If you&rsquove always been the one on the lookout for unique stays across the globe then there is a new accommodation to add to your list &mdash in Phuket. Otherwise known for its beaches and pristine landscapes, Phuket also has a rich cultural heritage. And a symbol of this cultural heritage is the heritage mansion of the Governor of Phuket in the tropical island.
The iconic mansion pays homage to Thailand&rsquos rich architectural heritage and design sensibility, including classic Phuketian antiques. Built at the end of King Rama V&rsquos era by successful local businessman Pra Pitak Chinpracha, the 119-year-old Governor&rsquos Mansion is one of the several neoclassical heritage mansions on Phuket. Located in the historic heart of Old Phuket Town, the white and mustard heritage home has been exquisitely restored to preserve its original fixtures, including richly patterned tiles and teakwood floors. While the first floor of the mansion houses the Blue Elephant Restaurant &ndash a long-running stalwart of Thailand&rsquos culinary industry and a Michelin Plate awardee, the second floor is gateway to Thailand&rsquos rich heritage with the creation of a memorable and visually stunning space with a buzzing contemporary design scene by renowned Thai designer Saran Yen Panya.
Lovers of art and archtecture should an eye out for statement pieces by Yothaka, Thailand&rsquos master of design known for creating intricate, environmentally sustainable and Asian-inspired style furniture, along with poufs, bronzeware and woven rattan jars from Sumphat Gallery, whose Thai and French founders re-compose traditional materials with contemporary technique and funky eclectic mirrors and foot stools and consoles from contemporary designer Kitt.Ta.Khon who combines vernacular materials with craft techniques from around the world such as macrame and wickerwork.
As the country is gearing up for its biggest cultural festival &mdash Songkran (Thai New Year) &mdash the mansion will open its doors for a two-night stay, from April 15-17 for a group of four lucky guests. The mansion will be bookable on Airbnb and will be welcoming guests overnight for the first time in over 50 years. Bookings for the same will open at 9PM ET on April 4, 2022 (9AM SGT/ 8AM ICT on April 5, 2022). While here guests can immerse themselves in a quintessentially Phuketian experience with a personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia &lsquoGood&rsquo Tanchanok, who will share her favourite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island, exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the Mansion&rsquos expansive second floor, including a private reception lounge and living room, and a bespoke, multi-course &lsquoSongkran&rsquo tasting menu prepared and hosted by master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe. And if that&rsquos not reason enough guests can also go for a scuba diving and snorkeling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea and also cherish a gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket&rsquos last rainforest, Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary.