As Samuel Johnson so profoundly mused in 1777, “A man who is tired of London is tired of life.” I wouldn’t go as far as to say I was tired of life, but by the end of what seemed like the longest, darkest winter, I must confess, I was growing a little tired of London. It’s a city of boundless energy, pulsing with vibrancy, and I am undeniably fortunate to call it home. But in the grip of relentless grey days, when the chill sinks deep into your bones, British winters demand a resilience not for the faint-hearted. Once the magic of Christmas has faded, the distant stretch toward Spring can feel almost unbearable. What, then, is the remedy? Thailand, of course.
Due to its rich culture, steeped in the tranquil wisdom of Buddhism, Thailand has long been a sanctuary for those seeking solace, balance, and enlightenment. Wellness culture here is as ingrained as the golden temples that dot the landscape—its rhythms flow through the veins of the country, offering respite to all who come seeking a breath of peace. It’s a culture of care for the body, mind, and soul, where practices of well-being are revered as much as the nation’s rich history. The word “wellness”, however, can stir up mixed emotions—dividing opinions like two opposing shores. For some, it is a sacred way of life, a commitment to mindful choices that nourish the body, mind, and spirit—rejecting all that is toxic. For others, it can feel like a stark reminder of modern life’s exhausting demands, where comfort foods, alcohol, and the ceaseless pull of social media serve as addictive distractions. And of course, there’s that quiet space in between, a balance where perhaps a little indulgence and well-being can coexist. But what to do when you crave both nourishment and joy?
Enter, Amatara Welleisure Resort. Nestled within the rolling hills of Cape Panwa, where the lush greenery meets the shimmering aquamarine expanse of the Andaman Sea, lies Amatara—a retreat where wellness and pleasure exist in a perfect, harmonious dance. Blending the beauty of wellness with enjoyment of pleasure, here, you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and still indulge in moments of joy without guilt. A place where you can embrace the stillness but also savour the sweetness of life.
Amatara feels like a secret paradise. Surrounded by verdant greenery and the sparkling blue expanse of the Andaman Sea, the resort offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thoughtful luxury. Away from the bustling streets of Phuket, Amatara’s sprawling grounds unfold like a private sanctuary. Pavilions are arranged in elegant clusters, while the villas meander up the hillsides, hidden among tropical gardens and winding paths. The design is both spacious and intimate, allowing guests to unwind in seclusion while still feeling connected to the stunning landscape. Each villa feels more like an apartment than a typical hotel room, offering an expansive, cleverly designed living space. The villa was thoughtfully laid out to maximize the natural light and breathtaking ocean views, with every inch of space used wisely. Whilst the decor was tastefully curated, blending modern comforts with traditional Thai touches, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect sanctuary for those seeking comfort and serenity.
My wellness journey at Amatara began with nourishment, after the long morning of travelling I’d had. I was guided to Siri, one of the resort’s four dining venues, where I indulged in a Thai take on the traditional British afternoon tea. Gone were the scones and finger sandwiches, replaced by light, vibrant dishes including fresh spring rolls and the sweet indulgence of Thai favourite, mango sticky rice. The panoramic views of the glistening ocean only added to the sense of tranquility as I savoured each bite. Every morning, Siri offers a bounty of tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and an array of Asian and continental breakfast delights to suit every palate. For those seeking a health-focused culinary experience, Senses restaurant delivers a menu of creative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, proving that flavour and wellness are not mutually exclusive. For a more relaxed setting, the Sun and Moon Bar beckons with its panoramic rooftop views, ambient music, and light bites and cocktails that pair perfectly with the sea breeze. At Scene, the resort’s elegant eatery, dinner is a refined experience, often accompanied by live music—an ideal way to unwind after a day of wellness. With last orders taken at 10:30pm throughout the resort and rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, guests are invited to realign their circadian rhythm, reconnecting with nature and embracing a more natural flow.
Once nourished, I ventured to the resort’s fitness offerings, where the mind-body connection is cultivated in every session. The gym, perched above the shore, offers a breathtaking view of the sparkling ocean—a reminder to be present and mindful during each movement and strengthening the mind-body connection. Being so high up somehow makes the air feel fresher. After working up a sweat, I retreated to the infrared steam room and sauna, where the heat loosened any lingering tension. For those seeking guidance, Amatara offers expert instruction in Muay Thai, Pilates, traditional yoga, Tai Chi, water exercise, and beach sports. Each class is designed not just to challenge the body, but to deepen the connection to the moment.
But the true highlight of my stay was the spa. As I settled onto the massage table, my therapist Fon worked her magic, and I found myself drifting in and out of consciousness. The celestial gong-like sound of the Chinese singing bowl vibrated through my body, marking the beginning of Amatara’s signature massage. I felt any trace of tension dissipate into the ether with each stroke releasing a wave of calm that swept through me. The spa, an oasis of quiet serenity, overlooks the endless ocean—its soothing sounds mingling with the trickling of water features, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. With an array of holistic treatments, from massages to facials, all rooted in the ancient traditions of Asia, and even a Thai Hammam, a visit to the spa feels like a transformative experience, one that leaves you feeling rested, renewed and restored.
Amatara also offers unique experiences that invite guests to reconnect with their creativity. I participated in a mindful ceramic painting workshop, an exercise in presence and self-expression. As I painted, I found myself captivated by the ocean view once more, allowing the rhythm of the brushstrokes to bring me back to the moment. The resort’s Green Living workshops allow guests to create eco-friendly natural soaps, soy candles, or lip balms, while cooking enthusiasts can learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes or healthy meals under the guidance of expert chefs. These experiences, both enriching and enjoyable, provide the perfect balance to a day of relaxation, and each guest leaves with a tangible souvenir of their time in Thailand—whether a hand-painted ceramic or a delicious recipe to recreate at home.
One of the most enchanting parts of Amatara is its infinity pool, which seems to stretch on forever, mirroring the vastness of the ocean before it. Surrounded by tranquil Thai pagodas and gently flowing water fountains, the pool offers a sanctuary of peace. The serene sounds of music play softly throughout the day, setting the mood for lounging in the sun or cooling off with a refreshing swim. Guests are invited to relax by the water’s edge, sipping on refreshing cocktails, reading a book, or simply gazing out over the horizon where the sea seems to blend with the sky. The views, stretching as far as the eye can see, are simply breathtaking—an ever-changing canvas of blues, greens, and soft sunlight. Whether you’re floating weightlessly in the pool or basking under the sun, it’s a space where time slows down, allowing you to fully unwind.
My time at Amatara was the perfect antidote to my post-winter blues and as I left, the only blues surrounding me were the tranquil waves of the Andaman Sea. With a refreshed mind, rejuvenated body and nourished soul, my cup was more than full—it was overflowing. I felt relaxed to my core and deeply cared for by the attentive staff who are dedicated to looking after guests with their warm, familiar Thai hospitality, which is woven into the fabric of daily life there. In the words of the iconic Jhené Aiko, in her ethereal gratitude mantra, “I am alive and well.”
For bookings visit www.amatara.com
Words by Ama Samra
Photography Ama Samra and Tom Parker
