After being closed for 3 years due to the COVID pandemic and travel bans, Iniala Beach House finally reopened its doors to the public in December 2023 after a major renovation. And guess what? They’ve got a big surprise lined up – the famous British chef Simon Rogan is setting up his first restaurant in Thailand, Aulis Phuket, featuring a cozy 15-seat Chef’s Table experience. It’s like they’re coming back with a bang! So, before I show you the rooms and villas I stayed in during my visit to Iniala Beach House on March 5-7, 2024, let me give you a bit of background about this place. Iniala Beach House was originally the private home of Iniala’s owner – entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mark Weingard. In 2013, he approached a handful of the world’s top interior designers giving them a brief “to create unique spaces that integrate both creativity and innovation with a subtle sophistication and charm”. The result is a one-of-a kind destination where every bedroom and living space offers a distinct expression of individuality, from masters of contemporary design including The Campana Brothers of Brazil, A-Cero from Spain, Joseph Walsh of Ireland, Mark Brazier-Jones and Graham Lamb from Britain, and Thailand’s Eggarat Wongcharit. Fast forward to now, and you’ve got this exclusive destination where every room is a masterpiece in its own right.
Iniala Beach House is like a treasure trove of luxury, with a variety of villas and suites crafted by 12 top-notch designers from around the globe. You’ve got these massive three-bedroom villas (Villa Siam, Villa Bianca, and The Collector’s Villa), each with its own living and dining areas, plus a private pool and spa. And let’s talk about extravagance – The Collector’s Villa where we stayed takes it to the next level with its own 22-seat cinema! But wait, there’s more: they’ve got two cozy one-bedroom pool suites and a stunning penthouse with a private deck and infinity pool. Plus, a team of in-house butlers ready to make your every whim a reality, whether it’s gourmet meals, indulgent massages, or unforgettable experiences. It’s like living in a dream!
Ceramic courtyard by the Campana Brothers – the Collectors Villa
Living room of the sea by the Campana Brothers – the Collectors Villa
The Sala dining room – the Collectors Villa
Cinema of nature by the Campana Brothers – the Collectors Villa
The Iniala Art collection adds a unique touch to the individual rooms, with over 40 stunning pieces displayed throughout the resort. Say like my room, for example, THE CARPENTER’S CHAMBER by Joseph Walsh, featuring a canopy bed handmade that can be ordered but comes with a waiting list of 18 months and a price tag of around $200,000 USD! Wow, can you imagine this?
The Boudoir suite is really amazing, decked out in luxurious silks and crystal. The designer – Mark Brazier-Jones from New Zealand really went all out with his bold and playful design, featuring metallic structures, Swarovski-studded side tables, and even a glitzy drinks trolley shaped like a vintage motorcycle. It’s like stepping into a dark and mysterious world full of sensuality and intrigue.
And the 3rd room in this Collector’s Villa at Iniala Beach House, have the best view in the whole Beach House, with its prime beachfront spot. Designer Jaime Hayon from Spain really nailed it with a classy twist on the traditional ‘beach house’ vibe. The simple yet elegant design gives off a calming vibe, while the white, green, and golden hues make the place feel light and airy. Plus, the spacious bathroom decked out in Carrera marble and a luxurious freestanding bathtub adds an extra touch of sophistication. And let’s not forget the cherry on top – a private terrace with a table, chairs, and built-in sun loungers right on the stunning Natai Beach.
Dining at Iniala Beach House
At Iniala Beach House, dining is all about creating unforgettable memories alongside exceptional cuisine. Whether you prefer the intimacy of in-villa dining or the romance of dining under the stars on the private beach, they will cater to your preferences. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and learn directly from Chef Jay, the winner of Iron Chef Thailand 2020. During my time with her, I learned how to make two classic Thai dishes: Tom Yum Soup and Green Curry Chicken, and it was fun!
In-villa dining Thai Cuisine at Iniala Beach House Phuket Thailand
Thai Cuisine Lunch day 2 + Cooking Class with Chef Jay winner Iron Chef Thailand 2020
Breakfast with Thai Fried Rice and Thai Tea at Iniala Beach House
Japanese cuisine – gastronomy at Iniala Beach House
Internationally renowned British Chef Simon Rogan brings his award-winning chef’s table concept, Aulis Phuket, to Iniala Beach House. With only 15 seats available, Aulis Phuket offers an intimate culinary experience with a front-row view of the chefs at work. Simon’s dedication to local ingredients shines through in every dish, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. Having personally tasted Aulis Phuket’s special menu, I can attest to the extraordinary taste made from the best Thai ingredients, including their use of black caviar sourced from Hua Hin, Thailand. To reserve your seat, visit www.aulisphuket.com
The offerings at Aulis Phuket come in small, bite-sized portions, but with around 15 sampler menus – trust me, you’ll leave feeling satisfied! Each dish, from start to finish, is an explosion of flavor and a lasting memory. Some personal favorites include the Rose apple & pomelo tartlet, Truffle pudding caramelized in banana molasses served with black garlic and shaved truffle, raw South Coast river prawn with smoked Hua Hin caviar, 42-day aged Khonkaen Wagyu striploin with smoked aubergine, Nam Dok Mai mango with bee pollen & chamomile cake served with ice coconut, Aulis caramel mousse with white miso, and the Sourdough doughnut. A visit to this chef’s table promises a culinary adventure like no other.
Experiences at Iniala Beach House
There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy around the resort. You can kick back with a beachfront BBQ dinner at night, take a leisurely bike ride to the nearby wooden temple, or start your day with a refreshing swim in the infinity pool while soaking in the breathtaking view of Natai Beach. And if you’re up for experiencing Thailand like a local, the Resort team can make arrangement for you; from the walking tours to discover hidden natural gems or take you on underwater adventures to explore the most stunning bays in the island. It’s all about making your stay truly unforgettable!
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond being impressed by the stunning designs, mouthwatering cuisine, and top-notch facilities, what truly left a mark on us was the resort’s commitment to giving back through the Inspirasia Foundation. It’s no wonder each room comes with an Inspirasia book, sharing the story of the foundation’s founder, Mark Weingard, and its mission to inspire giving and make a positive impact.
Follow my Insta Stories to see the live updates: Myfunfoodiary
or FIND ME here:
