Beach Resort
Phuket, Thailand
9.6
Amanpuri
Aman's 1988 original: a coconut-grove pavilion estate above a private Andaman bay that still defines quiet Asian resort luxury.
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Thailand
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its most complete resort destination, a place where Andaman limestone scenery, Sino-Portuguese heritage and a deep pool of luxury hotels converge. Its west coast unrolls beach after beach, each with a distinct temperament, from lively Patong to the casuarina-shaded quiet of the north.
The island's top resorts occupy private bays and headlands that feel a world removed from the bustle, with beach clubs, destination spas and yacht marinas close at hand. Add Phang Nga Bay's karst islands and the old town's shophouse charm, and Phuket rewards travellers who look past its party reputation.
The best hotels in Phuket
Best areas to stay
Kamala & Millionaire's Mile
The headlands north of Patong hold some of Asia's most exclusive villa resorts, with sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
Bang Tao & Layan
A long, calm stretch of the northwest coast anchored by resort estates, lagoons and beach clubs, well suited to families and longer stays.
Phuket Old Town
The island's Sino-Portuguese quarter offers pastel shophouses, weekend markets and a café scene worth leaving the beach for.
Dining & nightlife
Phuket eats better than most beach destinations, from Michelin-recognised southern Thai kitchens in the old town to beachfront seafood grills and resort fine dining. Beach clubs along Bang Tao host sunset sessions, while Patong supplies the louder end of the island's nightlife.
Travelling as a family
Families do best on the calmer northern beaches, where resorts pair lagoon-side pools with excellent kids' clubs and watersports. Elephant sanctuaries, island-hopping boat days and the old town's ice-cream stops round out easy itineraries.
Travelling as a couple
Couples gravitate to private pool villas on the quieter headlands, sunset catamaran cruises through Phang Nga Bay and spa pavilions above the sea. A candlelit beachfront dinner arranged on a private stretch of sand is the island's signature gesture.
Cultural highlights
- Phuket Old Town's Sino-Portuguese shophouses
- The Big Buddha viewpoint above Chalong
- Long-tail boat trips among Phang Nga Bay's karsts
- Wat Chalong, the island's most revered temple
The Browntravels Edit
Exceptional hotels, delivered beautifully.
Exceptional hotels, new openings and destination inspiration, delivered beautifully. Once a week, never more.