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Fun in the sun is just the beginning for travelers heading to Phuket — one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations.
The area’s resorts include trusty points properties, glitzy independent gems and “if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it” sort of properties.
Whether you’re looking to lounge, surf, dive the Andaman Sea or enjoy a spa treatment (or three), there’s something for everyone in Phuket. One of the resorts even calls itself the “heaven of all heavens.” We can’t say we disagree.
Here are the 14 best hotels in Phuket and what to indulge in at each.
Amanpuri
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Privacy and luxury in a drop-dead gorgeous setting.
Why stay here: It embraces its surrounding natural beauty while putting painstaking care in the design of guest rooms and attention to service.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits. Or, book via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Over the years, Aman Resorts has amassed a following of ultra-elite travelers who love the brand’s commitment to customer service and its seclusion from more mainstream luxury brands. It all began in Phuket: Amanpuri is the original property of Aman Resorts’ elegant hotel empire.
This resort on Phuket’s western coast remains one of the more private hotels in the region, despite all the build-up that has occurred on the island since the resort first opened in 1988.
The cliffside hotel is made up of cozy, teakwood-laden villas surrounded by lush greenery. The accommodations may be smaller than those at other resorts in Phuket, but Amanpuri more than makes up for it with service and style.
Many of its private villas feature fresh flowers, private pools and sunken soaking tubs. High-end Latin, Japanese, Italian and Thai cuisine comprises food and beverage offerings.
The Amanpuri staff is well-trained to know what guests want before they even realize it. That level of care is what keeps people coming back after 34 years (and counting). Oh, and if you see a celebrity here? No, you didn’t — the resort’s privacy is also what attracts travelers.
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Rates at Amanpuri, Phuket, currently start at 48,698 Thai baht ($1,400) per night.
Rosewood Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: An ultra-luxury spin on health and wellness.
Why stay here: Beach time in Phuket is great, but the Rosewood Phuket is designed for a private retreat to truly rest, relax and rejuvenate.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits. Or, book via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
From their perch on a hillside, the 71 rooms at Rosewood Phuket offer spectacular views of the Andaman Sea. They also come with amenities like plunge pools and more privacy than you’d expect. Soak up the sun from your personal terrace area or strut directly onto the beach from your accommodation (if you book a beachfront villa).
Rooms also feature minibars and blackout shades, so you can have the best night of sleep of your life. Be sure to wake up in time for that tailored wellness class you booked, though. Yes, the Rosewood team is that attentive to your needs.
Rosewood’s Asaya wellness center — the first Asaya in the Rosewood network — might occupy all your time during a getaway. Personal training, yoga and Muay Thai boxing will have you working up a sweat, so save time to unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. Sugar scrubs, 90-minute massages inspired by the seasons and Japanese skin-lifting techniques are all on the menu here. There are even specialists on hand to provide general health and wellness assessments.
Rosewood Phuket’s pool scene offers something for everyone. There are lap pools for the cardio-inclined, a tranquil infinity pool and activity pools with sections geared toward children.
Once you’re properly relaxed, head to one of the resort’s four restaurants. Options include Ta Khai, an open-concept (as in, outdoor) restaurant by the sea serving fresh Thai seafood and Red Sauce, an Italian restaurant with an indoor-outdoor dining area.
More casual offerings include Mai, a poolside lounge, and The Shack, a poolside bar and snack hut (the kind of snack hut with a charcoal grill for charred seafood and chicken satay.)
Phuket may be a draw for tourists from around the world, but Rosewood makes it a magnet for wellness-seekers.
Rates at Rosewood Phuket currently start at 65,634 Thai baht ($1,887) per night.
Keemala
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Communing with nature in architecturally stunning villas.
Why stay here: Whether it’s in a treehouse or a bird’s nest (both with private pools), a stay at Keemala is about unwinding and soaking in the local culture and environment — beginning with your own villa.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits. Or, reserve via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Keemala is unlike any other Phuket hotel. Thatched and basketweave-style villas poke out from the hillside and appear like anyone’s dream treehouse from childhood. But make no mistake: Keemala is more than just an Instagram post waiting to happen.
