Filipinos planning overseas trips can now snag the perfect holiday as Airbnb launches the ultimate designer stay in Phuket’s palatial Governor’s Mansion — the island’s largest Sino-Portuguese baroque architecture icon.
As Thailand 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, which is welcoming overnight guests for the first time in more than 50 years, can be booked on airbnb.com/governorsmansion for only Php2,500* for a two-night stay from April 15 to 17, 2022. 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.
Modern living room 
Dining room 
Heritage room 
Traditional living area
The 119-year-old Governor’s Mansion has welcomed many out-of-town dignitaries and remains one of several neoclassical heritage mansions in Phuket today. 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 and 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 can immerse themselves in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:
- A personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia Tanchanok Good, 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 farther 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 highlighting 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 US$1,000 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 to 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.
