The Best Luxury Hotels in Phuket

Unlike any other Phuket resort, Keemala is like stepping into a fantasy land within the rainforest. Inspired by Thai mythology, the other-worldly bamboo structures are based on various clans, each with its own storyline. So, take your pick from canvas-domed tented pool villas, pear-shaped treehouses or the architecturally impressive Bird’s Nest Pool Villas, with lattice-like exteriors that resemble a bird’s perch. The Mala Spa continues the theme with cocoon-like pods as treatment rooms and therapies that pull on the holistic power of plants. You probably won’t want to leave, but if you do, there’s a free shuttle to and from the beach throughout the day.

As the only resort in Phuket on the Cape Panwa Peninsula, on the southeastern tip of Phuket, Sri Panwa is beloved by rockstars and royalty for its tranquil location (Snoop Dogg and Rhianna have both stayed here). All rooms – nay, villas – have pools, some spy the sea and the best sit high up on the hillside, shrouded by jungle. The family-run estate also offers tailored excursions, including speedboat trips to the outlying islands, sea kayaking and private-yacht adventures. Among its parade of restaurants (which includes a cooking school and beach club) is Baba Nest – one of the most dramatic rooftop bars in Asia.

It’s all play and no work at Amanpuri, one of the best luxury hotels in Phuket. Great for families, the resort has an Eco-Beach – an activity centre that features gardens, a nature museum, cultural activities and even a skateboard halfpipe – so you won’t be hearing “I’m bored!” in a hurry. Adults will appreciate the smart pavilions and villas, many of which have private pools and views of the Andaman Sea. This being where it all began for Aman Resorts – Amanpuri was the first hotel in 1988 – it’s had a long time to perfect the Zen-like atmosphere. That said, adrenaline junkies can still get their kicks through unusual water sports, like the stand-up Flyboard jet pack.

COMO Point Yamu is set on the distant tip of Cape Yamu, overlooking the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, off Phuket’s quiet East Coast. Its upscale design and cutting-edge wellness facilities were inspired by Phuket’s Peranakan culture, with elements hand-made by artisans, using locally sourced materials. Rooms, suites and villas at this Phuket luxury hotel are contemporary – some, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views. Fancy exiting your lounger? The resort offers day trips around the surrounding islands and inlets by longtail boat or private yacht.

Accessible only by boat, via a short speedboat ride from Ao Por Marina, this hotel is located on its own island off the Eastern Coast of Phuket. Adventure seekers will relish its seascape, which parts the waves for an array of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboards and sailboats. Villas, rooms and suites have tropical-jungle vibes: canopied beds, bare-wood furniture and clay-coloured walls. For large groups, book the Royal Horizon Pool Villa for your own wrap-around pool, butler service and a sunken outdoor dining area. Even the spa has points towards the water: their signature Watsu treatment is a 60-minute aquatic therapy aimed at alleviating jet lag and increasing relaxation.

Health-centric travellers should head to Phuket Cleanse – an Phuket all-inclusive resort with a focus on fitness, yoga and meditation on the island’s southeast corner. This feel-good, wellness hotspot has just seven villas, so you’ll never be overrun with guests. And you might not spend a lot of time resting in bed, either: it’s jam-packed with HIIT, Thai boxing, resistance training, aerial, hot and vinyasa yoga (to name a few), pool meditations, mindfulness and, naturally, sound baths. Staff empower you and guide you through your wellbeing journey, with bespoke schedules based on your individual fitness goals. Fittingly, it’s surroundings are peaceful: set in lush tropical gardens in a lovely residential neighbourhood.

Established in 1982, the Surin Phuket was one of the first luxury resorts in Phuket and they still haven’t lost their magic. Far removed from Phuket’s wild nightlife, the Surin is ideal for those seeking a quiet, natural setting on a beautiful beach. Located on the West Coast’s exclusive Pansea Beach – shared by only one other resort – the hotel is surrounded by matchstick palms, rolling hills and all the trappings of a truly tropical hideaway. The ultra-modern cottages and suites, done up dramatically over the last 40 years, are linked by jungle walkways. But you’ll want to book the beachfront suites for a front-row seat of the island’s spectacular sunsets.

Service is paramount at The Nai Harn, from the beachside butler services to private limousines on standby. Indeed, in some of the more deluxe suites, they even provide a “press for champagne” button (a nice touch). The best chill-out spot is Reflections, the rooftop bar, that features sunken seating over an infinity-edged pool. For secret spots, ask the reception to arrange a tuk-tuk to see the Promthep Cape viewpoint and the nearby hidden beaches, (stage whisper) such as Ao Sane and Ya Nui. Besides beachside activities, Nai Harn guests can also enjoy a private barbecue on your terrace, a Thai cooking class or a Thai boxing lesson.

Amid forested hills just up from the beach, the pace of life at Baan Phu Prana is as tranquil as its setting. Dark terrace rooftops, (designed in traditional Thai style) cover sunken stone baths, while the infinity pools mirror the sea beyond. You can stroll down to Surin Beach in 10 minutes, but it’s a steep climb on the way back.

The Sanskrit meaning of Trisara is the “Third Garden in Heaven” which perfectly describes the ambiance of this resort in 16ha (35 acres) of a protected nature preserve, surrounded by multi-tiered pools, waterfall features and private beaches lining the coral-ringed shore. Overlooking the bay, upscale villas, suites and rooms offer ocean views, oversized beds and indoor/outdoor showers. This Phuket resort also does an exemplary job of creating authentic Thai activities: staff can pair you with a host to show you the less-explored parts of Old Phuket, known for its Crayola-coloured Sino-Portuguese townhouses; or set you up with the kitchen team for a hands-on cooking class.

The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa has direct beach access and 180 guest rooms, five eateries, a swimming pool and a spa offering Thai massages and facials. You can wine and dine your partner, if you’re here as a couple, at the romantic Takieng restaurant with beachfront views – try the pla kapong mieng kham, deep-fried sea bass with tamarind sauce, shallots and chilli.

Dug into the cliffside on Kamala Beach, you’ll find the opulent Paresa Resort. You can enjoy sea views from your private infinity pool, which come with each room. Spend the day exploring Phuket with the hotel’s private experiences, from snorkelling in a secret bay, to visiting an elephant rehabilitation centre. On your return, you can enjoy a romantic poolside dinner under the night sky. If you’re interested in learning more about Thai cooking, Paresa holds daily classes in their purpose-built cookery school.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is one of the most spectacular luxury resorts on Phuket, located on a secluded stretch of Layan Beach with vistas of the Andaman Sea. You can choose from a selection of 30 luxurious rooms or one of the 47 lavish pool villas. Relax at the shoreline pool, indulge at one of the on-site dining options or get pampered at the Anantara Spa.