Lagoon-style pools, waterfalls and a swim-up bar lean more into the fun side of paradise, while interval training and sunrise yoga will appeal to the wellness crowd. Spa treatments — plus classes on photography and cocktail-making — will also keep guests busy.
While it may seem like a romantic getaway, Keemala’s villas come in sizes ranging from smaller ones fit for solo travelers to more spacious options for families (though it’s likely more fun here for older children than youngsters).
Bird’s Nest Pool Villas are a nod to the extravagant, intellectual and creative. (We just like them for their glass walls and views that overlook the Andaman Sea, the surrounding mountains and the rainforest.)
Tent Pool Villas make us finally agree to use the word “glamping.” After all, who wouldn’t want to stay in a canvas-topped abode where you can swim in a private plunge pool and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle?
If the imaginative dwellings aren’t enough for you, book Keemala for its culinary excellence. Many dishes here rely on produce from the resort’s “Enchanted Garden.” Basil, chili and lemongrass are just a few of the grown-on-site ingredients. Mala Restaurant is the main place for meals, and it features a fusion of local and international flavors.
Rates at Keemala currently start at 29,539 Thai baht ($821) per night.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Families and couples looking for plenty of activities.
Why stay here: Whether you want to remain active or unwind, Banyan Tree Phuket has something for all tastes and interests.
Best way to book: Book directly via the hotel website. You can also reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Luxury travel doesn’t have to be an either-or proposition. Banyan Tree Phuket is one of the more established high-end hotels in the region. However, it still has a laid-back vibe that appeals to a mix of families and couples. Golf, swimming, spa treatments, a kids club and cooking school are just a few ways guests can stay busy here.
The resort’s golf course and amenity-rich pool (swim-up bars, water cannons and hot tubs) might make it feel more like Florida than Thailand at times, but this is still very much one of Phuket’s most desirable high-end resorts. Banyan Tree’s 174 villas offer a little slice of added privacy amid the sprawling property.
If you want further solitude, head to the Banyan Tree Spa — a quiet, peaceful retreat. You can enjoy body scrubs, facials or 60- and 90-minute massages that target work-related stress or sleep quality.
Some guests may opt for trippier options, such as flotation massages and sound therapy. They can also go all-out with the 150-minute Royal Banyan, which blends Eastern and Western massage styles.
Rates for the Banyan Tree Phuket are currently 24,480 Thai baht ($703) per night.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Sustainability served with ultra-luxurious flair.
Why stay here: The resort is a 40-minute boat ride out of Phuket’s harbor, so guests can enjoy more seclusion than they would on Phuket itself.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits; or reserve via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Six Senses Yao Noi isn’t actually on Phuket — it’s a 40-minute boat ride away from Phuket’s harbor. You can use the extra transit time to shed any lingering stress from travel before you arrive at one of the most private getaways in the region.
Six Senses’ 56 villas are barely noticeable amid all the jungle greenery — sustainability is part of the Six Senses brand identity, after all.
Villas offer an array of amenities. Depending on how much you’re willing to pay, you could score a private infinity pool, 180-degree Phang Nga Bay views or a three-bedroom villa with direct beach access.
Food at Six Senses is as local and farm-to-table as possible, with organic ingredients from the on-site farm, such as eggs, mushrooms and fruit. From top-notch wine menus to Wagyu steak entrees, there are also plenty of indulgent offerings. There are even cooking classes to help you enhance your wellness.
Rates at Six Senses Yao Noi are currently 37,078 Thai baht ($1,066) or 164,000 IHG One Rewards points, per night.
InterContinental Phuket Resort
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Luxury travelers looking for a little bit of everything when it comes to views, food and activities.
Why stay here: The resort’s incredible Kamala Beach location is a convenient way to redeem IHG points in Phuket.
Best way to book: Book directly via the hotel website or IHG’s website to earn and redeem IHG One Rewards points.
It’s hard to get much closer to the pristine sand of Kamala Beach than by staying at the InterContinental Phuket Resort. The guest rooms and suites offer mountain, lagoon or ocean views, as well as vistas of tropical greenery and hills hugging the property.
Here, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beach person and your travel buddy is more of a pool person: The infinity pool at the InterContinental is steps away from the sandy shores of the Andaman Sea.
