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December 2011

The Indigo Pearl started out as the Pearl Village Resort back in 1989. After more than 20 years, the owners decided that it was time for a fresh look and feel. Coming as they did from one of the most prominent families on the island, a mere facelift was not enough.

Hence, in 2007, the hotel received a complete image reassignment and makeover. The biggest name in the Asian design business, Bill Bensley, was roped in to transform this former industrial and mining landmass into a resort that stands out just like its namesake, the pearl.

Bensley made sure that the Indigo Pearl paid homage to its industrial past. He took remnants of a century-old tin mine and transformed their use on the walls, counters, tables and lamps of the resort.

Everything begs to be touched. Bensley’s liberal use of leather and rivets

standard of service and the Indigo Pearl certainly doesn’t disappoint. All requests always result in prompt response from the service staff, who are also very good at being discretely out of sight until needed; then they are quick to attend

A resort built on the glories of a former tin mine has more than enough shine to be a major attraction. By Tony Goh

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– combined with touches of weathered-looking wood, metal, and polished concrete – makes for a sensory delight.

Refreshing TouchesThe hallmark of all good hotels is the

December 2011

to you.The big winners in the makeover of

the resort, of course, is its rooms, which are nothing short of stunning. The rooms are where Bensley’s tin mine theme is at its most prevalent. Everything – from the decorations around the bedchamber right up to the spacious shower and toilet – are filled with mementoes of past glory days.

Indeed, in a refreshing touch of brilliant simplicity, the bathrooms – with their blackened metals, polished concrete, and extremely unpolished plumbing fixtures, Thai silks and rattan furnishings – generate a sense of luxurious subtlety that is often hard to achieve.

The overall interplay of stone and wood finishings and post-modern furnishing, lighting and art superbly accentuate the resort’s theme while keeping things chic and comfy.

Dining & LeisureNothing speaks more passionately about the Indigo Pearl’s past legacy than the Tongkah Tin Syndicate, a restaurant and bar just below the main lobby.

In fact, the name Tongkah was the predecessor of Phuket. There is plenty of history on display here, with artefacts ranging from the abacus used by early Chinese tin miners to the old, but still solid, safe deposit boxes in which they

kept their precious possessions.

But more than just a pretty and historical name, the Tongkah also houses a whisky bar and snooker hall, making this the one place in the resort where cool elegance and chic designs are secondary and fun takes centre stage; sort of a playroom for adults.

When it comes to dining, there are plenty of choices at the Indigo Pearl. But the best spot for a hearty and joyful meal has got to be at the all-purpose Tin Mine restaurant, the resort’s main eatery, which features fully-stocked breakfast offerings, an international menu by day and themed buffets at night.

Need to walk off the excellent meal? Why not head up the stairs to the open-air Rebar, or to the roof where the Rivet Grill is located, for cocktails, a live band, and an eagle’s eye view of the beautiful surroundings.

Whatever you do, however, don’t miss a visit to the Coqoon Spa. Designed in the shape of a cocoon, this spa is an international award-winner that showcases the brilliant combination of unique architecture and Thailand’s own globally renowned traditional massages.

Continuous TransformationIndigo Pearl Director of Sales & Marketing Anna Olson told Smart Investor how the astute mix of softening themes and contemporary design had brought a new unique look to the industrial feel that is still prevalent throughout the resort.

Rather than resting on its laurels, Olson said the Indigo Pearl was now reducing the total number of rooms from 260 to 177 by upgrading its former villa suites – known as Plantation Villas – into even bigger and more luxurious retreats.

“Come Christmas and New Year,

Indigo Pearl’s new look high-end suites – to be named Pool Villas, with sizes ranging from 550sq m to 2, 500sq m – should be ready to greet new guests and regulars alike.”

While not yet really big with the business and convention crowd, the Indigo Phuket is certainly well-equipped for business travellers with facilities such as fast-track airport services and modern meeting rooms and ballrooms.

“For incentive and corporate retreats, we are definitely one of the more popular ones in Phuket as we do have all the latest equipment. We even have a fully equipped library with computers and printers to ensure the comfort of our business guests.”

Conclusion A visionary redesign has given the Indigo Pearl a look that it is justifiably proud of. The resort has successfully blended fun, history and class into a healthy and heady melange.

It is without a doubt a resort that is highly recommended for those of you looking for the idyllic romantic getaway or a picture-perfect honeymoon destination.

And the Indigo Pearl even has all the amenities you could possibly wish for to hold your company’s next group or corporate retreat. Looking for something familiar in a luxurious setting? The Indigo Pearl Phuket will definitely not disappoint.

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