PHUKET: The Banyan Tree Phuket has long been synonymous with an intimate villa experience.

This month, the Banyan Tree takes that experience one step further with the introduction of their new DoublePool Villas, designed to create a “sanctuary for the senses”.

As we discovered, the sanctuary concept is no mere marketing fluff. My husband and I, sorely in need of some R ’*’ R, found that the Banyan Tree takes the idea of getting away very seriously.

Our getaway began as soon as we landed. We were met at the gate by a Banyan Tree representative, who ushered us through Thai customs (no queueing) and into a waiting BMW 7-series.

Twenty air-conditioned minutes later, we were standing in the private sala (an open-air pavilion) of our very own Deluxe DoublePool Villa. The view was of a peaceful lagoon, one of two that the resort is built around.

Vichy, our personal villa host, showed us the amenities: A 10m-long infinity pool inset with a jacuzzi tub, huge lounge with breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathroom with outdoor shower and the piece de resistance — the bedroom.

The bedroom sits on a floating pavilion, set within a second pool that is surrounded by a landscaped stone wall for maximum privacy. A temple to romantic bliss, the king-sized bed is equipped with incense and massage oils (the glass jars of oils are handily named Love and Bliss, perhaps as an aide memoire for the more forgetful guest). Double glass doors allow direct access into the wading pool.

If all this doesn’t make you frisky enough, tea lights scattered around the perimeter of the bedroom pavilion help enhance the sensual mood at night.

To better ensure that our every need was catered to, Vichy presented us with a mobile phone with his direct number on speed dial and told us he was available 24/7 — no request was too frivolous that it had to wait until morning.

A VERY SENSUAL EXPERIENCE

The DoublePool Villa experience is designed to be a feast for the senses. None of our five senses were neglected during this weekend of sensuous delight.

Imagine being pummelled by a tropical storm, letting the impact of each plump raindrop wear away the tension in your muscles. And the Rainforest Dew Mist experience, a two-and-a-half hour body scrub, and wrap and massage combination in the Banyan Tree’s award-winning spa did just that.

Or picture you and your lover on your private dock at sundown, cocktails in hand, making a special wish as part of a Loy Krathong ceremony performed for just the two of you. This is a traditional Thai celebration of light where a lantern made from rolled banana leaves and chrysanthemum buds, and adorned with a candle that represents your deepest wishes, is released into the water.

For most Singaporeans though — my husband and I included — the sense of taste is the most important. We enjoyed a delectable five-course Thai dinner in our sala, surrounded by lanterns and under a starry expanse of sky.

Part of Banyan Tree’s Destination Dining series, this spread included spicy pomelo salad, tom yam soup, wok-fried lobster, and sticky roasted banana creme brule prepared by your very own in-villa chef.

The DoublePool Villa experience is not something that can be enumerated in a list or thoroughly recounted. Your personal villa host is charged with making every stay unique and memorable — Vichy promised he had many more tricks up his sleeve — so here’s to another sensual weekend of surprises. - TODAY/sh

The Banyan Tree Phuket has a special rate for the DoublePool Villas starting from US$1,000+++ ($1,380) per villa per night, until the end of November. To book, call 6849 5800 or visit banyantree.com