It’s hard to go hungry at the InterContinental outpost. Start the day with breakfast by the sea at 333 At The Beach while teppanyaki cooking awaits guests at Tengoku. Contemporary Thai flavors beckon guests to Jaras, a stunning restaurant nestled among pine trees looking out upon Kamala Beach.
Those who need a little bit of rejuvenation after all that beaching and dining can make an appointment at the InterContinental’s Sati Spa. It offers monthly specials and package deals for treatments like 90-minute massages and 30-minute sea salt body scrubs.
Rates at the InterContinental Phuket Resort currently start at 9,404 Thai baht ($270) or 52,333 IHG One Rewards points per night.
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: A luxurious, private getaway that’s not too difficult to reach.
Why stay here: A 10-minute boat ride from Phuket is just enough distance to give guests a slice of secluded luxury at a decent value.
Best way to book: Book directly via the hotel or Marriott’s website to earn and redeem Bonvoy points. You can also book via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
It’s been a few years since TPG checked into The Naka Island, but this Luxury Collection property stands the test of time. It’s only a 10-minute boat ride from Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina, so if you want to be a little more removed from Phuket, this is the most convenient option on our list.
The reasonable prices (and points redemption availability) make this property a winner among travelers craving a little more seclusion at a value.
Shortly after guests step off the pier, they are greeted with two bangs of a large brass gong — once to honor the spirit of a dragon that legend says once roamed the island (and to make sure it looks after guests) and a second time for guests to make a wish. From there, it is onto a luxurious island stay.
The villas are nestled into the jungle, offering more privacy. High walls and greenery envelop each villa for yet another dose of secluded bliss. The villas come with an earthy design relying on stone and wood.
The bathrooms have an indoor-outdoor layout with alfresco soaking tubs. Depending on how much you want to spend, some villas even come with private pools, sea views and beachfront access.
Dining options at the hotel are extensive, from the vast morning breakfast buffet at Tonsai to Australian meats and Phuket lobster at My Grill. Z Bar, which serves tapas, offers a more laid-back experience. You can even snag a daybed to lounge in while you enjoy a sunset cocktail (just be sure to stay awake in time for the drinks to arrive).
The Naka Island’s beach and infinity pool are ideal places to unwind in the sun, but you can head to Spa Naka for a little more rejuvenation. You’ll find a robust lineup of treatments such as facials, massages, body scrubs, and packages, like the 120-minute Sacred Nature anti-aging treatment, that combine all three.
If you can’t bear to leave your comfortable villa, consider Naka Bath Collections: The Spa Naka team comes to your villa to set up soaking treatments like an Ocean Detox bath of lavender, sandalwood and pine.
Rates at The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, currently start at 13,000 Thai baht ($372), or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, per night.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Those seeking a private villa getaway to soak in the sun, ocean, pool, or (in select cases) even a personal pond.
Why stay here: It’s an extravagant oasis of lush gardens, infinity pools and private villas that’s removed from the bustle of Phuket and best reached by helicopter.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits. You can also book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Extra is the way to go when it comes to accessing Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Sure, you can take a two-hour car service or one-hour speed boat excursion from Phuket International Airport (HKT) — but why not go with the 30-minute helicopter adventure instead? Enjoy panoramic views of monolithic limestone karsts bursting from the Andaman Sea before touching down in paradise.
Moats and lush gardens envelop the property’s 54 villas. Decor includes stunning neutral-toned furniture, plus granite and teak finishes. The natural beauty of the seaside views and jungle create a picture-perfect oasis.
This perfection extends to The Spa at Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Treatment rooms impress with traditional Thai architecture that soothes just as much as the spa services. Some treatment offerings include stone energy balancing rituals, a coffee body scrub, and caviar and pearl facials.
Couples will find the most decadent offering is a private spa suite for two, which comes with a double steam shower and separate bath for two and loungers. A concierge curates treatment schedules in this 180-minute wellness ritual.
