White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, a lively nightlife… Phuket has plenty on offer for sun-seeking holiday-makers. As Thailand’s largest island, it’s a great place to base yourself for discovering other nearby paradises, although you might not want to leave at all. Phuket boasts over 30 beaches, each with a different vibe depending on what you seek, from the buzzing Patong and Kata Beaches, to more romantic hidden gems on the north of the island. The island is also home to some incredible resorts for the luxury lovers amongst us. Here is the TLE pick of our favourite luxury spa hotels in Phuket Thailand.
Amanpuri
This was the first ever Aman hotel and as the flagship has built a loyal following. Built in 1988, it resembles a grand temple from the outside, with Lanna-style architecture, lattice carvings and wooden pavilions interspersed by lily ponds and jungle walkways leading to secluded villas. A sublime pool area epitomises the Thai luxury boutique aesthetic and overlooks the sea. And there’s a beach club right on the neighbouring sands. Amanpuri also offers a kids club, an in-house art gallery and a spa.
The Slate, Phuket
As soon as guests touch down at Phuket International Airport they are greeted by hotel staff and whisked away to the enchanting Slate Hotel at Nai Yang Beach, which is backed by a stunning palm grove and faces a private strip of golden sand. Each of the rooms and suites here is spacious and luxurious and surrounded by tropical gardens. This huge lush space is set with palm trees and a number of swimming pools, with jacuzzis and swim-up bars where guests can unwind while enjoying the intense natural beauty of this luxurious playground for as long as they desire. If you want to go all out on the luxury book one of their fabulous private pool villas and a trip to the Slate isn’t complete without dining at the incredibly romantic Black Ginger.
Anantara Layan
The Anantara Layan is situated on Phuket’s west coast, with stunning views over a tropical bay. There are 30 rooms/suites and 47 pool villas, surrounding an intimate and secluded beach. A private chef is available for bespoke dining. For complete relaxation, you can visit the Anantara spa facilities. There’s a children’s club to keep the little ones entertained while you relax. For those who want to indulge further, there’s a five-day spa and wellness retreat, featuring rejuvenating spa treatments and nourishing cuisine. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there’s a fitness centre, watersports and a cooking school to keep you busy. For the lovebirds, the Anantara Layan has a private wedding chapel nestled on the tropical cliffside.
The Surin
With direct access to the white sands of Pansea Bay, guests at The Surin can swim, sunbathe and dabble in water sports in paradise. There are also two pools (one infinity), two floodlit tennis courts and a kids’ club with a range of activities and games to keep young guests entertained. The resort’s signature restaurant is perched right on the beach and serves a range of international and Thai cuisine. Lomtalay Restaurant, beside the pool, is a more casual dining experience with a menu of light bites, sandwiches and salads. And there’s the romantic Sunset Restaurant. A full-service spa provides a range of treatments and therapies, as well as yoga and meditation classes in a beautiful outdoor setting, overlooking the ocean.
Trisara
According to its Sanskrit name, this is the “third garden of heaven”, itself planted high among the lush jungle with far-reaching sea views. Your stay will be in a secluded suite or villa, where you can take breakfast on your terrace, take outdoor showers and dip in your own infinity pool, as you gaze out across the green and blue landscape. Larger groups can book one of the two to six bedrooms villas. Onsite facilities include a kids club, a library, a 45m saltwater lap pool, a spa, a gym, tennis courts, gift shops and Pru, a Michelin-star restaurant serving five and seven-course tasting menus.
Paresa
Nestled on a cliffside high above Kamala Beach (where the hotel has its own beach club), Paresa enjoys an address on the ‘Millionaires Mile’ stretch of coast overlooking the Andaman Sea. Its name means “heaven of all heavens”, giving a good indication of the kind of views, service and facilities you’ll have here. Stay in one of 42 villas with private pools and cool, chic decor. Try your hand at some watersports (there’s a free shuttle to the beach), swim in a rose quartz energy pool, dine at the signature Talung Thai restaurant, or opt for some native cookery classes at Paresa’s own culinary school.
