Trisara is a quiet escape on Phuket’s northwestern coast, where the Andaman Sea meets a lush hillside. Compare Retreats’ founder Dervla Louli checks in …
I arrived last spring, a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport in the resort’s complimentary transfer, complete with chilled jasmine-scented towels and fragrant water—a small but welcome touch after the flight. Set on tranquil Naithon Beach, Trisara feels miles away from the island’s bustle, a sanctuary shaped since 2001 by the Chirathivat family, known for Thailand’s Central Group, and developed by Montara Hospitality. The family’s vision combines Thai heritage, understated luxury, and a resolute commitment to sustainability.
The name Trisara, meaning “third garden in heaven” in Sanskrit, hints at the resort’s serene appeal, and it delivers. Spanning 17 acres of protected natural preserve, it slopes gently toward one of Phuket’s few private beaches. Soft golden sand and crystalline water make this stretch of coastline rare and coveted. Villas and suites, numbering 64 in total, are discreetly integrated into the landscape, ensuring peace and privacy. My two-bedroom Ocean View Pool Residence spanned 258 square meters and featured a 10-meter infinity pool gazing over the sea, teakwood floors, neutral-toned silk cushions, and carved wooden accents that nodded subtly to Thai tradition.
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Villas Designed for Comfort
The villas are Trisara’s heart—each crafted to be a sanctuary. One-bedroom Ocean Pool Villas start at 150 square meters and feature private pools lined with dark granite, shaded decks, and outdoor showers framed by bamboo screens. Larger residences, such as ours, come with a small kitchenette for preparing snacks, a second bedroom for children, and a dedicated villa host who communicates via message and brings extra towels or iced lemongrass tea with effortless charm.
Décor is refined yet relaxed: linen sofas, hand-painted tiles, and a ceramic elephant on the nightstand charmed my children. Privacy is paramount—villas are generously spaced and connected via vine-draped stone pathways. A 48-meter beachfront saltwater pool glistens at the property’s edge, flanked by plush loungers and towering palms. Fitness-minded guests will appreciate the Technogym-equipped glass-walled gym and two shaded tennis courts nestled amidst tropical flora.
Wellness That Rejuvenates
Rooted in ancient Thai wisdom and the symbolism of the sacred Ficus tree, Jara Spa is a destination in itself. Its six treatment suites sit under a canopy of foliage and revolve around five wellness pillars: Root, Trunk, Branch, Blossom, and Spirituality. My Traditional Thai Massage, infused with herbal compresses and long restorative strokes, felt both grounding and deeply indulgent. The spa’s design—open courtyards, copper foot basins, and soft linens—enhances the sensory experience. Even the water is eco-purified through a reverse-osmosis system, and all toiletries are locally made and organic.
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Trisara’s wellness programming extends far beyond the spa. Sunrise yoga on a cliffside deck welcomes the day with hornbills rustling above, while Muay Thai sessions inject energy and endorphins into your routine. For water lovers, paddleboards and kayaks are available, and paddling to a nearby reef reveals colourful marine life in calm waters.
Jampa Farm, Trisara’s Living Pantry
No visit to Trisara is complete without a journey to Pru Jampa Farm, a cornerstone of Montara Hospitality’s “Dine Good, Do Good” ethos. Located a short drive from the resort, this lush, organic farm supplies fresh produce to Trisara’s Michelin-starred PRU and Green Star-awarded JAMPA restaurants.
For families, the farm becomes even more magical during holiday seasons. Over holidays like Easter, children are invited to become “Little Farmers” in an egg-collecting adventure through the garden beds, followed by lunch and nature-based crafts. It’s more than entertainment—it’s an education in sustainability and the origin of food. Kids can gather eggs, taste herbs, and dig up vegetables while learning how compost and zero-waste principles come to life.
After the tour, families can dine al fresco at JAMPA, where chef Rick Dingen works wonders with open-fire cooking and hyper-local ingredients—think grilled zucchini flowers and organic greens plucked just minutes earlier. JAMPA earned a MICHELIN Green Star in its first year, thanks to its zero-waste kitchen and farm-to-table commitment.
Family-Friendly, Without Compromise
Trisara strikes a rare balance: family-friendly without sacrificing elegance. The Kids Club is a haven of creativity—my 3- and 1-year-old spent hours painting seashells and building Thai-style kites. Our villa’s pool was gated for safety, and the living room’s 55-inch screen made for easy movie nights. Calm, shallow waters made Naithon Beach a favourite splash zone, and staff were quick to set up umbrellas and toys.
For older children and teens, a yacht charter to Phang Nga Bay—complete with limestone cliffs and playful sea life—makes for an unforgettable half-day trip. Meanwhile, the DDEN studio at Trisara offers a rare perk: professional-grade family photography and video experiences. Our own shoot, captured at golden hour with the kids laughing in the surf, became one of our favourite mementos.
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Dining That’s Mindful and Memorable
Trisara’s dining is a delight, blending sophistication with comfort. Pru, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thailand outside Bangkok, showcases chef Jimmy Ophorst’s talent with dishes like local mud crab with turmeric or snapper with lemongrass, served in a sleek space with dark wood tables and sea views through glass walls. They’ll prepare simpler options for kids, like rice and grilled chicken. Pru’s sister restaurant, Hideaway by Jampa, pops up every Saturday on a lakeside perch in Tri Vananda’s organic farms, offering a four-course lunch that’s a highlight of Phuket dining.
Seafood at Trisara, by the shore, is more casual: platters of grilled prawns and fish, served on a deck with teak benches and lanterns casting a warm glow. The Deck bar, perched above, mixes a Phuket Sunset—gin, pineapple, a chilli twist—that’s crisp and refreshing. Breakfast at Cielo offers pastries, tropical fruit, and eggs to order, served on a terrace with a sea view. Most produce comes from local farms, including Tri Vananda’s organic plot, which earned Pru a Michelin Green Star.
A Phuket Gem That Feels Personal
Trisara is just 10 km from the airport, but it feels like another world. Wi-Fi is fast, laundry returns same-day, and the service—delivered by many long-time staff—is intuitive and genuinely warm. From silk runners on dining tables to the handwritten notes left in our villa, Trisara’s magic lies in the details.
It’s a place where your children can make pizza and pick eggs in the morning, while you paddleboard or sip champagne in the afternoon—and where the ingredients on your plate likely grew just down the road. For those seeking luxurious simplicity with a conscience, Trisara is Phuket at its polished, purposeful best.
In strategic partnership with Switzerland’s renowned Clinique La Prairie, Tri Vananda—also part of the Montara Hospitality group—is set to become Southeast Asia’s most advanced destination for health and longevity. Opening in 2026, the Clinique La Prairie Health Resort at Tri Vananda will offer personalised wellness programmes that blend state-of-the-art medical science with expert nutrition and holistic therapies.
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