Kata Rocks

Strange as it may sound, there’s something about the sparkling new Kata Rocks, on Phuket’s southwestern coast, that’s strikingly reminiscent of a resort in the Mediterranean. Maybe it’s the whitewashed buildings clinging to the rocky cliffside that make you think of Santorini, or the minimalist poolside décor and ambient music that conjure of memories of Ibiza. Maybe it’s the sleek Italian-style kitchens with Nespresso machines and leather furnishings by Natuzzi that remind you of the Amalfi Coast.

Fair enough. But you’re in Thailand. And how do Thai resorts outshine their European counterparts? With over-the-top luxury. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Kata Rocks, from the moment the Rock Star team (get it?) meets you at the airport to escort you back to the resort in a plush leather-lined minivan outfitted with wi-fi and a minibar.

The hour-long trip sets the tone for what’s to come. The resort doesn’t have standard guest rooms, only lavish villas with huge private terraces, private infinity pools, walk-in showers, and fully equipped kitchens made with Italian wine fridges and German appliances. Amenities vary: one has a sea view bathtub for two, another has an outdoor kitchen and a swim-up bar. But all villas feature state-of-the-art home automation systems so that you can adjust everything — lighting, temperature, the music on the sound system, the programming on the huge LCD TVs — at the touch of an iPad button. Not relaxed enough? Head down to the Infinite Luxury Spa. The name sort of says it all.

With villas like these, it’s no surprise that many guests opt for breakfast in bed or in-room dining prepared by a private chef. Venture down to the breakfast buffet and you might the open-air terrace, and those sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, all to yourself. Kata Rocks’ bar and restaurant is open to the public, and it’s something of a special-occasion destination for honeymooners and other in-the-know travelers ready to splash out on an al fresco feast. But don’t expect to see Tom Kha Kai on the menu. The cuisine at Kata Rocks is — you guessed it — modern Mediterranean.