The Bell Pool Villa Resort is nestled in the protective arms of nature, just a short ride away from the lovely Kamala Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Getting to the resort is like taking a journey in search of a lost village– it is secluded, private and peaceful; surrounded by local houses, narrow lanes and lush greenery.
Choosing The Bell
Phuket is filled with luxury villas, world-class resorts, boutique hotels– all kinds of accommodation to suit the myriad of sun-seekers that arrive on the island everyday. My purpose to Phuket this time was to runaway (from the realities of life) for a little while; I was looking for seclusion and some time to myself. I wanted a private villa with a swimming pool, I wanted to be away from all the Phuket action, and I wanted luxury at a decent, affordable price.
After looking through all my choices, The Bell Pool Villa Resort was it.
Resort Overview
The Bell is a beautifully designed boutique resort with only 16 villas– all private ones with its own swimming pool. They have 4 different types of villas with 1-4 bedrooms, all standing individually within the resort’s vicinity. Due to the vast space around the resort, car parks are available right next to the villas. I stayed at the 1 bedroom private pool villa, which cost me approximately ฿11,000 (US$300) per night for just the villa. The villas with 4 bedrooms cost about ฿22,000 (US$600).
On a random note– in line with its name, the resort walls are lined with pretty silver metal gongs (traditional bells), and their chandeliers and lights are in the shape of a bell. The Bell is designed with utmost care, combining modern and traditional elements; with greyish stone designs paired together with wooden beams and red furniture.
Arriving at The Bell
Even though the resort is relatively hidden, my driver had no problems locating it– in fact, he already knew where it is. The entrance of the resort is guarded by a wooden gate that opened up when we rang the doorbell. There was no one around when I arrived, so I had a hard time finding the reception, which was located inside the resort’s only restaurant.
However, as soon as I walked into the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by the staff and ushered to the reception area. I was offered a seat, a cold towel and hot ginger tea– and check-in was done at my table. After receiving my keys, I was guided to the villa, and was given a tour on the facilities available in my private abode for the next few days.
The Bell Experience
I absolutely loved my private pool villa. Even getting to it felt like I was walking into my own private fairy tale land, away from all the troubles of the world. The 1-bedroom villa is huge; it has its own living area and kitchen in one building, and the bedroom in a separate one.
The villa is complete with all the basic amenities, and more– the kitchen has a fridge, a stove, a microwave, a coffee machine, and all the cutleries needed to prepare a complete meal. I also had access to over a hundred movies on the Apple TV. It felt like a home away from home– with more luxury, of course. I even had a butler 24-hours a day.
My favorite part of the resort has got to be the heavenly swimming pool. With water flowing down its sides, it is large enough for me to do laps (8.5mx4m). I absolutely enjoyed lazing in it on my floating pillow all day long, with a cocktail in my hand.
It gets slightly too cold at night though– I wanted to take a midnight swim but I was shivering too much!
For more luxury, everything can be done inside the villa– there was no need to go out or go anywhere else to get anything I needed. If I wanted food, all I had to do was order room service (breakfast is brought to the villa every morning); and if I wanted a Thai massage, the resort provides in-villa spa sessions. I could even order in my cocktails when I wanted a drink!
Of course, if you need some human interaction, there is the beautifully decorated Zhong Lounge and Restaurant at the reception area to chill in. Or, you could take the resort’s complimentary scheduled shuttle to Kamala or Patong Beach for some sand, sea and party time.
Throughout my stay, the only problem I had with the villa is the mosquito infestation. I was told by the receptionist that this was due to the amount of trees and plants in the area– and to combat the problem, the resort carries out a fogging session around the resort for 15 minutes in the evening. I received a call asking if I would like my villa fogged– but I wanted my privacy, so I politely declined.
I did, however, place the electric mosquito repellents and coils provided by the resort all around my villa. It helped a little.
At the End of the Day
I had a wonderful time at The Bell Pool Villa Resort. It is the perfect place to get away for a few days– I loved the fact that it provides the intimacy and isolation I need (I could just stay in my villa all day long); but whenever I feel like some time out for the sea, the food or the parties of Phuket; the bustling town is not too far away.
Stay here if a hideaway is what you seek– it will be your own luxurious private retreat in the middle of nowhere.
The Bell Pool Villa Resort
Where: 41/31 Moo 5, Baan Hua Khuan, Soi Bell Kamala, 83150 Phuket, Thailand.
Website: http://www.thebellphuket.com/
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Categories: Asia, Boutique, Hotels and Resorts, Island Loving, Luxury, Southeast Asia, Thailand