Phuket is a fantastic luxury destination if you are looking for some rest and relaxation in stunning surroundings. Celebrities and the rich and famous come to Phuket for the top-class resorts, the excellent diving and watersports, the laidback island hopping and the spectacular views from a range of world-class restaurants. Even if your budget doesn’t quite match a celebrity’s, you can still enjoy luxury on Phuket. Here’s our guide to the best luxury resorts, restaurants, and things to do on this gorgeous island.
Luxury Phuket Resorts
Sri Panwa:
This luxury resort has arguably some of the best views around, seeing as the villas cling to the sides of the wooded peninsula looking out over the Andaman Sea. With a cool, laidback vibe and some classy amenities (including its own private speedboat), Sri Panwa is a unique place to stay in Phuket.
Tisara: A classic take on the luxury villa experience. Tisara offers private pool villas next to the crystal clear sea, plus a range of amenities and facilities that will keep you within the resort for days. Check out the sleek marble bathrooms. There’s also a spacious four-bedroom villa with its own 30-meter pool.
Indigo Pearl: A classy choice on the island with a range of luxury private pool villas that offer all the special touches you look for in a luxurious resort. There are a spa and a good Thai restaurant on site.
Phuket Luxury Dining
Once you’ve checked into your resort and eaten one meal in the resort’s restaurant, it’s time to sample the rest of the delicacies the inland has to offer.
Acqua: This inventive Italian restaurant is one of the best on the island. Expect traditional, excellent-quality Italian fare with a modern twist. Many of the dishes contain fresh seafood like yellowfin tuna and swordfish, especially caught from the ocean for diners’ delight.
Kan Eang @ Pier: If you are looking for something a little more down-to-earth but still stylish, check out Kan Eang, which means “at ease”. This cute restaurant beside the pier in Chalong serves Thai and seafood specialties. The seafood is the biggest draw, especially the sashimi and the barbeque seafood dishes.
Kruvit Raft: For more quality seafood, go to the Kruvit Raft which serves up a menu of delicious “catch of the day” seafood and shellfish. Look out for the barbecued lobster, steamed blue crab, and tiger grouper. The restaurant has a relaxed and romantic atmosphere for diners looking for something a little different.
Raya House: Come to the Raya House for classic, delicious Thai food served in splendid surroundings. The food is the real draw, with traditional dishes cooked beautifully. Specialties include crab and seafood curries.
Phuket Nightlife
While many of the bars in Patong are wild and crazy affairs, you can find some offerings with more of a luxury vibe. Phuket has plenty of nightlife designed for international jet setters.
Seduction Beach Club & Disco: International DJs like Paul Oakenfold play at this Bangla Road club with three floors of house music and more. The open-air top lounge is VIP.
Skyla’s Treehouse: This is a particularly cool place to hang out in Phuket – bang on the beach with nightly beach parties for the beautiful people. The cocktails are worth the trip.
And to round off the guide, here are a few of Phuket’s classic beaches you need to visit.
Surin Beach: With a cosmopolitan vibe and a classy beach club, Surin is a relatively quiet beach and boasts plenty of space to relax and chill out on loungers next to the shore.
Bang Tao: The white sands of Bang Tao attract visitors looking for a luxury beach – it’s a long stretch of sand opposite luxury resorts like the Sheraton and the Banyan Tree. If you walk for a few minutes you’ll reach a deserted stretch of sand, and a few atmospheric beach bars to enjoy a few drinks as you watch the sunset.
Check out more luxury Phuket spots with PhuketOn. Find out where to stay, what to eat, and what to do with PhuketOn, your guide to the island.
