Thailand’s largest island Phuket feels like utopia. Jade, emerald, cyan, turquoise – waters of all colors hit its dazzling white-sand coasts. The island is all about beach bliss and stunning underwater life. It’s also famous for the dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the green-blue Phang Nga Bay. All this is wrapped up in diverse Phuketian heritage. This includes Sino-Portuguese mansions, Chinese shrines, and lip-smacking Thai, and Peranakan cuisine. What was once a bohemian party destination has now turned into a tourist hotspot. Today, hotels in Phuket, Thailand have reinvented themselves to suit a range of travelers. They combine Thai heritage and beachy locales, making for a unique living experience. What’s more, the island has as many hostels and boutique hotels as it has luxurious digs.
No matter where you live, Phuket is so diverse that you might just forget to leave. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Phuket, Thailand.
Where to Stay in Phuket
A Phuketian holiday feels incomplete without a beach, and Phuket is famous for some of the 10 Most Unique Beaches On Earth. Phuket’s stunning, long coastline comprises its northern, western, southern, and eastern coasts. Moreover, the capital of Phuket Old Town lies in the southeastern part of the island.
To begin with, culture buffs will love the narrow bylanes of Old Town. It’s home to intriguing museums, rich culture, and history. Also, it’s the best place to stay for experiencing the “real Thailand.” Phuket’s western coastline has several beaches. Going from north to south, these include the Mai Khao, Nai Yang, and the Bang Tao beaches. South of Bang Tao is the lively Surin Beach, followed by the quieter Kamala Beach. After that comes one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the pristine Kata beach. Right next to it lies the equally beautiful Karon beach. Finally, we come to Phuket’s liveliest beaches, Patong beach. Except for Bang Tao which is a private beach, most feature cafes, bars, and water activities. Also, while some hotels sit right by the beaches in Phuket, Thailand, some of them lie in the foliage high up on the cliffs.
Phuket’s eastern coastline is non-touristy. What’s more, many private resorts sit off the coastline on their own islands. If someone is looking for off-the-beaten-path luxury, then the eastern coast is perfect.
Mandarava Resort & Spa
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Mandarava Resort & Spa lies on the buzzing Karon beach, which is prime for beachside action. Think water sports, street markets, thatched-roofed pubs, and more. That said, the resort lies uphill, away from the hubbub, with a free shuttle transporting you to the beach. Also, there’s no surprise that it boasts gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea.
The look of the resort is contemporary Thai, complete with soothing pale and blue hues to match the ocean. It’s complemented by modern rattan furniture and peak-roofed stone pavilions. The resort lies scattered across the hillside with walkways, lily ponds, and waterfalls. On days that you don’t feel like going to the beach, you have five swimming pools to lounge around. What’s more, each comes with a swim-up or poolside bar, so a cocktail is never too far away. The fabulous spa seems like a staple, but it does boast a variety of treatments. The single restaurant serves everything from breakfast to dinner. Last but not least, the hotel also has a gym and a tiny games room.
Rooms at Mandarava have a wide range. Lush jungle foliage ensconces entry-level rooms. The highest-level private villas have their own swimming pools and terraces. All rooms are spacious to boot, with plush furnishings, comfy beds, and huge bathtubs. The complimentary minibars, flip-flops, and beach bags are a great touch.
The Slate
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The Slate is one of the best lavish resort hotels near Phuket Airport in Thailand. Located 10 minutes south of the airport, the resort lies on the silken sands of Nai Yang beach.
Sip welcome drinks in the tropical lobby as you take in the quiet thanks to the sumptuous walled grounds. On the inside, the Slate is an ode to Phuket’s tin mining industry. Think jungle-like foliage alternating with poured cement, wild ponds, and bare blocks. The highlight here is the three glittering pools. The best of them is the sumptuous, adults-only, Infinity kind. A long list of activities here will keep you busy. These include diving classes, cooking classes, bike tours, monastery visits, and more. Although the Coqoon Spa is much adored, there’s also massages offered by the beachside. Finally, a wide-ranging, delectable pick of restaurants satisfies all cravings.
The all-suite hotel is ultimate in luxury. They range from having outdoor tubs and small gardens private plunge pools and spas. All sport a rustic-luxurious look with cushions, plush rugs, exotic flowers, and great mod-cons.
SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
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SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort lies on the quiet Mai Khao beach in northwestern Phuket. At the same time, the hotel shuttles you to charming Old Town and lively Patong for a very reasonable fee.
When you enter, you’re immediately whisked to a zen garden with lovely red parasols. Service is impeccable with ginger drinks and cold towels arriving almost immediately. The resort is a cluster of white low-rise structures going down towards the beach. The atmosphere is intimate with frangipani trees, grassy paths, and lanterns. The spa is high on pamper programs like wellness treatments and yoga. But, the food is the standout here, and you can expect your clothes to get a lot tighter than when you arrived. And, a single restaurant handles the same! A gym and complimentary bicycles are great for working off those extra calories. If you don’t want to move a muscle, head straight to the beach-hugging infinity pool.
