The luxurious stay pays homage to Thailand’s rich architectural heritage and design sensibility, including never-before-seen pieces by renowned Bangkok-based furniture designers and classic Phuketian antiques

One lucky group of four will get to celebrate Songkran – the Thai New Year – in style, hosted by Thai superstar Patricia Tanchanok Good and master chef Nooror Somany Steppe

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Filipinos planning their first overseas trip in two years after borders reopen on April 1 can now snag themselves the perfect holiday, as Airbnb launches the ultimate designer stay in Phuket’s palatial Governor’s Mansion – the island’s largest icon of Sino-Portuguese baroque architecture.

As the country gears up for its biggest cultural festival, Songkran, one group of four lucky guests will get to soak up the vibrant festivities with an island getaway of a lifetime, only on Airbnb. The majestic Governor’s Mansion will be bookable on airbnb.com/governorsmansion for only Php2,500* for a two-night stay from 15-17 April 2022, welcoming overnight guests for the first time in more than 50 years. Bookings open at 9AM PHT on April 5, 2022. Travelers from Thailand or any of the countries that currently allow international travel to and from Thailand can apply — the Philippines included!**

Guests will be hosted by popular Phuket-born model-actress Patricia Tanchanok Good who rose to fame in one of Netflix’s most popular Thai dramas last year, Girl From Nowhere 2, and national ambassador for royal Thai cuisine and Blue Elephant founder, master chef Nooror Somany Steppe. Programming for this special stay is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The 119-year-old Governor’s Mansion welcomed many out-of-town dignitaries and remains one of several modern-day neoclassical heritage mansions on Phuket. The sprawling white and mustard heritage home is located in the historic heart of Old Phuket Town and has been exquisitely restored to preserve its original fixtures, including richly patterned tiles and teakwood floors. Its first floor is now home to the Blue Elephant Restaurant – a Michelin Plate awardee and long-running stalwart of Thailand’s culinary industry.

On the second floor, renowned Thai designer Saran Yen Panya has created a memorable, visually stunning space that pays homage to Thailand’s rich heritage and buzzing contemporary design scene. The stay features statement pieces by Yothaka – widely revered as Thailand’s master of design – in addition to bespoke handcrafted items by up-and-coming designers Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat Gallery, Thaniya, and Mo Jirachaisakul, paired with Phuketian antiques from some of the island’s most distinguished homes and museums.

Guests will be immersed in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:

• A personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will share her favorite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island
• Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the Mansion’s expansive second floor, including a private reception lounge and living room
• A bespoke, multi-course ‘Songkran’ tasting menu prepared and hosted by master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe
• A scuba diving and snorkeling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea
• A gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket’s last rainforest

“Thailand is an extraordinary country with unparalleled warmth and hospitality, and some of the most beautiful destinations. As more of us begin to travel further from home and for longer durations, we are working with our Host community to welcome the world back to Thailand safely. We are delighted to add the majestic Governor’s Mansion to our collection of unique stays throughout the Kingdom,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

“Songkran is a special moment for all Thais, as we give thanks and celebrate the dawn of a new year. As Thailand reopens, we are incredibly thrilled to partner with Airbnb to warmly welcome the world back to our country. We invite travellers from around the world to experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of Thailand under ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’, with this iconic stay that shines a light on some of our finest Thai designers; as well as Phuket’s natural wonders, unique heritage and architecture, and delicious local cuisine,” shared Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

For more reasons to book that flight to the Land of Smiles, check out Airbnb’s first-ever Travel Guide to Thailand — spotlighting the hottest and most underrated destinations across the country, delicious gastronomic specialties and the most extraordinary Airbnb Stays for an incredible overseas getaway!

 *Plus taxes and fees. This two-night stay is not a contest. Airbnb is closely monitoring Thailand infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a USD1,000 Airbnb credit if it becomes necessary to cancel the stay.

**This press release encourages safe and responsible travel. Travelers looking to book should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines. Guests must follow applicable local and state guidelines as well as Airbnb’s COVID-19 Safety Practices, which include wearing a mask and practicing social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Phuket and must have a registered account with Airbnb. Other Terms and Conditions will apply, please see airbnb.com/governorsmansion.

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 900 million guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world more authentic, connected.

About the Designers

Saran Yen Panya is one of Thailand’s most pre-eminent young designers and visual artists. Awarded Young Designer of the Year by Wallpaper Magazine Thailand and ELLE Decor, Saran is the co-founder of 56thStudio where he promotes local brands, designers, and makers through creative experiences and storytelling. Saran was a TED speaker at TedX Chiang Mai, and has exhibited at Paris Design Week, Berlin’s Illustrative Art Festival, and miart in Milan.

The Stay features pieces from six of Thailand’s top designers, including:

• Bold statement chairs from Yothaka, Thailand’s master of design who has blazed a global trail for Thai furniture with his intricate, environmentally sustainable, and Asian-inspired style
• Masaya’s hand-cast bronze and brass pieces, including a trio of iconic stools and benches from the designer’s calligraphy-inspired ‘Ink’ collection
• Poufs, bronzeware, and woven rattan jars from Sumphat Gallery, whose Thai and French founders re-compose traditional materials with contemporary techniques
• Funky eclectic mirrors, footstool, and consoles from contemporary designer Ta.Khon combines vernacular materials with craft techniques from around the world such as macrame and wickerwork
• Thaniya’s hand-painted ceramic vases, rice wax candles, and standing lamps, blend lyrical Thai prints with European-inspired motifs
• A bespoke lotus pond crafted exclusively for this stay by renowned avant-garde ceramicist Mo Jirachaisakul, featuring a mosaic of delicate Thai floral motifs in pale yellow, celadon, and pink.

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Read:

• The Pleasures Of Phuket
• 5 Must-Know Tips Before You Come To Phuket, Thailand
• Top 15 Best Things To Do In Phuket, Thailand