Sprawled across a jungle-covered hillside, the Amari Phuket slowly meanders downhill to a beachside swimming pool, with almost every corner giving you stunning panoramic views out across Patong Bay. Well-known for its service, you’ll be greeted by smiles everywhere you go. A lift will take you down to the small coral beach if you prefer to take it easy. Snorkel or swim at high tide, while low tide brings the perfect opportunity to explore the reef and rock pools of the shore. Experience life beyond the hotel walls and hop aboard the shuttle bus to Kata Beach. For something a little livelier, the vibrant nightlife of Patong is close enough to stop by, but far enough away to ensure that the tranquil ambience of the hotel remains blissfully intact. When you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the beautiful local beaches, head to one of the hotel’s delightful restaurants. The casual yet elegant Rim Talay Restaurant serves up a range of both buffet and à la carte international cuisine to the backdrop of Patong Beach. La Gritta presents an entirely different, more sophisticated feel, featuring delicious fresh Italian cuisine on its menu. The Jetty is the perfect spot for a romantic candlelit dinner. Sat out over the water, you can eat a selection of tapas under a canopy of stars. The rooms here range from the comfortable Superior Ocean Facing Rooms to the elegant Two Bedroom Ocean Facing Suites.
Surrounded by tropical vegetation on a steep hillside above a long stretch of sand in Phuket, it comes as no surprise that Cape Panwa Hotel is a long-standing favourite with Kuoni guests. It’s great for those who want more from their holiday than just relaxing on the sand and listening to the gentle sound of the sea, with plenty of activities to fill up your days. There are two pools and a range of watersports, or you can retreat to the Cape Spa and allow yourself to be pampered in the peaceful surrounds. If you’re more of an explorer, cruise to nearby Coral Island and experience new landscapes in this idyllic part of Phuket. There are six restaurants and four bars shared between Cape Panwa Hotel and Kantary Bay Phuket that you can choose between. There’s Café Andaman, the main open-air restaurant; Panwa House, which serves up Thai delicacies; and Top of the Reef for a more elegant dining experience. Uncle Nan’s (at Kantary Bay) has a delicious Italian menu to choose from, while Laem Panwa Restaurant (at Kantary Bay) features tasty fresh seafood every day. For the ultimate dining experience, opt for a candlelit beach dinner under the stars. You’ll also find a number of bars here, including the new Bamboo Bar where you can have western and Thai food at the beach or a cocktail or two. Many rooms have a full or partial sea view and Superior Rooms are simple yet comfortable. For a little more space, opt for a Junior Suite or a larger Family Suite complete with two bedrooms and an outdoor whirlpool on the balcony. The indulgent Private Pool Villas are close to the beach and have their own pool, or choose a spacious and charming Cape Suite.
Kata Thani is a spacious resort hemming a long, broad ribbon of soft sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s within walking distance of Kata’s shops, bars and restaurants and you’re spoilt for things to keep you entertained with a fitness centre, sauna, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and a variety of boutiques. Families in particular are well catered for in the Bhuri Wing where kids can play around the four kids’ pools, mini water slide and a new Chang Noi Kids’ Club. For a more relaxed approach to your holiday, pampering is never far away with the services at the spa which include garden massages as well as pedicures and manicures. There’s an elegant pool overlooking Kata Noi Beach, which stretches over 850 metres so there’s lots of space for rest and play. Dining options are plentiful too with six venues to choose from. Chom Talay has both western and Thai dishes, Fisherman’s Wharf serves the freshest seafood and La Scala whips up Italian cuisine. Three smaller restaurants serve up delicious local delicacies. Rooms and suites here are split between the Bhuri and Thani wings. Rooms in the Bhuri Wing are separated from the beach by a very small road, while Thani Wing Junior Suites are found on the beachfront side behind the pool. Thani Wing Oceanfront Junior Suites are closest to the beach – perfect for sun lovers. Thani Wing Grand Suites are larger and feature a lotus pond-lined entrance, stunning ocean views from the balcony and an oversized bath.
