PHUKET — Arriving at Como’s Point Yamu at dusk is akin to stepping into a beautifully photoshopped picture — albeit one that comes with an appropriately sexy downtempo soundtrack, as we headed for the lobby bathed in the warm glow of orange hues and twilight purples of the Andaman Sea.

Was this the much-vaunted air of tranquillity that Como Resorts is renowned for? This elegantly understated designer space where the likes of Donna Karan hole up when they need a break from all things fabulous? A place for mind, spirit and soul to recuperate and recharge and … “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” someone piped up from the contingent of journalists. Five seconds later comes a flurry of beeps and buzzes from smartphones.

Thankfully, the calming qi of Point Yamu overcame the assault of our Internet-obsessed party. In any case, this zen-like sanctuary is better experienced than captured. It was so much easier to take in this immaculately new resort that already reigns as Phuket Town’s top property on TripAdvisor, after being open for less than six months.

That fact isn’t surprising. The resort is beautifully done up by Italian designer and architect Paola Navone, who’s a sensation in the furniture design scene, having collaborated with companies like Alessi, Poltrona Frau and Crate and Barrel. Her idiosyncratic stamp can also be seen everywhere, from the lobby’s hanging lamps inspired by lobster traps to restaurant Nahmyaa’s textured walls modelled after fish scales.

Meanwhile, the bright, airy and chic rooms in blue accents are a welcome departure from the usual Thai resort style or dark wood minimalism. And when you can reach for Como Shambhala products that’ll make you smell like a million bucks while soaking in a free-standing tub, it’s hard to imagine anyone simmering in bad vibes.

(Note to self: When in a foul mood, take more baths. Preferably in a bathroom with flattering lighting and nice-smelling toiletries.)

EATING WELL, FEELING BETTER

This being a Como resort, obsessive detail is paid to wellness and food. The southern Thai food served in Nahmyaa was robust and smacked ever so slightly of some Straits Chinese influence, courtesy of Chinese settlers who made Phuket their home during the tin-mining era in the 19th century. (Visit the Thai Hua Museum in Phuket Town for more of the island’s history).

Meals at the Italian kitchen La Sirena were solid, especially the wood-fired pizzas with a fantastically chewy crust. But it’s the Como Shambhala menu that stood out. I don’t think I will look at steamed fish with bok choy and brown rice the same way again. It was flavourful and more delicious than you could imagine — and you can recreate similar dishes at home as well because recipes are thoughtfully made available on the Como Shambhala website. Too bad the same can’t be said about the treatments at Como Shambhala Retreat — I desperately wanted to smuggle back my excellent therapist. Word is, a few of the therapists hail from Como’s resort at Parrot Cay and have treated Hollywood A-listers such as Bruce Willis. So that’s why Bruce looks like he hasn’t aged.

Since Point Yamu is located on Cape Yamu, on the east coast of Phuket, it’s away from the crowded beaches chock-a-bloc with hotels on the west coast. It isn’t located on a beach or connected to one.

While talks are currently underway for the hotel to purchase its own private beach on a nearby island, complete with a beach bar and massage facilities, there’s no need to get your bikinis into a twist before that happens. There’s a complimentary shuttle service currently to Rang Yai Island — where adventurous travellers head to do some mountain biking, kayaking, snorkelling and general beach bumming — and the accompanying Como crew disembarks to set fresh towels on the deck chairs and hand you your bottle of water. Yes, it’s that kind of service. Even the guy who called me back when my TV couldn’t load the system’s movies at midnight had the patience of a saint.

With that fixed, falling asleep with actor Anton Yelchin proclaiming his love was sweet (admittedly to Felicity Jones in the movie Like Crazy). But you know what, waking up to the sun peeking through clouds over the horizon and seeing the morning light gently infuse the murky skies from the balcony was a million times better.