SEE ALSO: Hot Spots 2015 / A Travel Guide to Cape Panwa

Located within 40 acres of lush surroundings, offering luxury accommodation in a tranquil setting, it's fair to say Sri Panwa is one of Phuket's most-loved resorts for Thai travelers. And now it's expanding.

In keeping with the signature tropical contemporary style, Sri Panwa Phase 2 will consist of 30 new pool suites and penthouses, each equipped with their own private infinity swimming pool.

As this part of the resort faces west, the big bonus is you can expect private views of the sunset against the pristine Andaman Ocean without having to fight other guests for a seat at the 4,000-sq-meter Baba Nest Bar, which sits at the top of the resort. (This currently requires around 29 days’ advance booking).

The new zone will officially open on Christmas Day (Dec 25). And the prices will be more affordable, starting from B12,000/night for the 70sqm pool suites and B19,000/night for the penthouses. (Current rates start at about B28,000.) Can't wait that long? Have a browse through the resort’s low season deals here, available through Oct 31.

In related news, Sri Panwa will soon welcome a new dining venue, Baba Restaurant, focusing on Chinese cuisine. Given that its recently-opened Japanese restaurant Baba Iki featured a premium menu devised by the Iron Chef-acclaimed Boontham Parkpho of Honmono, we're pretty excited to see what they do.

Charn Issara Development is also readying a new luxury residential and vacation villa in collaboration with Junfa Real Estate. Baba Beach Club, situated in the unspoiled north of the island, is scheduled to open at the end of 2016.