Of the 79 villas and suites, 63 have large private pools and lovely tropical gardens, making it one of the 11 Best Hotels with Private Pool In Phuket. Even so, all rooms feature soothing hues, Portuguese-tiled floors, and captivating outdoor bathrooms.
The Nai Harn
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Hotel Nai Harn in southernmost Phuket sits on one of Thailand’s prettiest beaches. In fact, the crescent-shaped white-sand Nai Harn beach is one of the best beaches in Asia. Also, the area around feels rather like a village, making it the perfect getaway.
When the resort opened in the 80s, its guest list included Prince Albert of Monaco and Roger “James Bond” Moore! Even after 40 years, the modernist hotel radiates fresh, Mediterranean elegance. So, you’ll find bougainvillea on balconies and vibrant mosaics on white walls. The lagoon-shaped pool is the ultimate in decadence, especially at night when it glows in different colors. With the beach right there, you can borrow all sorts of beach and water equipment and make the most of it. Aside from a 24-hour gym, the hotel also offers free daily fitness classes. Five restaurants and bars serve superb food in marvelous settings. Finally, all your stress melts away in the sun-kissed spa.
With a pyramid-like exterior, all rooms boast amazing views of the Andaman Sea. They channel a beachy vibe with pops of magenta, lime, and lemon, and rattan furniture. Besides tons of space, they also feature creature comforts, four-poster beds, and open-plan bathrooms.
Thanyapura
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If you’re a lover of sports, then resort-hotel Thanyapura Phuket is perfect for your luxurious Thailand vacation. The resort lies amidst lush greenery 10 minutes from the airport. In fact, the place has even played host to world-famous athletes like Maria Sharapova.
The sheer number of sporting activities here is like a true spectacle. The resort hosts a whopping 80 classes weekly that includes everything from Zumba to Muay Thai boxing. For outdoors people, there are mountain biking trails, Olympic-sized swimming pools, and what-not. Additionally, Thanyapura also offers a ton of therapies at its health center. Yet, you have lots of cooling off opportunities too. For instance, the property has teak daybeds under pretty lounges for you to relax. What’s more, there’s also a spa on-site. A retro sports bar, restaurant, and breezy cafés take care of both healthy food and sinful cravings.
You can choose rooms in either the poolside main wing or the quieter garden wing. Although they aren’t fancy, rooms have comfy beds and gardens/balconies for relaxing.
Lub D Phuket Patong
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Even budget travelers need a touch of luxury every now and then, and there’s no place that offers that better in Phuket than Lub D at Patong Beach. The award-winning hostel, which translates to “sleep well” in Thai, combines amenities of a luxury hotel with budget prices.
The place features a unique social vibe and doesn’t feel like a hostel. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, there is a bevy of living choices here. It’s either immaculate dorms, or Junior private rooms, or Deluxe ones. Dorms have privacy curtains, reading lights, and shared bathrooms. The rooms have every luxury of a hotel, along with views of the pool.
Despite its hotel-like features, the hostel doesn’t sacrifice fun. There are group outings, beer pong tournaments, and weekly pool parties. The games hub is the perfect place to chill and break the ice with fellow travelers. What’s more, there’s even a Muay Thai Boxing Ring, which makes the experience uniquely Thai. The outdoor pool area is the icing on the cake and is a rarity at a hostel. Finally, the hotel’s unrivaled location a street away from Patong Beach seals the deal.
Baan Phu Prana Boutique Villa
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Baan Phu Prana Boutique Villa is a hidden gem of a hotel in Phuket, Thailand. The mystical private estate lies in the lush greenery above Surin beach and is as intimate as it gets.
The stunning villa is a blend of Western and Asian heritage. The lobby, which doubles up as the communal living area, feels more exclusive and cozy than any resort. A gorgeous, glassy infinity pool lies right outside with panoramic views of Phuket’s western coast. The poolside bar makes it all the better to sip on cocktails lounging by the pool. Also, the views don’t get any less pretty even when the sun has set. Food is specially prepared according to your personal tastes. What’s more, the alfresco seating area makes the dining experience very special. This is also where you can tuck into a hearty breakfast in the morning too.
If the common spaces are marvelous, the rooms are equally spectacular. All villas have expansive views of the sea from spacious private balconies. If you want to indulge a bit, choose the Deluxe suite with a private outdoor jacuzzi.
Cassia Phuket
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Cassia in glorious Bang Tao is one of the coolest hotels in Phuket. From the able stable of the prestigious Banyan Tree brand, Cassia promises fun with a touch of luxury.
