Opening this month (November 2013) Point Yamu by COMO is a new luxury resort from the classy Como Hotels and resorts founded by the enigmatic Christina Ong. The group which brought us the divine COMO Shambhala Estate and Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos.

This latest offering is located at the tip of Cape Yamu on the east side of Phuket, overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestone outcrops of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phang Nga Bay. Bond fans will recall that the Man With the Golden Gun was shot here and the hotel certainly has some Bond-worthy moments courtesy of innovative architecture from Jean-Michel Gathy of the Denniston Group..

Of the 106 check-in choices 30 are villas with interiors by Italian designer Paola Navone from Studio Otto. This is her first hotel project but not her last, Navone is also working on COMO's first US hotel, Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach which is due open next month (December). Navone is known for her uses of striking colours and the rich colour palette at Point Yamu was inspired by the deep blue sea and the orange robes of Buddhist monks. White interiors off set the bright splashes of colour.

There is a touch of the Greek islands here in the bright and the white. The Luxury Travel Bible particularly like the bold black and white striped floor and daybeds in the lounge and the extravagant blue tiled bathroom swith round, deep baths. Up there on our current list of "Baths we need to soak in....'

There are two restaurants; the Thai 'Nahmyaa' which means 'glow' dishes up spicy southern Thai cuisine and one Italian, La Sirena ,complete with wood-fired oven As with other Como properties there is emphasis on health and nutrition as well as taste. Food is steamed or grilled rather than fried, and organic produce is used where possible.

The resort sits on its own golden beach is a 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Combined with COMO's Metropolitan hotel in Bangkok, guests can enjoy a dual-centre experience mixing city and island life.

As you'd also expect from a COMO property the spa is impressive, so impressive it is called a 'retreat' not a mere 'spa'. Point Yamu's COMO Shambhala Retreat has a 100 metre swimming pool, a yoga studio, and a large gym. COMO-fans will be pleased to know that in the 8 treatment rooms there are some signature experiences on offer such as the COMO Shambhala Massage and PURIFY holistic facial.

For those in danger of being massaged- out Point Yamu also offers adventure with biking through nearby villages and plantations, snorkelling and diving off remote islands. Child- friendly activities include a visit to a Gibbons sanctuary and elephant rides. Rooms and suite can be interconnected to accommodate families.

And if you'd like your own slice of paradise some of the adjacent private villas, which can enjoy all Point Yamu by COMO's facilities are still available for purchase.

COMO expands its portfolio with care but 2013 is a big year. Next month there is another treat in store Maalifushi by COMO in The Maldives is due to open (December 2013). It will be a sister property to the Cocoa Island by COMO also in the Maldives.

 

Luxury Hotels Link: www.comohotels.com