Phuket, Thailand, March 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / To celebrate the Thai New Year and welcome international travelers to Thailand, the Governor's Villa in Phuket – the most significant example of Sino-Portuguese Baroque architecture – is being offered on Airbnb for an exclusive designer stay. Known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, Phuket has long attracted millions of travelers from around the world. The lush tropical island is now paving the way for Thailand's long-awaited tourism recovery.

As the country prepares for its biggest cultural festival, Songkran, four lucky guests can experience the exuberant atmosphere on an unforgettable island getaway – exclusively through Airbnb. The majestic Governor's Villa can be booked through Airbnb. Bookings open at 9:00 PM ET on April 4, 2022 (9:00 AM SGT/8:00 AM ICT on April 5, 2022). Travelers from Thailand and all countries currently permitting international travel to and from Thailand are eligible to apply.

Guests will be welcomed by the popular Phuket-born actress and model Patricia Tanchanok Good, who rose to fame last year with the Netflix series "Girl From Nowhere 2," and by the national ambassador for royal Thai cuisine and founder of the "Blue Elephant" restaurant, master chef Nooror Somany Steppe. The program for this special stay is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The Governor's Villa, built towards the end of King Rama V's reign by the successful businessman Pra Pitak Chinpracha, hosted numerous dignitaries from abroad at the age of 119 and is now considered one of Phuket's neoclassical mansions. The spacious, white and mustard-yellow building is located in the historic heart of Phuket's Old Town and has been meticulously restored, preserving its original features, including the richly patterned tiles and teak floors. The first floor now houses the Blue Elephant restaurant – a Michelin-starred establishment and a long-established name in the Thai culinary scene.

On the second floor, renowned Thai designer Saran Yen Panya has created an unforgettable, visually stunning space that pays tribute to Thailand's rich heritage and vibrant contemporary design scene. The property showcases exceptional pieces by Yothaka – widely revered as Thailand's master designer – as well as bespoke, handcrafted objects from emerging designers such as Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat Gallery, Thaniya, and Mo Jirachaisakul, combined with antiques from Phuket, sourced from some of the island's most prestigious homes and museums.

Guests can expect an authentic Phuket experience with the following highlights: – A personal welcome at check-in by Thai star Patricia “Good” Tanchanok, who will share her favorite insider tips for Phuket and offer valuable suggestions for exploring the island. – Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the spacious second floor of the mansion, including a private reception lounge and living room. – An exclusive, multi-course Songkran menu, prepared and served by master chef Nooror Somany Steppe. – A diving and snorkeling adventure among the sparkling reefs and islands of the Andaman Sea. – A social project supporting gibbon rehabilitation at Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary, Phuket's last remaining rainforest.

About the designer: Saran Yen Panya is one of Thailand's most outstanding 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 artisans through creative experiences and storytelling. Saran has been a TED speaker at TEDx Chiang Mai and has exhibited at Paris Design Week, the Illustrative Art Festival in Berlin, and miart in Milan.

About Airbnb: Airbnb began in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home. Since then, the company has grown to 4 million hosts who have welcomed over 1 billion guests in nearly every country in the world. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and special activities that allow guests to experience the world in a more authentic and connected way.