As its name suggests, The Shore at Kata Thani has a spectacular beachfront location at the far end of Kata Noi Beach. This small and intimate complex has a luxurious feel heightened by a meticulous attention to detail and elegant décor. It’s subtle yet sophisticated – the focal point undoubtedly being the infinity pool which seems to trickle into the ocean. The perfect complement to any relaxing break, the Serenity Spa is on hand for serious pampering, with a full menu of aromatherapy and Thai massages as well as facials, herbal steams and bath rituals. Dining options include The Harbor, a contemporary restaurant with high, airy ceilings and spectacular views of Kata Noi Beach and The Nest Bar, perfect for meeting friends for a delicious cocktail at any time of day. The resort’s 98 villas are dotted up along the hillside, decorated in natural hues and oriental details. Each villa has a living and dining area, private pool and sun deck. Pool Villas have hillside or garden views while Sea View Pool Villas have ocean views as well as a sunken lounge and rain shower. Two Bedroom Pool Villas are split level and have their own private balcony. The Sea View Pool Villa Romances are made for couple getaways, with a huge standalone bath and heavenly ocean views.
Adorned with intricate traditional style roofs, surrounded by coconut groves and fronted by wildlife-rich lagoons, DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree Phuket are the ultimate in indulgent Thai accommodation. A wading pool surrounds each private villa, making the bedroom feel as though its floating. Completely secluded in its own tropical garden, each villa features a swimming pool complete with jetpool and private shower, a vast poolside dining patio and comfortable sun loungers. The interior is no less impressive, with full-length glass windows in the bedroom and a private steam room. Part of the Banyan Tree Phuket, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with access to the large swimming pool and the superb restaurants. For an extra special experience, float out on the resort’s longboat, ‘The Sanya Rak – Promise of Love’, where traditional music accompanies delicious cuisine as the sun drops below the horizon. Out in the middle of the main lagoon, a floating pavilion is the perfect spot for a candlelit Dinner of the Senses for two.
A cool hideaway with stylish Ibiza-style décor, Kata Rocks gets rave reviews from couples and groups of friends looking for a central stay. Flanked by Kata Noi and Kata Yai beaches, the gleaming white villas of Kata Rocks are in a private estate with views of the sea and yachts as they sail past. The dining here is impressive. Book in for a wine tasting at The Wine Cellar, where you can choose and pour wines from the ultra-modern Enomatic machines. The restaurant, headed by a Michelin-star chef, is the kind of restaurant booked for special occasions – no doubt because of the stunning sunset views. Hailed as the best place to see the sun go down in Phuket, this beautiful sight is best enjoyed with a sweet lychee cocktail or some homemade gin by the infinity pool which seemingly blends in with the sea. The villas, which range in size with one to four bedrooms, are minimalist and all have private pools and incredible ocean views. Clad with Italian furniture, the living space leads out to a terrace where you’ll find a lounge area and your own pool looking out to the sea. Dim the lights, put on your favourite song or request the assistance of a ‘Rock Star’ member of staff at the touch of the iPad in your room. It’s just one of the high-tech features that characterises Kata Rocks and its modern appeal which is continued throughout the resort. You can even connect your phone to the fitness centre’s equipment to keep track of your workout progress and stay on top of training on holiday.
SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is the epitome of sophistication, tucked away in a remote area of Phuket. Its location on the golden Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket at almost seven miles long, is its winning feature. It’s part of the Sirinat National Park, which encompasses quiet beaches and a small mangrove forest rich with wildlife. And the best part of Mai Khao Beach is its yearly visitors – sea turtles who nest on the beach from November to February. The SALA spa is a sleek haven of treatments to detoxify, scrub and massage away all your stresses. At the award-winning SALA Restaurant, your tastebuds are in for a treat. Tuck into a range of dishes from cuisine including Mexican, Italian and Thai for lunch and dinner. The Thai themed night is definitely one not to miss, where you can dine on delicious local dishes laid out buffet-style to traditional dancing and live music. For more intimate dining options, opt for a private gazebo or dinner on the rooftop, where a reflection pool flows around each dining booth for a tranquil experience. The hotel’s design is sleek with crisp white furnishings and spacious outdoor living areas and an outdoor bathroom in each room or villa – a romantic experience whether you’re soaking in the elegant oval stone bath or showering under the stars. On the second floor, Deluxe Balcony Rooms feature a large balcony complete with a day bed while Garden Pool Villas are on the ground floor and have a pool and garden. For your own private gateway and a larger standalone villa with a walled garden and private pool, we recommend upgrading to a SALA Pool Villa.
