Widely known as one of Thailand’s leading authorities on fine silks and striking design, Jim Thompson is something of a fabled brand in Southeast Asia. Since the designer’s disappearance in 1967, his legend has continued to grow, with new lines in home furnishings and personal goods complementing his famous silk ties and menswear, and his former home is one of Bangkok’s top attractions.
Now, an equally prestigious hotel brand has teamed up with local design firm Abacus Design to transform its opulent presidential suite into an ode to all things Jim Thompson. The Jim Thompson Suite is the icing on the cake at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a tropical resort on the edge of Sirinath National Park and the shore of the Andaman Sea, that’s also home to Bill Bensley-designed gardens and 91 private pool villas.
The two-bedroom Jim Thompson Suite is in fact a 389 sqm villa complete with private pool, Thai Makha wood flooring, Pikul fabric accents and local artwork. The high-ceilinged sitting room is decorated in stylish blues and whites, while the master bedroom is a riot of colour inspired by the Helaconia flowers that bloom in the gardens of Jim Thompson House in Bangkok.
The second bedroom, which has twin beds, is decorated in block print designs from the Jim Thompson archives, depicting blooming peonies and groups of birds and butterflies printed onto fabrics in bold colours. The private outdoor area continues the homage, with dark wood decking and dazzling mosaic tiling on the edge of the pool. As well as striking design, guests at this one of a kind villa are also treated to two 60-minute signature massages, an intro class to Muay Thai boxing, airport transfers and fast track immigration.