The very first thing you’ll notice about Cassia is the glassy infinity pool overlooking the stunning lagoon. Tons of daybeds and sun loungers make it the perfect place to chill on a languorous Thai afternoon. The spa deserves special mention for the range of treatments. However, one of Cassia’s most fun activities, especially for couples, is the picnic the hotel sets up. Moreover, it can be done both on the lush property or on the beach as well. Aside from a hearty breakfast, the hotel’s restaurant also offers the traditional Thai Mookata buffet. In fact, it’s the only restaurant in Phuket to offer this. Finally, wind up a day in Phuket by guzzling craft beer at the amazing bar.
Staying options at Cassia are not just hotel rooms, but apartments. It features a comfy bedroom, separate dining and lounge areas, and lavish bathrooms. Moreover, the apartment even has a chill-out loft zone that has a daybed and bean bags for a cozy day in.
Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
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Discover a different side of Phuket, Thailand at Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel. The stunning digs lie in a 19th-century Sino-Portuguese mansion in historic Old Town. Its excellent location makes it the ideal base for exploring the Top 12 Things To Do In Phuket.
The hotel lies in a white structure that blends in with the gilded temples and Portuguese mansions of Old Town. The place brims with tropical flower bouquets, shimmering chandeliers, and pretty mosaic floors. Its beating heart is a lovely, sun-kissed atrium with a winding wooden staircase. A small swimming pool hidden at the back feels like your own little world perfect for lounging. A restaurant and cafe serve meals, but we’d recommend getting the Street Food Phuket app. It’s your compass for traipsing the streets of Old Town for delectable street food.
Rooms feature a navy-blue-and-white color scheme with spotless bathrooms and sleep-inducing beds. If you don’t mind noise and want to look out to daily life, choose the Deluxe rooms. However, if you want peace and quiet, go for the Superior rooms at the back.
Baba Beach Club Villa Hotel
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If you want to cut yourself off from the rest of the world, then head to Baba Beach Club. The resort lies on the Natai Beach north of the island of Phuket. The resort-hotel is one of the most idyllic in Phuket, Thailand, with nothing but golden sands and lush forests for miles.
Expect to be handed jasmine-scented cold towels and butterfly-pea tea on arrival. The lobby is a mix of Thai-Chinese decor. Think gold-flecked wall murals, vibrant ceramic stools, and lacquer furniture. It leads out to the soothing striped swimming pool with pretty pink parasols and a palm-filled beach for views. Also, the resort was designed for sun-kissed fun. For instance, the pool has house music playing on repeat. It also sees many upbeat DJ pool parties. Aside from the pool, you can also lounge on candy-striped daybeds on the pristine beach. If you’re a water baby, grab a kayak or a paddleboard and swim out to the sea. If you’re one for exploring, get hold of a complimentary bicycle and pedal across the bucolic countryside. Besides the comfort of in-room massages, you can also opt for one on the beach! Finally, a single restaurant takes care of all your food cravings.
Suites and villas here lie around the pool. They feature feathery beds, kitchenettes with complimentary minibars, and tech-savvy mod-cons. If that wasn’t enough, some even private pools.
The Village Coconut Island
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The tropical paradise of Coconut Island lies five minutes off the eastern shores of Phuket. The Village is the jewel in its crown. Even though Old Town is 20 minutes away, the island ensures both tranquility and privacy. What’s more, the resort has direct boat services to Koh Phi Phi and other islands.
The resort encourages a hedonistic holiday and its secluded white-sand beach has cabanas and beach bars. Sipping on a cocktail is the only strenuous activity, whether you do it by the pool or the beach. Here, you can do everything from making your own cocktails to indulging in Muay Thai to ordering pizza. Although there are lots of other amenities, you could also forage for food or fish with the locals. The restaurants serve lip-smacking food delights, so expect to outgrow your clothes here. Finally, the resort has everything from Thai cooking classes sailing lessons.
All rooms channel an Asian chic vibe. There are orchids, open-plan bathrooms, and gold Buddhas placed everywhere. Since space isn’t an issue, even the entry-level ones have jacuzzis. Larger ones have private swimming pools.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Phuket:
- Kang Eang@Pier Restaurant: Phuket is famous for its fresh seafood. This four-decades-old restaurant by the Chalong pier is an ode to seafood. Moreover, its patronized by both tourists and locals.
- Phuket Old Town 15-Taster Food Tour: Dig into delicious food at this nondescript but famous Old Town Burmese teashop.
Recommended Activities In Phuket:
- Phuket 5-Hour City Tour: Discover the best of Phuket’s attractions on this half-day tour.
- Phang Nga Bay Day Trip from Phuket: The emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay are home to more than 100 islands and limestone karsts. Board a speedboat and check out this gorgeous attraction off Phuket’s coast.
