Top 10 Places to Stay in Phuket

Amanpuri’s west coast debut in 1988 signalled Phuket’s arrival onto the jetset circuit and sowed the island’s reputation for accommodation that blends high luxury with laidback charm. Here are 10 of the best places to stay in Phuket.

Sri Panwa - Staggered over 16 hectares of tropical headland on Phuket’s quiet southeastern tip, Sri Panwa’s jungle-fringed villas come with infinity pools and awesome Andaman Sea views. Also great restaurants and bars, a spa, tennis courts and the dazzling rooftop bar Baba Nest.
Trisara - Choose between sea-facing pool villas or family- and group-friendly ‘residences’ of between two and six bedrooms at this sophisticated property on the mid west coast. With a supervised kids’ club, renowned dining and helicopter charters over Phang Nga Bay, Trisara tries hard to please everyone.
Amanpuri - Aman’s first property pioneered a new age in Asian resort architecture and hospitality. Almost 30 years on, Amanpuri is ageing extremely well and this “place of peace” still feels like an elite, exclusive escape from the stresses of the modern world.
Double Pool Villas by Banyan Tree - Each 1300sqm villa is set in an oasis of tropical gardens with a 15m swimming pool and a (largely decorative) wading pool lapping a glass-walled bedroom. Villas in one, two and three-bedroom configurations come with extras such as steam rooms and wine fridges. Bang Tao beach is a skip away across the sand.
Keemala - The Flintstones meet the 21^st century at this whimsical resort of posh-primitive villas inspired by treehouses and bird’s nests. Decks fitted with plunge pools and hanging chairs capture dreamy views across jungle to sea. The Mala spa, with its promises of raindrop healing and ‘holistic slimming’, is a Keemala calling card.
Casa Blanca - Heritage buffs keen to see more of Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese heritage should check into Casa Blanca, a restored mansion of mosaics and arches in the heart of the old town. The city’s best street food and shopping is just outside the door.
Point Yamu by Como - The Como Group gives great hotel. Their newish Point Yamu resort features 79 rooms and suites, 27 pool villas with decks over the Andaman, noteworthy Italian and Thai restaurants and, best of all, an exclusive beach club for guests on secluded Naka Yai island.
The Shore at Katathani - When you yearn for luminous bedrooms, infinity pools and endless ocean views, perhaps with a curtained daybed on the side, but don’t have the cash to cover it, this is where to come. For a lofty experience at moderate cost, The Shore at Katathani delivers.
The Naka Island - The panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay are reason enough to flock to this offshore resort. Formerly a Six Senses property, The Naka Island has ditched the joyless cuisine and sober ways of its predecessor but kept the 61 pool villas and brought a sense of fun back to Naka.
Kata Rocks - This high-end hotel has a prime location on the southern Phuket coastline with 34 tiered ‘villas’ – each with its own infinity pool, naturally – above Kata beach. The ultra-modern, apartment-style accommodation comes in one- to four-bedroom formats for everyone from couples to extended families.