Top 10: Phuket's best ultra luxury hotels (Thailand)

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (December 14, 2015): Top 10 best luxury hotels in Phuket.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island. Located a one hour flight south from Bangkok, the Andaman Sea island and its idyllic beaches, coves and bays are recognised as one of the kingdom’s chief tourist attractions. While Phuket has plenty of accommodation for the budget traveller, it has become a magnet for the well-healed and jetset in recent years because of the presence of a string of ultra-luxurious and super-exclusive hotels. I hereby present you my top 10 list of Phuket’s best luxury resorts that rank amongst the most amazing hotels in Thailand (although my alltime favorite resort remains Soneva Kiri that sits on Thailand’s 4th largest but least populated island, Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Siam).

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Phuket hotel in the comments section, or take my poll at the bottom of the page!

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10. SALA PHUKET RESORT & SPA

SALA Phuket Resort and Spa is a deluxe pool villa resort located on pristine Mai Khao beach in Phuket’s northwest shoreline, The boutique hotel is only 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport. The famous Blue Canyon Golf Course and the picturesque Phang Nga Bay are located just 25 minutes away. No less that three infinity pools dot the resort: one for laps, one for kids, and one for simply floating about with a cocktail. 63 of the 79 rooms, villas, and suites also offer their own expansive private pool, for when you need a little privacy. The hotel is also the ideal location for a Phuket wedding and honeymoon with its vast and private pristine golden sand beach and lush beachside lawn surrounded by a coconut tree plantation swaying in the wind.

Hotel website: SALA Phuket Resort & Spa

9. THE RACHA

The Racha, one of Thailand’s premier deluxe island hideaways, is set on a pristine, white beach on Racha Island, only 12 miles south of Phuket just 35 minutes by speed boat from Phuket’s Chalong Bay. The island is known for its natural beauty, excellent corals and stunning marine life. The resort itself strives to be recognized as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism, and features 85 luxurious villas that range in size and price. 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.

Hotel website: The Racha

8. ANANTARA MAI KHAO PHUKET VILLAS

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas provides a luxurious refuge that opens out onto unspoiled panoramas of virgin sands backed by the lush vegetation of Sirinath National Park. The resort puts the upmost emphasis on designer relaxation and guests’ privacy, with 91 private Phuket pool villas scattered harmoniously across a prime stretch of Mai Khao Beach. Complimenting the luxury resort’s tropically inviting accommodation is a host of services and facilities of the highest standard, including premium restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. For the true Thai experience, trek through the dense jungle by elephant to discover untouched island wonders in the morning, followed by a soothing massage in an open-air treatment room with the faint sound of the ocean rolling in the distance.

Hotel website: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket villas
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD resort credit, and one hour Muay Thai Kickboxing lesson for 2 per villa per stay).

7. THE NAKA ISLAND, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA

Nestled among lovely beaches, lush coconut groves, with never-ending views of the emerald-green Phang Nga Bay and idyllic landscapes of the Phuket coastline, The Naka Island is an exclusive boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, a 10 minute speedboat ride from the mainland. The highlight are the 67 magnificently designed, organic shaped villas that combine authentic island details with spectacular views. Guests can embrace a laid-back island life, rejuvenate at Spa Naka, lounge on the resort’s private beach, splash in the very large beachfront pool, or settle in for the sunset with an innovative cocktail or custom-blended juice from the resort’s spectacular Z-bar.

Hotel website: Naka Island
Review: read my review of Naka Island here.

6. TRISARA

Trisara, in Sanskrit “The Garden in the Third Heaven” is one of Phuket Island’s most special resort experience. Wrapped in a tropical forest and exotic gardens, the 48 spacious ocean facing pool villas and 2-6 bedroom private residences all embrace a lovely bay on Phuket’s sophisticated and natural north-western coastline, just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport. All pool villas, suites and private residences are designed with simple, rich interiors and enjoy a wonderful sense of privacy. Attention to detail defines the experience throughout the property, including unique natural grey marble infinity pools in all villas and suites which overflow toward the Andaman Sea and it’s spectacular year-round sunsets.

Hotel website: Trisara
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

5. KEEMALA

Unusual shapes are the inventive dwellings of Keemala, a brand new resort focused on offering experiences that enhance quality of life. The resort is nestled well away from the crowds and overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. Shaded by an enchanted canopy of rainforest and connected together by a network of jungle walkways, the resort’s 38 villas are complete with a private pool and are designed for guests wishing to experience a rustic, yet lavish, escape. For fun seekers the resort is close enough the Kamala Beach and the liveliness of Patong Beach and all the dynamic action that Phuket has to offer, yet far enough removed to step back and take time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the rainforest and a plethora of holistic activities and cuisine to aid wellbeing.

Hotel website: Keemala

4. COMO POINT YAMU

COMO Point Yamu is a new Phuket luxury resort located at the tip of Cape Yamu overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay. Interiors by Italian designer Paola Navone offer a unique expression of contemporary Thai luxury, alongside a COMO Shambhala wellness retreat and two world-class restaurants for Thai and Italian cuisine. Its location above the Cape, overlooking Phang Nga Bay, affords a 360 degree spectacular Andaman Sea views, but not direct access to private beach. However the resort does have a private COMO Beach Club on a small island, 40 minutes by complimentary boat shuttle from the hotel.

Hotel website: COMO Point Yamu
Other top 10 accolades: COMO Point Yamu also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Thailand.
Review: read my review of COMO Point Yamu here.

3. BANYAN TREE PHUKET

Encircling the sparkling waters of a saltwater lagoon, Banyan Tree Phuket is a tropical fairytale where the roads are lined with casuarinas and palms, the fields are bright with Allamanda blooms and the Bang Tao Bay always sparkles in sapphire brilliance. The hotel is a glorious spread of elegant Thai architecture complemented with every modern amenity imaginable. The hotel is cradled within Laguna Phuket’s exclusive community, a 400-hectare former abandoned tin mining site that includes 3 km of sandy shores and is home to more than 30 restaurants and bars (with free use of inter-resort transportation by shuttle vehicle or lagoon boat).

Hotel website: Banyan Tree Phuket
Other top 10 accolades: Banyan Tree Phuket also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Thailand.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch or dinner for 2).
Review: read my review of Banyan Tree Phuket here.

2. AMANPURI

This timeless retreat on the west coast of Phuket is in harmony with its idyllic setting. Ancient Ayutthayan architecture determines the design of its pavilions and villas, which overlook lush vegetation, a gorgeous white beach and the pristine Andaman Sea. Interspersed throughout a mature coconut plantation, the Thai-style Pavilions and Villas are approached by elevated walkways, and all have a private outdoor sala (room) for dining and relaxing, shaded by tropical flora. Sloping roof lines frame soothing, spacious interiors, furnished with Thai textiles, art and antiques. The resort is the flagship hotel of Aman, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand.

Hotel website: Amanpuri, Phuket
Other top 10 accolades: Amanpuri also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Thailand, the best Aman hotels in the world, and the world’s most insanely beautiful hotel beaches.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch or dinner for 2).
Review: read my review of Amanpuri here.

1. SIX SENSES YAO NOI

Six Senses Yao Noi is my favorite resort in the Phuket area and sets the highest benchmark for island resort living in Asia. The attention to detail and focus on the unique destination reinforces the Six Senses brand’s commitment to sustainability. The 56 pool villa accommodations provide generous personal space and present an uncompromised lifestyle. Some overlook the striking limestone monuments that rise out of the Andaman Sea, providing an idyllic backdrop for days of tranquil indulgence. Natural materials used in the modern architecture, together with a beautiful island setting and excellent personal service, support the Six Senses philosophy of creating exceptional experiences.

Hotel website: Six Senses Yao Noi
Other top 10 accolades: Six Senses Yao Noi also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Thailand.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room).
Review: read my review of Six Senses Yao Noi here.