SANSIRI PHUKET + THE SOCIETY brings new vibrant energy to Phuket with the launch of “The Society”, highlighting local soft power through art, cultural heritage, beach sports, kite surfing, cuisine and sustainable practices, writes Atiya Achakulwisut.
Infuse the allure of world-class artistry, the exhilaration of diverse beach sports, the symphony of captivating flavours by VAMOS, and the rhythm of vibrant melodies by Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra—all set against the iconic backdrop of world-class architecture designed by Ed Tuttle’s team of designers in Ed’s distinctive style. “The Society”, the first social and creative lifestyle space in Phuket, where culture, connection and inspiration converge, reinforcing Sansiri’s 40 years of heritage as Design Leader and aiming to the international stage as a ‘global brand’, and the fact that Sansiri has been part of Phuket for over 13 years.
The Society, located in the boutique enclave of Cherngtalay-Bangtao beach, embodies Sansiri’s vision of transcending its role as a property developer to become a lifestyle brand that “connects and inspires” communities both local and international. With over 40 years of experience in creating landmark residences across the country, Sansiri brings its expertise and distinctive design DNA to The Society. Spanning nearly 3,000 square metres, the expansive, multifunctional venue is not just another restaurant & café, sales gallery, or exhibition area. The Society is an experiential space that reflects SANSIRI’s aspiration as a lifestyle experience curator. It is a destination for creativity and community engagement, a testament to SANSIRI’s dedication to fostering connections and bringing people together.
It blends the architectural charm of mid-century Spanish houses with modern contemporary Thai elements, resulting in an elegant yet understated style throughout the space. The atmosphere evokes the warm feeling of visiting a friend’s home, whether for work, dining, or socialising. Natural wood materials are used throughout the interior and exterior, seamlessly combining style and practicality in every corner. A large garden links the two buildings, creating a space that encourages creativity, inspiration, and connection. The grand living area welcomes visitors with iconic furniture pieces, including the Cocoon by Louis Vuitton from the exclusive Objets Nomades collection, designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana, and the Pair of Amanta armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1960s. These elements add a refined mid-century touch to the relaxed and harmonious setting.
To mark The Society’s grand opening, SANSIRI is hosting “SANSIRI THE PHUKET PULSE: The Heartbeat of Sport Meets the Art of Phuket”—month of Beach Sports x Art Installation exhibition celebrating Phuket’s “soft power” through an exciting fusion of cultural heritage, sustainability efforts, art and beach sports, running from today to December 30.
CONNECT TO THE ARTS OF PHUKET
For the events, SANSIRI, reinforcing its 40 years of expertise as a Design Leader, led by General Manager—Sansiri’s Southern Project Michael Aumock, has collaborated with four “inspirers” including renowned local and international talents, who will showcase their passions in art, beach sports, cuisine and performance.
Contemporary Thai artist and illustrator Phannapast “Yoon” Taychamaythakool brings the vibrant marine ecology of Phuket to life with her colourful paintings adorning the walls of the Spanish Tapas Bar restaurant, VAMOS. The artwork features Yoon’s signature style blending strong, vivid colours with a wistful, mythological vibe.
The acclaimed artist, known for her collaboration with global brands like GUCCI and for creating the backdrop painting at Instagram’s New York office, also imprinted striking marine animal motifs on sailboats and fabrics using the traditional batik method. Her works are part of the Sailboat x Fabric Art installation, transforming such local elements as Peranakan textiles into cultural expressions while it will be reusing fabric materials that were used in the exhibition/display for future use.
Anissa “Annie” Flynn, a Thai-Australian surfing and flowboard champion, is another inspirer to connect the energy of sea sports with artistic interpretation and sustainable practices. The Surfboard x Architecture Art draws inspiration from Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese architecture while Beach Volleyball x Sustainable Art features a beach volleyball court made from recycled nets and ocean waste.
Chef Rene Michelena of VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar transcends culinary boundaries, presenting authentic Spanish flavours with creative dishes like Surf & Turf Paella, made using locally grown ingredients. Meanwhile, Akarin “Fan” Siwapornpitak, founder of BEANS Coffee Roaster, blends coffee culture with Phuket’s tropical charm, offering specialty drinks such as the refreshing “Pineapple Splash”.
Acknowledging peace-building efforts in the Deep South, the Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra will perform with Nang Talung, a traditional performing art of shadow puppetry from southern Thailand, for the first time in Phuket. Founded in 2006, the youth orchestra symbolises grassroots initiatives to use cultural assets like music to unite people regardless of their religious or social backgrounds. Complementing the orchestra are traditional shadow puppet performances, which will further highlight the region’s rich and diverse heritage.
In launching The Society, SANSIRI reaffirms its commitment to bring Phuket’s “soft power” to the world’s attention. As a lifestyle and design leader, SANSIRI’s mission to redefine the living experience is evident not only social space but also in sustainable initiatives embedded in every aspect of The Society’s thoughtful and inviting design.
Beyond hosting revolving local art, beach sports, cultural heritage and lifestyle activities, The Society also functions as a private reception and sales gallery. Currently, it offers showcases of SANSIRI’s latest two projects. CANVAS Cherngtalay is a tropical-inspired condominium featuring two expansive swimming pools while THE TALES is a luxury pool villa in Sansiri Pool Villa Collection in Phuket with the first location THE TALES STORY ONE – BANGJO.
SANSIRI: THE PHUKET PULSE, Beach Sports x Art Installation exhibition is open daily from today to December 30, 2024, from 7am to 7pm. Moreover, get ready for a year packed with dynamic lifestyle experiences designed to “Connect and Inspire” every moment!
Visitors can explore the curated lifestyle experiences, from morning coffee at BEANS Coffee Roaster to tapas dinners at VAMOS Spanish Tapas Bar at The Society, located in Cherngtalay-Bangtao, Phuket.
For more details, visit www.sansiri.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thesocietyth.