Point Yamu COMO, Phuket, review: A serene resort with stunning views

Mar 3 2017

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THE LOCATION

The Thai island of Phuket, scruffy, seedy and overdeveloped in places, can be more appealing to look out from than to look in at. But Point Yamu, located on the east coast of the island and under half-an-hour's drive from Phuket's newly upgraded international airport, is one of its more attractive and serene corners. What's more, COMO Point Yamu offers stunning views out across picturesque Phang Nga Bay, famed for its nearly four dozen limestone karst outcrops islands.

THE PLACE

Chill-out central. This cool, stylish 106-room resort, opened in 2013, was designed by Italian Paola Navone, who created the interiors for COMO's Miami Beach, Florida, US, property. Navone's palette of bright aquamarine and burnt orange tonings can be a little off-putting, if not gaudy, at first, especially if you arrive at night, but makes sense in the context of the location.

THE ROOM

Our lavish, 100 square metres "Bay Suite" with a separate living room and every mod-con you'd expect, features floor-to-ceiling windows that can be fully opened to a large verandah with arresting views of Phang Nga Bay. We have Pebblecrete-like surfacing where a private pool would go if you upgraded to one of the two verandah rooms that feature them or one of many other myriad room, suite and villa styles that feature them. We don't really miss a private pool because, with so many of them included in other rooms and villas, it means that main swimming and wading pools are under-patronised during our visit, even with a near full-house. Wi-Fi access is complimentary.

THE FOOD

Point Yamu by COMO's sister property is the well-regarded Metropolitan hotel in Bangkok. It's home to Nahm, one of the world's most acclaimed Thai restaurants, founded by stellar Australian chef David Thompson. Point Yamu's equivalent, Nahmyaa, doesn't quite compare (but what does) but you'll still find its dishes, inspired by Thai street food, nothing short of excellent and served in an attractive contemporary setting. Point Yamu by COMO's other dining option is the relaxed, poolside La Sirena open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and featuring COMO's signature healthy COMO Shambala spa-inspired dishes.

STEPPING OUT

To compensate for the resort's single major deficiency – the lack of absolute beachfront access – Point Yamu by COMO offers its guests the opportunity to visit a fully equipped beach club it now operates. It's located on an island reached by a pleasantly scenic, 45-minute boat ride from a pier near the resort and makes for a lovely outing. Aside from day-tours by long-tail boat to the islands of Pha Nga Bay, guests can also take a guided visit of Old Phuket Town, Thailand's only colonial-style township replete with traditional Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions.

THE VERDICT

Point Yamu by COMO is a slick resort befitting the ever-reliable COMO brand. If you don't leave this resort after a few days utterly relaxed you may be advised to seek professional counselling. Beware, though, that seduced by the resort's easy luxury it's possible to rack up a hefty bill for food, drinks and activities.