Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
Phuket is Thailand’s most populous and largest island. It lies off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The Andaman Sea island and its idyllic beaches, coves and bays are recognised as one of the Kingdom’s best tourist attractions. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Thailand. While the island has plenty of hotels for budget travellers, it also boasts some luxurious 5-star properties that are visited frequently by celebrities and jet-setters. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 5 star Hotels and Resorts in Phuket.
10. The Racha, Phuket
The Racha, located along Batok Beach, is a 35-minute speedboat ride from Chalong Bay. The Racha Island, on which the resort is located, is known for its natural beauty, excellent corals and stunning marine life. The resort features 85 luxurious villas which offer views of the Andaman Sea. The Lighthouse is one of the world’s most unusual hotel rooms as it is a superb five storey villa with private pool, terrace, sun deck and observation lounge offering magnificent 360 degree views over Racha Island and the Andaman Sea. Fresh barbecued seafood and steaks, accompanied by sea breeze, can be enjoyed at Sunset Beach Restaurant. Other dining options incldue international food at Earth Cafe, fine dining at Fire Grill and cocktails at Ice Bar. Anumba Spa provides private treatment rooms where guests can enjoy pampering body massage and flower baths. For a refreshing workout, there is a modern gym, yoga lessons and tennis courts available. An outdoor swimming pool is also present at the hotel.
Website: The Racha, Phuket
9. The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Phuket
The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket is located on an exotic island of the Andaman Sea. Nestled in a tropical landscape, The Naka Island is the only resort on Naka Yai Island. The resort features 67 units of tastefully spacious tropical style Villas with private pool, along with 23 brand-new deluxe rooms and suites. My Grill offers the freshest seafood and juiciest steaks with a local twist. Tonsai serves scrumptious dishes of Thai and international cuisines. An extensive list of cocktails can be enjoyed at Z Bar. Room service is available 24 hours. Staff at the concierge service can arrange various recreational activities for guests such as snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving. Other activities are cooking classes, fitness classes and culture tour. The property also has a freshwater swimming pool, library and free rental bicycles.
Website: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Phuket
8. COMO Point Yamu, Phuket
Located at the tip of Cape Yamu overlooking the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, COMO Point Yamu’s interiors are designed by Italian designer Paola Navone offering an expression of contemporary Thai luxury. COMO Point Yamu’s Phuket accommodation is colourful yet uncluttered, contemporary yet indigenous. Blue and turquoise design accents in the 79 rooms and suites, and 27 private villas are offset by cool white and grey Sino patterned tiles and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spectacular views. Restaurants here offer a choice of Italian, Thai or healthy cuisines. They also serve local seafood. Offering an outdoor swimming pool, it also houses a spa and wellness center. The residence features treatment rooms, Thai massage alcoves, plus separate male and female steam rooms, a spa pool and a fitness center. Other activities include yoga lessons.
Website: COMO Point Yamu, Phuket
7. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
A 2-minute walk from Layan Beach, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a 30-minute drive from Phuket Town and a 35-minute drive from Patong Beach. The resort consists of 30 rooms and suites, 47 pool villas, and 15 pool residences offering views of ocean and the hillside. The resort’s restaurants offer Thai cuisine, island’s favourite bubbly breakfast and succulent Mediterranean fare. Anantara Spa’s treatments are inspired by ocean views. Massages that draw from ancient Thai healing traditions. Body treatments using soothing oils and therapeutic Thai herbs. Muay Thai Stadium, Thai Cooking Classes, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre are available the hotel.
Website: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
6. Trisara, Phuket
On a secluded cove nesting in the tropical hills of northwestern Phuket, Trisara Phuket is inspired by Thailand’s rich heritage, rooted in timeless tradition and bound to nature. The island resort sits within fourteen hectares a protected nature preserve. There are 48 individual pool villas, pool suites and pool rooms, all with private infinity pools that embrace views of the Andaman Sea and 2-6 bedroom private residences. Shaded by tall coconut palm trees, the outdoor dining area offers local, Western and seafood dishes. Trisara Grill serves grilled seafood while light snacks and refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at the Bar. The resort has a wide range of facilities that include a fitness center and tennis court. Guests can also enjoy windsurfing, snorkeling and diving activities. As a special benefit, the resort offers a complimentary 15-minute photo shooting session by DDEN Team, their in-house photography team. The beach is only a short stroll away. Jara Spa’s treatments are rooted in ancient Thai healing and guided by the Five Pillars of Wellness.
Website: Trisara, Phuket
5. Keemala, Phuket
Keemala is nestled amid lush flora atop rolling hills overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. Keemala embraces a Thai cultural philosophy and brings it to life through distinctive design. Positioned in the hills and within the lush woodlands, Keemala offers a retreat from every day life. The resort consists of 38 private pool villas. The designs of the villas have been inspired by the stories, cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of four groups of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers. Their characteristics are reflected in all elements of the villas and cottages, including the architecture, furnishings, decorative pieces, and even textiles. Mala is the main restaurant for all-day dining while Cha-La is a poolside restaurant for refreshments in the sun. The cozy lounge area inside one of the main pods is perfect for afternoon tea. At any of Keemala’s dining locations, guests can choose the healthy Spa Cuisine version of the menu for a lighter, wholesome option. Guests can enjoy working out in the fitness center or getting extra sweats in sauna room. Mala Spa embraces traditional healing approaches to the body, mind and soul, and integrates these with the best of modern pampering and beautifying regimes. An outdoor swimming pool, holistic activities like yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, aqua exercises, traditional culinary wisdom and Asian healing wisdoms, Fitness Hub and a Boutique are available at the hotel.