You might need another wellness ritual after working through the dining lineup at Phulay Bay — there is a lot to sample. East meets West at Jampoon, which serves international cuisine with a Thai twist. Snag a spot at the Chef’s Table to be at the center of the culinary action. At the 22-seat Lae Lay, which has a more intimate environment, guests can enjoy seafood alongside sea views. Classic Thai cuisine is on the menu at Sri Trang.
Rates at Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, currently start at 29,333 Thai baht ($842) or 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: An easier-on-the-budget getaway for those still craving a high-end Phuket vacation.
Why stay here: Fabulous views, a relaxing spa and plenty of activities are available for all guests, while villas offer a more private experience for those craving a little more seclusion.
Best way to book: Book directly via the hotel or on Marriott’s website to earn and redeem Bonvoy points.
A wellness getaway with some private time doesn’t always have to make a massive dent in your wallet. The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa offers a little bit of everything (including a surprising degree of seclusion, as TPG discovered when we checked it out back in 2021) for a value compared to other resorts.
It’s an even better deal when you see some of the points redemptions for this Marriott property.
Guest rooms are spacious and feature stand-alone soaking tubs and garden views (or lagoon views if you pay a little more). Private villas come with plunge pools, outdoor showers and (with a little upgrade) beachfront access. Villas offer more privacy and seclusion than guest rooms.
While the Renaissance’s pool and beach access are major perks, the property’s Quan Spa is arguably the biggest draw here. The massage treatments are top-notch, and the spa’s water garden and post-treatment tea service extend your rejuvenation well after the treatment is over.
Rates at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa currently start at 10,420 Thai baht ($299) or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Families looking for a luxurious, waterfront getaway.
Why stay here: Spacious rooms and villas are spread out across the property’s gardens, and many feature waterfront views.
Best way to book: Book directly on the hotel website or Marriott’s website to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. The hotel is also part of the American Express Hotel Collection, and American Express Platinum Card holders staying at least two nights are eligible for value-added benefits like room upgrades based on availability and on-property statement credits.
You won’t have to set foot off the JW Marriott Phuket property after checking in, as this resort has just about everything you can imagine regarding food and activities. The JW Marriott comes with a whopping 10 restaurants and bars (plus the Cooking School by JW to finesse your own culinary skills).
American travelers will recognize Benihana and its entertaining teppanyaki chefs serving up Japanese fare — another reminder this is a resort well-suited for families.
Other great offerings include M Beach Club, an indoor-outdoor venue on the water featuring global cuisine, and Cucina, the JW Marriott’s Italian restaurant. Ginja Taste is the property’s go-to spot for Thai staples. There are also several bars — including the swim-up Splash Pool Bar — with views of the Andaman Sea.
The sprawling resort includes guest rooms, suites and villas. Some rooms even include direct access to the hotel’s Grand Premium Pool — another nice amenity for those traveling with kids.
Rates at the JW Marriott Phuket currently start at 15,092 Thai baht ($434) or 63,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Trisara
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Those who don’t can’t decide between a pool or the ocean — these villas come with access to both.
Why stay here: The hospitality is never-ending in this traditionally Thai-decorated resort, and there are plenty of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits; or, reserve via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Come for the pool villas and stay for the incredible views, activities and food. Trisara sits on Phuket’s northwest coast, a less-developed stretch of the island. The location is a draw for those craving a more off-the-beaten-path feel while still being close to everything Phuket offers (and only a 20-minute car ride to the airport).
All suites and villas come with an ocean view and private pool, large bathrooms and outdoor showers. The resort exudes a one-with-nature ambiance thanks to its gardens and relatively private beach. It’s incredibly easy to unwind from day-to-day life with a stay here.
Be sure to indulge in the farm-to-table creations at Pru, Trisara’s restaurant, which sources local ingredients and turns them into masterpieces. River prawn with Indian plums and aged duck with tamarillo and grapefruit are just a few of the recent dishes. Seafood at Trisara is a concept inspired by Thai family recipes passed down for generations — like Phuket lobster and shellfish stir fries with secret sauces.
Those looking for more activity than pool or beach lounging can hit the resort’s Jara Wellness Spa, which has an extensive treatment lineup. Look no further than the signature Royal Trisara — a six-hand massage. Trisara also offers cruises of various lengths, from one-hour island hopping tours to full-day excursions.
