difficult to find the words to adequately explain its splendor. Coming in at what I can only believe to be more square footage than the actual bedroom, there are two separate His and Hers sections on either side complete with walk-in closet, vanity, rain shower, etc. If that’s not enough to write home about, a zen rock garden and sitting area has been constructed as a backyard. I’m still not finished. Over on the west wing sits a moroccan inspired tub fit for two…or three or four or probably 10. The lanterns created an unparalleled tub atmosphere unlike any other (and I’ve been in a lot of tubs in my day!).

The Grounds

Bare with me. I have a lot of bragging to do in this section. First off, major props to all the landscape architects and gardeners whose jobs are never done. With so many acres to play with, it’s a tough gig but somebody’s gotta do it! The colors of the natural surroundings didn’t go unnoticed as we walked and buggy’d all over the grounds.

Now, we all know that it’s a tough day when your hardest choice of the morning begins with: Beach or pool? Here at Phulay Bay, that question is answered for you. With slim sandy shores, beautiful rock formations line the coast. Even more beautiful pools line the entire property. Taking lunch in this cabana was a highlight…

…but then again, so was having a few cocktails in here.

If you’re the ultimate beach goer, don’t let the rocky shores deter you. I was able to spend a sunny afternoon on Hong Island, a 15 minute long-tail boat ride from the property’s dock. I have the most beautiful image in my head when I think back on this particular slice of paradise. Turquoise waters, warm sand, towering limestone cliffs, fishing boats, good company…am I selling it yet? Goooooood.

To really drive it home, I’ll bring in the spa treatment. This soothing area of Phulay Bay will leave anyone in a blissful state, ready to take on the arduous day ahead (wink). My aromatherapy massage sent me into a state of unconsciousness (no really, I fell asleep) but not to worry – I was able to fully enjoy the amenities afterwards. Don’t miss the sauna, the lagoon and the tropical jungle views.

The Cuisine

With international flavors served on every plate, you can’t go wrong at any of the five different eateries on property. I’m here to explain my favorite: the arrival pavilion. Yes, you read that correctly. Leave it to a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to take dining to another level. During our first night on property, little did Hannah and I know that were in for a romantic date…

Here Hannah and I were, complete strangers turned best travel buddies, about to share in the most romantic setting of my life. HA! I couldn’t help but to laugh. Perhaps one day we will both be able to relive it with our significant others, but I was happy to be in that moment celebrating life with a new friend and a new favorite hotel. The Thai food was absolutely memorable, but the surroundings were unforgettable. Many thanks to all staff members for going above and beyond your call of duty to impress a couple of travel bloggers.

The Service

A 24-hour Butler service? What is life? I’ll tell you what it is. It’s perfectly in balance at Phulay Bay. To Tanya, the most knowledgable, friendly and all around professional staff member ever: Thank you for providing us with your expertise on the resort, your understanding of the surrounding areas, your unrivaled driving skills and most of all, your time and personalized service! Many thanks to everyone else who made my time on property so incredibly special!

See more images from my time at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve below!

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to Phulay Bay as a guest, however, our opinion is as always our own.