Amatara checks all the boxes for a luxurious and relaxing wellness holiday. Every inch of the hotel oozes zen style and the setting is peaceful, overlooking a secluded bay and the jewel-green Andaman Sea. Every room has an ocean view and the laid-back atmosphere is testament to the resort’s philosophy of balancing body and mind to achieve happiness. From the impressive infinity pool decorated with two gilded salas to the clean-lined, soft-coloured interiors, it’s a beautiful space whether you’re on a dedicated wellness programme or not – and a great option if you’re travelling with someone who wants to concentrate on relaxation while you focus on your wellbeing. Take one of the classes at the outdoor yoga platform to gently unwind or opt for a one-to-one session in sweat-inducing Muay Thai boxing, yoga and reformer Pilates. At the spa, you can choose from holistic and Ayurvedic treatments including an invigorating Thai hammam experience and enjoy fresh produce with detox-friendly food served at The Retreat restaurant. There’s a small beach to lounge on and if you want to see the local sights, Phuket Town is half an hour’s drive away and there are boat excursions to ‘James Bond Island’ and Phi Phi Island for snorkelling. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
At the end of golden Karon Beach, this relaxed resort is just minutes from the sands and shops of Phuket’s second largest resort but feels amazingly remote thanks to its hideaway jungle setting. Wandering around the grounds feels like an outdoor adventure as you walk along elevated wooden walkways that brush past giant leaves and exotic flowers imbued with the sound of cicadas. Vividly coloured tropical flowers like orchids and red ginger flowers greet you just minutes from your bungalow-style room in the heart of this secret jungle. The richness of the resort’s flora means there are plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, too. Borrow a guide and look out for the jungle’s fauna which includes squirrels, butterflies and tropical birdlife, or head down the few steps to Karon Beach. While you’re close to markets and eateries, and just a short tuk-tuk ride from rowdy Patong or upmarket Kata, the resort’s lush interior makes it feel secluded so you can appreciate the sound of the waterfall feature by the pool and occasionally paddle over for a drink at the swim-up bar. The resort has three restaurants for laid-back dining with Asian and international fare – we recommend at least one dinner at On The Rock, the resort’s popular oceanfront restaurant. The rooms and villas are embedded in the resort jungle and accessed by wooden walkways. Rooms are in bungalow-style with classic Thai features, with a choice of jungle or ocean view rooms. Ocean View Rooms also feature a balcony looking out to the Andaman Sea. For the best views of the sea and Karon Beach, upgrade to a Grand Villa. Complete with a private Jacuzzi, these exclusive villas are perfect for a romantic holiday mingled with nature.
This exceptional resort is perfectly romantic with unrivalled service levels and undoubtedly some the best pool villas in Thailand. Part of the Laguna resort complex, guests are spoilt with leisure facilities that include two swimming pools and an 18-hole championship golf course. There are amazing spa treatments such as the signature Thai Touch massage – Banyan Tree Phuket is the home of the official spa academy where all Banyan Tree therapists come to train. Choose from five sumptuous dining options which include contemporary local dishes, international delights and specially prepared Japanese cuisine as well as romantic intimate dining destinations around the resort. Book a table at the signature restaurant, Saffron, for distinct Thai flavours prepared with the freshest ingredients in a modern setting. Take the flavours of Thailand home with you on a traditional cooking class, or perhaps have dinner on a long-tail boat in the middle of the lagoon for a truly enchanting experience. Arranged in the style of a tranquil Thai village, the resort’s stunning villas surround a sparkling lagoon. Each villa has an open-air bath and a private sun deck with jet pool or private swimming pool. Banyan Pool Villas have a serene setting in landscaped gardens while the Banyan Lagoon Pool Villas overlook the calm lagoon.
Amari Phuket
Cape Panwa Hotel
Kata Thani
The Shore at Kata Thani
DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree
Kata Rocks
SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Amatara Wellness Resort with Wellbeing Escapes
Marina Phuket Resort
Banyan Tree Phuket