Website: Keemala, Phuket
4. Banyan Tree, Phuket
Bordered by the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Phuket is located within the private gated resort community of Laguna on the sweeping white sands of Bang Tao Beach. Tastefully furnished with Thai art and fine woodwork, all of the 174 villas offer either a pool view or a lagoon view. Saffron is the resort’s signature restaurant serving Authentic Thai cuisine with innovative twist, The Watercourt serves Mediterranean and local seafood, Banyan Café offers a range of delicious Thai dishes and café classics including pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and bakery goods, Pool Bar serves snacks and drinks and Le Petit Chef Pop-Up serves Asian specialities and international favourites. The resort’s Banyan Tree Spa is the first luxury spa in Asia to re-introduce an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices passed down from generations. Banyan Tree Spa celebrates the art of touch, and the use of natural and native ingredients with a holistic focus. An outdoor swimming pool, complimentary bicycles, a fitness centre and Ranger’s Club Just for Kids are available at the hotel.
Website: Banyan Tree, Phuket
3. Amanpuri
Aman’s very first resort, Amanpuri, presides over its own peninsula. Located on Pansea Beach on the west coast of Phuket, Amanpuri is the flagship resort of Aman Hotels and Resorts. Ancient Ayutthayan architecture determines the design of its 81 pavilions and villas, which overlook lush vegetation, a gorgeous white beach and the pristine Andaman Sea. The resort’s Pavilions are elegant and spacious with oversized bathrooms and dressing areas providing airy retreats, while Villas offer consummate privacy, with coconut palms casting tropical shadows onto private terraces. Dining options at the resort include Nama – a Japanese resort that celebrates washoka, the UNESCO-honoured culinary tradition, Arva – serving Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, Buabok – Amanpuri’s main restaurant showcasing the culinary heritage of Southern Thailand, The Pool Terrace – offering a Mediterranean menu of straight-from-the-grill meat and freshly caught Andaman fish and seafood and The Sunset Lounge is Amanpuri’s iconic bar and social hub offering creative cocktails and food menu. 27-metre freshwater main pool, 20-metre lap pool and 10-metre children’s pool, a fitness centre, a Holistic Wellness Centre with sauna, granite steam room, infrared saunas, Jacuzzi and plunge pool, finishing salon for nails and hair, juice bar and a fountain terrace, Muay Thai and Pilates studios and four tennis courts are present at the resort.
Website: Amanpuri
2. Rosewood, Phuket
Located in Tri Trang Beach in Phuket, Rosewood Phuket has an exquisite location along a 600-meter beachfront at Emerald Bay. The resort features innovative architecture with subtle Thai influences blending organically into a lush natural landscape. All 71 pavilions and villas blend organically with the lush tropical landscape and awaken true feelings of escape. All the accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows opening on to the private sanctuary of a verdant garden terrace featuring an plunge pool, relaxed outdoor seating and a daybed. Red Sauce serves Italian cuisine with views of the beachfront pool and Andaman Sea while Ta Khai offers Thai Seafood. The Shack serves seafood dishes and Mai is a poolside lounge and bar offering a laid-back ambiance. Rosewood Explorers Kids Club is designed to stimulate the minds and bodies of younger guests. Facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness centre, a organic free-form infinity pool with designated lap pool, activity pool and children’s pool sections and Asaya Spa.
Website: Rosewood, Phuket
1. Six Senses Yao Noi
Spread over 24 acres of peaceful natural environment, Six Senses Yao Noi is a quiet retreat away from the city. Surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes, Six Senses Yao Noi is accessible via a 1-hour car and speed boat ride from Phuket. The hotel provides transfers between Phuket Airport and the hotel for a fee. The resort consists of 56 pool villas that come with an outdoor pool terrace with a dining area and sun loungers and provide views of the striking limestone monuments that rise out of the Andaman Sea. Living Room is an all-day restaurant offering tempting buffets at breakfast and timeless classics for lunch and dinners from the wok or grill, with the added bonus of a deli and a patisserie. Dining Room and Chef’s Table serves Authentic Thai cuisine and is the main dining area on the lower level with several private dining pavilions and the Chef’s Table above. The Hilltop is the resort’s most exclusive dining venue which is open for light lunches and contemporary western dinner menus. Guests at The Den can order a snack from the Asian and Western tapas menu or enjoy a cocktail. The Six Senses Spa village has a range of beauty and body treatments to pamper each guest, while the gym provides for a refreshing workout. Thai cooking classes and wine tasting sessions are also available. Bonfires and outdoor movie screenings can be enjoyed at the private beach. An infinity swimming pool is also present at the hotel that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding sea.
Website: Six Senses Yao Noi
Featured image by Six Senses Yao Noi
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Phuket that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.