Keemala
Guests who stay at this unique resort are invited to step into a fantasy world where luxurious tree house pods provide the perfect accommodation. Each pod is suspended from the forest that graces the coast and comes with a wide range of modern conveniences while also offering stunning views of the ocean and golden sands of Kamala Beach far below. This sophisticated hideaway also boasts a lagoon-like swimming pool featuring its own waterfall and bar, while guests can also unwind and get into shape with daily classes including yoga, Tai Chi on the beach and Muay Thai boxing.
Six Senses Yao Noi
People who want to enjoy pure pampering and relaxation are sure to love this luxurious resort, which can be found cascading on the edge of Koh Yao Noi off the west coast of Phuket. Guests are collected from the airport and taken to the hotel in a private boat to this enchanting spot where they can take part in a wide range of activities such as kayaking in the crystal clear waters, cycling and swimming. The Zen garden spa is the perfect place to relax while gazing at views of the enchanting Phang Nga Bay.
Sri Panwa Phuket
ith a whopping seven swimming pools (and a swim-up bar), including an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views and a private beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice for a swim at Sri Panwa. Indoors, you can play pool, table tennis and board games. Dine at the Baba Pool Club, or on street food from around the world at Baba Soul Food, and on contemporary Japanese dishes at Baba IKI. The award-winning Cool Spa provides five-sense tropical wellness experiences in its four large treatment rooms, plus there’s a private salon and a floating yoga deck.
The Nai Harn
Set right on the edge of the powdery white sand of Nai Harn Beach, this cool and contemporary resort commands one of the most desirable positions on the whole of Phuket. The hotel originally opened its doors to guests in the ‘80s and has received a large number of international celebrities over the years. The infinity pool is set with floating sun loungers where guests can unwind and take in stunning views as the sand slowly gives way to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, where a wide range of aquatic activities are just waiting to be enjoyed.
COMO Point Yamu
Boasting its own private beach club and commanding panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay, this is a stylish accommodation option where guests come to see and be seen by those in the know. Whether you prefer sipping cocktails at sunset while gazing at the ocean, indulging in a romantic evening meal on the terrace or splashing around in the infinity pool, pure style and relaxation are guaranteed. With 27 private villas and just 79 sleek and sophisticated rooms to choose from, the hotel is as exclusive as it is luxurious.
Rosewood Phuket
Set in a commanding position in Emerald Bay, this hotel can be found perched high on the rocks to provide guests with enchanting views. While guests are treated to nothing but the best in terms of style and amenities, this is also a great place for the environmentally conscious to stay as the hotel concept incorporates a number of ecologically sound methods such as rainwater collection. This provides guests with peace of mind as they enjoy paradise from their private pool or terrace, while the private beach below is the perfect place to explore.
Kata Rocks
Built right into Kata Beach, this sleek aparthotel exudes a modern and minimal Balearic style and is the fanciest you’ll find in the neighbourhood. 34 apartments come with expansive terraces and infinity pools beside the ocean, some suiting couples, others catering to families and groups, with Natuzzi furnishings and Snaidero kitchens. While the resort is right on the coast, it borders a rocky beach (hence the name), however, those in search of sand need only take a five-minute stroll to the main area of Kata Beach. The hotel also has a Mediterranean poolside eatery.
The Naka Island
An invigorating ten-minute speedboat ride takes guests across the calm and clear waters to this luxury hotel set on a craggy island. This is the perfect place for guests to live out their desert island fantasies without having to skimp on creature comforts as there are 67 private villas to choose from nestled in nature complete with large picture windows and spacious terraces to unwind in while soaking up stunning ocean views. Couples will love the private pools, which allow for intimate island paradise experiences.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Set on the edge of Bangtao beach, the Banyan Tree is one of Phuket’s best-known luxury hotels and combines traditional Thai class and elegance with modern creature comforts and pampering that guests have come to expect from this well-established brand. The hotel’s huge grounds play host to a wide range of activities and amenities such as golf on a stunning course, tennis courts, a yoga pavilion and two large swimming pools. Each of the onsite villas and suites is sumptuously decorated and fitted so that it serves as a luxurious retreat, while guests are provided with private beach access and invited to indulge in a little pampering in the world-class spa.