Rates at Trisara currently start at 27,937 Thai baht ($803) per night.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Those looking for a luxurious, uncrowded slice of Phuket that doesn’t require hopping aboard a boat.
Why stay here: It offers cozy decor, gorgeous gardens, impeccable service and the kind of meals that have you planning your next course before you even finish your plate.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.
Hidden in the jungle on the northwest corner of the island, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort’s public spaces, 30 suites, 46 pool villas and 15 pool residences feature awe-inspiring designs.
A stay in a residence is a decadent indulgence, as it comes with a live-in butler who can cater to any whim. Not to mention, Anantara Layan has a secluded stretch of sandy beach with crystal-clear water.
Those looking for a romantic dining experience should book a table at Dining by Design, which serves intimate meals like private barbecues and Southern Thai fare for two at the water’s edge. Age offers local seafood, fine cuts of meat and an extensive wine list. It’s also widely known as one of Phuket’s best places for a celebratory meal.
Beach House Layan offers three venues under one roof. Rooftop by Anantara is a fabulous spot to grab an alfresco cocktail and watch the sunset. Dee Place is the best spot for Thai cuisine at the resort, and Breeze by Anantara is a pool bar worth visiting.
Anantara resorts are known for its spas, and the Anantara Spa here certainly lives up to the brand’s reputation. It’s invigorating enough to just stay at this resort. However, the spa’s two-night Sleep Restoration Program will put you on a better path to staying well-rested well beyond checkout. Consider it the ultimate souvenir to take home from Thailand.
Rates at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort currently start at 33,276 Thai baht ($957) per night.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Phuket, Thailand
Best for: Families craving fun in the sun and couples looking for a little privacy.
Why stay here: When every villa comes with a pool, it means you can mix and mingle with other guests as much (or as little) as you desire.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.
Luxury living, seclusion and an appreciation for nature combine to create Anantara Mai Khao. Here, lily pads dot lagoons that sit a stone’s throw from golden beaches. Private pool villas with dark teak features and elegant furnishings add a pop of elegance to all the greenery.
While the Anantara Layan is a good option for those craving a little more time in the sand, the Anantara Mai Khao leans more into the indulgence of pool-by-the-sea culture — whether you’re swimming in the main resort pool or a private one back at your villa.
We do recommend leaving your villa for a romantic dinner on the beach which you can plan through the resort’s Dining by Design feature.
Guests can taste the world at Anantara Mai Khao. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Sea.Fire.Salt. or stick to Thai food at La Sala. The restaurant’s Tiffin by La Sala menu even features Indian-influenced fare, while Tree House (named for its location around an old Banyan tree) serves up Japanese counter-style dining.
Want to take a taste of Anantara Mai Khao home? Book a cooking class at the resort’s Spice Spoons cooking school, so you can play chef even when vacation is over.
Rates at Anantara Mai Khao currently start at 48,246 Thai baht ($1,386) per night.
Paresa
Phuket, Thailand
True relaxation is the name of the game at Paresa, which is on a cliff on Phuket’s western coast. This location along Kamala Beach is known as “Millionaire’s Row,” and the resort’s nightly rates certainly reflect the moniker.
Of course, those high rates come with luxe ocean and spa pool suites. Those willing to pay even more can enjoy grandiose villas with more living space or two-bedroom suites with infinity pools.
The resort’s motto is “heaven of all heavens,” and while nobody likes a braggart, it certainly backs up its self-label. After the bang of a Burmese gong to announce guests’ appearance, heavy wooden doors swing open, and new arrivals are led out to a pavilion with incredible views of the Andaman Sea from Paresa’s cliff perch.
Try not to swoon at the utterly one-of-a-kind vista. First impressions matter, after all.
Lounge by the infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, take a cooking class or snag a reservation at Talung Thai, Paresa’s Thai and international restaurant that works to utilize local ingredients for its culinary creations.
The Spa by Paresa includes a myriad of treatments, from manicures to 75-minute restorative facials. Even a visit to the gym is awe-inspiring here, as it has a cliffside perch overlooking the sea.
Rates at Paresa currently start at 50,700 Thai baht ($1,458) per night.
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