Villa Baan Phu Prana — Hotel in Choeng Thale

Villa|When you arrive at the villa, it is imposing (with 15-20 steps to get to the front door and three levels of villa above that), yet not ostentatious in it’s design. There is a lift that accesses the first floor (which is just a lobby), the second floor (7 of the 9 bedrooms), and the top floor (the pool, outdoor area – including a sala, outdoor dining area, poolside deck chairs and an outdoor shower – a lounge room, the dining room and kitchen, and a toilet and shower). There is also a massage/cardio room, which is on a split level between levels 2 and 3 (the same height as bedrooms 6 and 7, but on the other side of the villa)|Bedrooms 1-5 are at the front of the villa with sea views. Bedrooms 6 and 7 are at the back of the villa and are on a split level. They are about 5 steps up from level 2. The other two bedrooms (8 and 9) are at the front of the villa on level 1, and have only outdoor access either from a different set of stairs from the front of the house, or via some stairs coming off the bedroom level.||Bedroom|The rooms were very nicely renovated and the bed and pillows were very comfortable. The air-conditioning worked well to keep the temperature and humidity down. There was also a kettle, coffee machine, and bar fridge in the room.|The bathroom was spacious, with a shower, bath, double sink, and was stocked with the usual amenities. However, the water pressure in the shower was low and not ideal for washing thick hair.|We had a back room (room 6) with a small enclosed outdoor area (which we didn't use) facing a wall. The lack of a view didn’t bother us, as we didn’t spend a lot of daylight hours in the room, but if you are renting by the room, this might be a room to skip over, given the chance.|Room 9 had windows along two sides, but they opened to the walkway that accessed room 8 and 9, so the blinds were mostly left closed. Room 9 also didn't have a bathroom door. ||Living and shared areas|The pool, pool area, and sala were beautiful, and the views were amazing. The sunset on our first night was so picturesque, and watching the storms and rain roll in over the ocean was stunning.|The dining room was beautifully presented, and, once again, the view was wonderful. There was also an airy, undercover, outdoor dining area, which allowed for more casual meals. ||Food|The food was presented very well, and there was always plenty to eat. The chef was obliging and friendly, but the food seemed to lack a bit of the Thai "zing" I have experienced in other villas in Phuket. ||Staff|The staff were all friendly and accommodating during our stay. Generally, there weren't any issues communicating in English. However, if there is something specific, beyond regular conversations that you want to get across to the staff, I recommend using a translation app. There was an electrical/plumbing issue during our stay, and it took me a while to realise that the issue had not been communicated effectively.||Location|Towards the top of Surin Hill, Baan Phu Prana has gorgeous views. Surin has several massage parlours, supermarkets, retail shops, and street vendors along the beach. The villa itself is in a secure complex where visiting drivers (taxi, Grab, etc) must hand over identification to the security guards at the bottom of the drive. The hill itself is additional security, as it acts as a deterrent to pedestrians and inexperienced drivers (I think one driver may have burnt his clutch out manoeuvring into the villa driveway). Although it was a challenge, especially while carrying a 17kg preschooler, it is possible to walk down and up to Surin. I recommend sneakers for the walk!||Overall|Staying at the villa was relaxing. Everything was well organised and ran smoothly. The villa was nicely renovated and well appointed.|We stayed for 6 nights, and our room was cleaned once (although we did not ask for more, and we were happy for the privacy).|Compared with other villas (both hosted and unhosted) we have stayed at in Phuket, Baan Phu Prana felt more like a hotel/resort than a home that we were welcomed into, but that could have been because our group was so large. Compared to a resort, it was good because it was private (we rented the whole villa), but it lacked some facilities that a resort has (eg: drinks were self-service, rather than having cocktails delivered poolside).|Although it lacked some of the warmth that other villas have had, knowing who each of the staff were, and being on the receiving end of their beautiful...

It was my first time in Thailand. My family and friends went down to celebrate my 50th birthday and my daughters 16th birthday. ||||The Villa; ||Very beautiful, breathtaking, very well maintained, Spotless. ||We utilized every nook and cranny of this villa. The spa was one of my favourite it had a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage tables set up in a calm very airy room that will take you to la la land once your back hits that table. The ambience is to live for. ||Another favourite place was where we spent most of our time when we were in the villa was The roof top. It hosted the living room, office, dinning and kitchen.and the newly renovated fibre optic infinity pool. My God the view from this place is unimaginable. Simply breathtaking!! Priceless.||||The Food: ||We had 2 chefs they threw down every single day. ||Fresh exotic fruits, fresh juices. The best Thai green curry i have ever had. So delicious. ||||The Staff:||Excellent!! Dewy was so helpful during the planning process. She would stay up late to answer my questions, she would give great suggestions. All she wanted was for us to really relax and be taking care of and that was what we got. ||Kai and Nim great duo. Very very helpful. Chef Soo and Chef Lert very cheerful no matter how many times we ask for more food they were willing to make more. You see our group we love good food so it was not our fault the food was good. Lol||||The Hostess: ||||Catherine!!!! Absolutely amazing. So kind. She made our stay extra special. She welcomed us so warmly. She made sure we had EVERYTHING we needed. ||She is constantly looking for ways to improve the ambience of her property. ||||Now if you are ever in Phuket and need a place to call home for the length of your stay? Look no further, i found you your place. VILLA BAAN PHU PRANA...

The top three reasons o would never recommend and go back to this villa are so strong that who ever will ever stay or had stayed will agree to this . | 1)Gale the villa manager who is there to make commissions from you for everything.|2)Bad chef to put the saddest flavour and presentation |3) Water problem in WC and shower . ||The villa manager will be there after you asking additional funds every morning just after she wishes you good morning. |These funds are apparently for additional groceries which they say they have used but by no means you can utilise this much as we all run house holds . |If for breakfast and only 1 dinner and 1lunch they have utilised grocery worth 52000 THB you know it , it’s a sham . ||Last year we stayed with villa samiyanga with Lilly chef and Jackie it was an extra ordinary experience. We were expecting the same but the chef and the villa manager spoils it big time . ||The morning of checkout she (Gale)came and ask me for 4000 Thb for tips . When I told her we will give you 2000thb she stopped the water supply .||And also when we frustrated just wanted to leave from there and asked her to arrange the busses back she said pay extra for the airport transfer that was included . We were promised three buses but she said can’t give . |I called the villa owner Catherine and told her the whole story to which she asked villa manager to deliver what was promised. ||To top this further Gale refused there was any lost and found as we forgot 3 things there. To which the owner due to her trust on villa manager also without authentication said the same .|The whole experience was bad . |If the villa is renovated then why was the lift not working ? Why was the toilet water a problem ? Why was there no water in...