When planning the perfect escape, we often assume that flying far, far away and staying put is the antidote to the stress of our fast-paced modern lives, where busyness is glorified and back-to-back schedules are the norm. But perhaps there’s something equally healing in movement. Exploring, even slowly, can be just as, if not more, restorative. Sometimes, the most fulfilling escape is one that allows you to experience different sides of paradise, an adventure within an adventure.
That’s exactly what we did along Siam’s glittering shores, where Twinpalms offers three distinct escapes. Each is a unique expression of luxury, yet all are tied together by the same tranquil spirit of the sea. As wellness travel continues to grow, blending self-care with indulgence, these kinds of destinations feel more relevant than ever. By the end of our journey, we realised this wasn’t just a getaway, it was a trilogy. A Thai love story in three parts.
Phuket is often seen through a single lens; party island, bucket cocktails, wild beach clubs. And yes, that energy exists, but it’s only one chapter. There are also quieter moments, more refined corners, and places where the rhythm slows. Our first stop was Twinpalms MontAzure, perched right on the white sands of Kamala Beach on Phuket’s west coast. A beachfront sanctuary defined by dramatic Swedish brutalist architecture, the space softened by lush gardens, mirror-like ponds, and the gentle hush of waves.
After 17 hours of travel from London, we were greeted with that unmistakable Thai hospitality. Flower garlands were looped around our wrists, chilled raspberry fizz was handed to us, and jasmine-scented towels were pressed to travel-weary faces. Our duplex suite was nothing short of cinematic, complete with a rooftop pool and square footage that outdid our London flat. Each suite (the only room category available) features a kitchen, living space, and thoughtful touches like Bose speakers and oversized terraces, designed to make longer stays feel effortless. From our bed, we could hear the sea – that alone felt like a luxury.
We woke to the soft sound of waves and stepped onto our balcony with coffee in hand, watching the Andaman Sea catch the morning light. A slow, sun-drenched breakfast followed at Shimmer Restaurant, where our toes sank into warm sand as we sipped champagne and let the day unfold without hurry. Late morning brought a spa treatment; an unhurried and deeply restorative massage, that left us floating. Lunch was a vibrant spread of seafood and spice, each dish bursting with colour and heat. The afternoon drifted by in a blur of stillness, broken only by the gentle clink of a cocktail being stirred. As night fell, we dressed for dinner and made our way to the Twinpalms Wagyu Steakhouse, where we ended the day with a decadent feast of rare cuts and rich textures. With its blend of sleek European charm and tropical ease, MontAzure offers the kind of effortless luxury that makes time feel like it’s standing still.
From there, we moved to Twinpalms Surin Beach, tucked just a short stroll from the ocean. This leafy, low-key hideaway is a more traditional take on Thai luxury, a contrast to MontAzure’s contemporary drama, but no less captivating. Here, winding water gardens run alongside pathways, and the central pool, framed by towering palms, invites long, sun-drenched swims and slow afternoons.
There’s an immediate sense of calm, the kind that only comes from being surrounded by greenery and thoughtful design. The gym is impressively modern, with top-tier equipment and its own sauna and steam rooms, perfect for wellness-focused travellers. Our room featured a stunning open-plan bathroom where the shower backed onto a private mini garden, creating the feeling of bathing in nature. We spent our stay reconnecting with ourselves. A walk on the beach, a long read by the pool, a conversation unrushed by time. Surin Beach doesn’t shout, it whispers.
Our final stop brought a dramatic change of scene, yet somehow felt like the perfect finale. Nestled among lush foliage and a quiet lagoon, Twinpalms Tented Camp offered something extraordinary. Here, the concept of ‘camping’ is entirely redefined. It felt more like a Sub-Saharan safari retreat than anything typically associated with Thailand, doused in pure, considered luxury.
Our lodging was a vast canvas sanctuary with a private pool where we lounged for hours, dipping in and out of the water, sipping refreshing coconut water. Inside, the tent was a haven of space and serenity, complete with a four-poster bed, separate living room, a spacious bathroom, and soft lighting that glowed warmly in the evening. Rich textures, natural materials, and a palette inspired by the surrounding jungle made the space feel grounded yet elevated – an immersive blend of nature and design.
Each day unfolded slowly; we began with sunrise meditation, breathing in the stillness as the mist hovered over the lagoon. Activities were gentle but meaningful – folding lotus petals into intricate floral sculptures, tasting local mango varieties, and hanging wind chimes made by hand. One evening, we sat around the campfire as rhythmic tones of a ranat ek, a traditional Thai xylophone, echoed through the trees.
On our last day, we made our way to the Lazy Coconut Beach Club, the camp’s laid-back seaside sister, where we spent the afternoon lounging in a wicker cocoon with iced coconut drinks in hand and the sea just steps away. That night, we returned to the island’s more glamorous side with a visit to the iconic Catch Beach Club. Friday night came alive with a buzzing BBQ, live dancers, and a fire show that lit up the night. The contrast between the wild, soulful calm of the tented camp and the electric energy of the beachfront party was exactly what made this journey so special.
With each stop, Twinpalms revealed a new side of paradise; from sleek beachfront elegance to jungle seclusion and everything in between. It was a journey stitched together by sunlight, spice, serenity, and surprise.
And the story doesn’t end there. In early 2026, Twinpalms will unveil a new chapter in their collection of experiences with the launch of Twinpalms Treehouses. Elevated among the treetops and designed to offer panoramic views and a sense of playful escapism, the resort promises to add yet another layer to the brand’s multifaceted approach to luxury. With this latest addition, Twinpalms continues to redefine what it means to truly get away, offering travellers not just one kind of paradise, but an ever-growing palette of ways to experience Thailand at its most beautiful, most thoughtful, and most unforgettable.
For more information, visit www.twinpalmshotelsresorts.com
Words by Ama Samra
Photographs by Ama Samra and Tom Parker
