When Railand Property Group first unveiled plans for its Sole Mio Hotel on Bang Tao Beach, the concept raised more than a few eyebrows. A cruise-ship-shaped building? Such a bold break from Phuket’s architectural norms? No one had ever attempted anything like it.

Fast forward a few years, and Phuket is now hosting the national contemporary art biennale while local artists exhibit in France and bold architectural statements are becoming a defining feature of luxury real estate.

We sat down with Raisa Sheludkina, founder of both Railand Property Group and this magazine, to explore how the Sole Mio vision so naturally aligned with Phuket’s creative awakening.

A sea of Inspiration

Raisa’s introduction to Phuket’s art scene began shortly after she moved to the island two decades ago. But only later it found its most vivid expression in the design of Sole Mio – a gleaming white hotel that resembles a cruise liner sailing into the Andaman sunset.

Now, a second luxury vessel is preparing to dock next door. Sole Mio Residences, Railand’s new residential project, echoes the hotel’s nautical silhouette while introducing more nuanced functionality for sophisticated living. Plus, there was a practical point behind the whole concept.

“The shape of the land plot inspired the original concept,” Raisa explains. “We could have built a long, narrow block – but it wouldn’t have been beautiful. And living by the sea, the idea of a cruise ship just came naturally.”

Turning that spark of inspiration into reality required meticulous architectural work, not always visible from the outside. Sole Mio Hotel had to overcome the challenges of being the first of its kind in Phuket, while The Residences needed to translate the same bold aesthetic into something suited for everyday living.

“We kept the curved lines inspired by yacht design,” Raisa says. “But this time, we added practical features – generous storage, thoughtful layouts. The large terraces with jacuzzi is echo the decks of luxury yachts and connect seamlessly with the interiors. Even the sofas and armchairs follow the soft contours of nautical forms.”

The hotel also set a benchmark for service: full-spectrum wellness, an in-house restaurant, a serene pool, and a level of detail reminiscent of an all-inclusive cruise experience. Sole Mio Residences is designed to offer a similar lifestyle.

“On top of that, residents will have access to all hotel facilities – including 7th Floor, the only rooftop restaurant on Bang Tao Beach,” Raisa adds.

Beyond the design

When the Sole Mio Residences showroom opened, it wasn’t only the architecture that drew attention. Passersby were greeted by playful sculptures visible even from the street – part of a collaboration with Cameo Gallery, whose curated pieces also appear at 7th Floor and throughout the hotel.

Over time, the Sole Mio lobby has evolved into a rotating exhibition space for local artists. Raisa has watched Phuket’s art scene transform dramatically over the past 20 years.

“When I arrived, everything was just emerging,” she recalls. “Issara, who is now one of the most respected names in the scene, was starting to display his work in Nai Harn. Things have changed fast – new talents appear all the time. Among the international artists who now call Phuket home, I’d definitely highlight Céline Masson. She’s French, but her style is profoundly shaped by Asian art.”

You can always visit an artist’s studio, she notes, but few places on the island bring so many creative voices together under one roof. Sole Mio has grown into exactly that kind of platform.

“Our lobby exhibition changes every two months. We work closely with Thai artists – and many of those participating in Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 will also be featured here,” Raisa says.

Art for everyone

By the time the Sole Mio Hotel opened, Raisa’s own home had already become a small gallery in its own right. She doesn’t think of herself as a “collector” and does not “collect” anything on purpose – the artworks, she says, simply found her. Her collection is a bright mosaic gathered from around the world.

“Almost all my Thai pieces are from Phuket Town. The Japanese ones came from second-hand shops and clearance sales. My Chinese works are from Bangkok or trips to China. I have a few pieces from Cuba, some from Africa, and two collages I picked up in Italy. And then there are several works by Andrey Berezin – a renowned Russian artist and a close friend,” she says.

For Raisa, art – whether painting, mural, or sculpture – isn’t just the artist’s expression. It’s also about the person who chooses to live with it.

“Handmade art always carries emotion,” she says. “It has its own soul. You shouldn’t judge it by whether it matches the décor or looks ‘pretty.’ You should feel it. The only thing that matters is whether the piece resonates with you.”

The Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, which launched this December, offers the perfect opportunity to discover new artists and fresh perspectives.

“I think we’ll see a lot of new names – and they’ll become sought-after, including in real estate. For example, having a wall hand-painted by an artist is a beautiful trend in luxury interiors. It may be expensive, and it may not last forever – but that’s exactly what luxury is about,” Raisa notes.

 A cultural turning point

The timing of the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 is no coincidence – and it’s close to “perfect”. As Phuket evolves from a purely tourist destination into a long-term home for an increasingly international community, art is becoming essential.

“Some people come here and say: ‘I’ll just live the way I like.’ And that’s completely fine.” But I believe that alongside the beach and the lifestyle, you need a connection to the place – to the people and culture around you. Art is part of that. It’s a way to understand where you are,” Raisa says.

For her, learning about local culture isn’t a hobby – it’s a form of personal growth and a meaning connection.

“You don’t need to collect anything,” she says. “But you do need to keep expanding your horizons. That’s how you grow, how you understand your surroundings, and how you begin to feel truly at home in Phuket.”

Learn more about Sole Mio Residences at solemio-phuket.com.
More information about the hotel is available at solemiophukethotel.com.

Information about Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025 can be found at thailandbiennale.org.

Photographer: Ilya Perelude — Interior & Architectural Photographer (interior.perelude-photo.com).