Best Luxury Hotels in Phuket

Floating 12 miles south of Phuket, this island is an eco-retreat with 20 acres of grounds. Sleek, modern monochrome suites and villas hover above the waters of their private pools. But for the best room in the house, it has to be The Lighthouse; a fifteen-metre, five-storey high structure that stands out in the otherwise low-rise resort. This ultra-luxe pad has a state-of-the-art entertainment system, jacuzzi tubs, an 8.5 metre ozonated pool with underwater music and lighting and an observation deck with 360° views. Three restaurants, a bar, a spa, a watersports and a dive centre, are among The Racha’s facilities.

Two circular pools are separated from the ocean only by a strip of lush garden, at the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort. Its facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, 15 spa treatment rooms, five outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, a golf course, a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool. Dining takes place throughout the day and night at the Sails Restaurant, with themed buffets and a Sunday Brunch, or at Buon Appetito and the Thai Thai Restaurant. Families will appreciate the kids play area, splash pool and babysitting services.

Surrounded by high walls and trees, this restorative resort has a sense of seclusion. All of the 22 pavilions and 48 suites have an open balcony with blue views, while 35 villas have infinity-edge pools. Amatara’s interiors were created by Jaya Design with a clean and elegant Thai aesthetic. You can sign up for a wellness retreat program with a selection of treatments, activities and creative wellness workshops; or a cookery course to learn a new skill. The hotel also offers a pilates studio, a fitness centre, three signature restaurants and several bars.

20 minutes from Kata Beach and Phuket Town, Noku is in the south of the island on a hillside overlooking Chalong Bay. Guests are accommodated across 91 villas and lofts with natural textiles, free-flowing design and features such as sunken baths, whirlpools and plunge pools — the largest of the villas span three storeys with four bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, a kid’s playroom, and a spacious kitchen. Feast on Thai, Japanese and Singaporean food at Embrace, Noku’s restaurant and drink cocktails on the Terrace. The hotel was awarded the Green Mark Gold Award in 2022.

414 rooms (all with a terrace or outdoor space) are spread across four floors at this property that’s beside Tri-Trang Beach. The resort is set around a lagoon-style freeform pool, one of three pools — kids will love the endless fun provided by the waterslide. Activities range from Thai cookery lessons to jewellery making, outdoor movie nights and live music in the lobby bar. And there are many places to grab a bite: the Thai Pantry, The Beach Grill, D.O.C.G – Italian Restaurant, The Merchant Kitchen, Phuket Coffee Co, The Pool Bar, The Lounge, The Rum Shack And The Wellness Bar.

Escape to an enchanting hillside haven of luxury and romance at The Pavilions, Phuket. Perched high above the scenic bays of Bang Tao and Layan, this idyllic retreat seamlessly combines sleek European elegance with traditional Thai beauty. With luxurious suites and sprawling private villas offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Ocean, and a range of amenities including an open rooftop bar 360 serving delectable cocktails, Alto the Italian-focused fine dining restaurant, and Firefly the all-day dining restaurant offers a relaxed poolside ambience. There is also a fabulous spa and open-air yoga pavilion, along with complimentary shuttles to and from pristine Layan Beach for guests to enjoy. The Pavilions provides an unparalleled experience of indulgence and tranquillity. Whether you’re a honeymooner or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, this oasis promises an unforgettable fusion of sophistication and serenity against the stunning backdrop of Phuket’s natural beauty.

Set on Bang Tao beach among lush grounds (which include the 18-hole Laguna Phuket golf course), Dusit Thani Laguna offers ocean-front bedrooms, suites and two-bedded villas. Connect with local culture and your own wellbeing, embark on culinary journeys, get to know the indigenous wildlife and bond with your kids at a Family Retreat or Bonfire Campout. Watersports, yoga, racquet sports and creative past-times such as batik painting, tie-dye, umbrella painting, fruit and vegetable carving and flower arranging are all offered. Plus there’s the Angsana Spa, an outdoor pool and extensive kids’ facilities.

Classic Thai and contemporary design come together at the Mövenpick Phuket Bangtao. Choose to stay in a king-size bedroom, or a residence, suite or penthouse with your own living and dining areas, kitchens and outdoor space (some also have private pools and jacuzzis). Bordering Bangtao Beach, the low-rise resort incorporates the Blossom Spa and a sprawling pool area. Dine on the likes of freshly caught lobster at The Palm, either inside, or on the poolside terrace, followed by drinks in the bar. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the daily Mövenpick Chocolate Hour when you can feast on all things cocoa for a full 60 minutes.

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.

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.

With 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.

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.