Tourism arrivals to Phuket continue to grow, alongside its strong reputation of being a popular property investment destination. Property investment, especially in Phuket, has generally given higher returns than gold or government bonds, according to Srinarin Paopongpaiboon, a Senior Analyst at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economics and Business Research Centre.

Located on a peninsula on the east coast of Phuket on the tip of Cape Yamu, Point Yamu by COMO gives guests the chance to experience the lesser known side of the island. The newest resort and villa development by COMO Hotels and Resorts is a 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The development features 79 hotel guest rooms, suites and 26 private pool villas. All rooms, suites and villas offer floor-to-ceiling windows and are ocean-facing with views towards Phang Nga Bay and its distinctive limestone outcroppings.

The interior aesthetic is by renowned Italian designer Paola Navone. The collaboration sees COMO’s signature clean lines and pared-back, contemporary style united with Navone’s eclectic, colourful approach and the use of local materials. The result is a dazzling palette of bright aquamarines and burnt oranges, with Thai artisanal techniques such as traditional wood tiling and woven rattan adding texture reflecting the presence of the sea, Thailand’s Buddhist culture and the colourful influence of Phuket’s Peranakan culture. Intricacy of design is seen throughout the development—for example, the pillars in the lobby are decorated with broken ceramic tiles which are hand-cut and pieced carefully to liken that of a mosaic pattern. Thai handicraft is also an important element incorporated into the design, with extensive use of weave patterns in furnishing used around the resort.

Villas for sale include seven two-bedroom pool villas and 13 three-bedroom pool villas. Two-bedroom pool villas are approximately 2,433sf in size and have large private pools. The units are likened to a private residence more than a resort villa. It can accommodate up to six people and includes indoor and outdoor dining, pantry, laundry and storage room. The three-bedroom pool villas are approximately 3,638sf large and also feature its own private pool. There is an indoor and outdoor dining area for up to eight people, a kitchen, small laundry and maid’s room.

Rental of the two-bedroom pool villas range from THB65,000 ($1,923) per day during the low season and THB80,000 ($2,367) per day, while the three-bedroom pool villas range from THB90,000 ($2,662) to THB125,000 ($3,700) per day respectively, and is therefore able to offer significant rental yield.

Villa owners can enjoy access to the main resort’s facilities which include a 100-meter infinity pool, a fully-equipped gym and activity centre, with diving, water sports and boat excursions which offer private boat trips from Marina Pier to nearby beaches and islands. There are also various dining options—Nahmyaa which offers Thai cuisine; Italian restaurant La Sirena; and COMO Shambhala cuisine—and exclusive COMO Shambala Retreat which offers holistic, Asian-inspired therapies and treatments in eight treatment rooms.

Cultural activities such as Thai cooking classes and island tours of Phuket and its old town are also available to Point Yamu guests. An exclusive beach club which is scheduled for completion in July 2015 will be located on Naka Island which is a 20-minute private boat ride away. Hotel guests and villa owners can enjoy a large saltwater pool, water sports, and activities for children, spa retreats and COMO quality food.

Point Yamu by COMO has been awarded ‘Best Hotel Design and Best Villa Development’ at Thailand Property Awards 2014, amongst several other accolades.

Buyer Information

Property: Point Yamu by COMO

Location: 225 Moo 7, Paklok, Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy

Interior Designer: Paola Navone

Highlights:

—25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport

—Floor-to-ceiling windows and are ocean-facing with views towards Phang Nga Bay and its distinctive limestone outcroppings

—Intricacy of design in the interior with COMO’s signature clean lines and pared-back, contemporary style alongside eclectic, colourful approach and use of local materials

—In-villa facilities include private pool, indoor and outdoor dining, pantry, laundry and storage room

—Main resort’s facilities include a 100-meter infinity pool, a fully-equipped gym and activity centre, with diving, water sports and boat excursions which offer private boat trips from Marina Pier to nearby beaches and islands

—Exclusive beach club located on Naka Island has a large saltwater pool, water sports, and activities for children, spa retreats and COMO quality food

Prices: Approximately $1.9 million (two-bedroom pool villas) and $3-5 million (three-bedroom pool villas)

Contact: comohotels.com/pointyamu or pointyamu@comohotels.com

Story Credits

Text by Domenica Tan

This story first appeared in PALACE.