PULLMAN PHUKET ARCADIA
The Pullman Phuket Arcadia is located overlooking the Andaman Sea on the west coast of the island. It has an unusually spectacular setting, with high cliffs, large tropical trees, and three natural waterways flowing down the hillside.
By creating several descending reservoirs, the drama of the site was emphasized and made more habitable for this sizable development.
Designed in tropical contemporary style, the 227-room hotel includes seven pool villas, as well as main facilities buildings. All buildings overlook each other, located to optimize sea views, with most buildings having flat roofs to minimize obstruction. The sense of arrival is an outstanding feature of this hotel.
A tunnel through rock brings guests to the drop-off, who then walk across a bridge with cascading ponds underneath. The bridge leads to steps that lead up to the lobby. Here the magnificent panoramic view reveals itself.
As the lobby is on the second floor, the reflecting infinity-edged pool dispenses with the need for a safety rail and allows an obstructed view over the Andaman Sea.
The lobby and restaurant are located dramatically high above the sea. The free-from infinity edge of this cluster mimics the waves of the bay below. Here three areas of lounge seating areas are sunken into the reflecting pond, providing a memorable setting from which to experience the view.
In the main facilities buildings, strong gable and hip roof forms reflect local character. The timber roof structure is revealed in the canopy over the covered bridge. This continues right up into the lobby, as though the entire space is a single open ‘sala’—a common space in traditional Thai houses.
Corridors and stairs are located away from guest rooms, connected by bridge to a private vestibule for each room with an entrance gate and main door. This separation also creates a natural light well to the guests’ bathroom.
The landscape design pays close respect to the existing site conditions. Large rubber and cashew trees are retained to provide a flourishing verdant jungle atmosphere. These combine with newly formed waterfalls and lagoons, interacting closely with the buildings throughout the site.
- LocationNaithon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
- Date2012
- Interior designerP49 Deesign & Associates
- Landscape designerP Landscape
