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The Best Five-Star Resorts in Phuket
Written by Ruby Staley
Phuket’s full of great family stays, romantic destinations and beachfront havens – find the five-star stay for you.
Among endless stretches of pristine beach, ancient architecture and a thriving Old Town, Thailand’s largest island is also home to a vast number of five-star resorts. Whether you’re sailing out to a neighbouring island or getting comfortable on the mainland, Phuket is world-renowned for a variety of top-tier stays for everyone from loved-up couples to families and adventurers.
From private beaches and Phuket’s first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant to family-friendly water slides and snorkelling expeditions, read on to discover Phuket’s most luxurious stays.
Best Five-Star Phuket Resorts for Beaches
The Shore at Katathani
Beachfront bliss awaits at the five-star The Shore at Katathani. Located on Phuket’s cliffs, this adults-only private pool villa retreat offers stunning views of Kata Noi Beach and easy access to its inviting shores. Each villa boasts a private infinity pool and sun-soaked terrace – a rarity in Phuket – with Kata Noi Beach’s golden shores always offering temptation. Between dips in the calming waves and skips through nearby rockpools, grab a snack, sip on a lychee gimlet and watch the sun descend over the Andaman Sea at the resort’s exclusive Nest Beach Club.
Barceló Coconut Island
Imagine sipping tiki cocktails while wading into inviting waters as you watch the sun set over the wave-dotted horizon. A stay at Barceló Coconut Island makes the dream a reality: occupying prime Coconut Island real estate, this all-inclusive resort boasts a near-private beachfront just a short boat journey from Phuket’s mainland. Away from the busy crowds of popular Phuket beaches, this unique destination boasts direct access to the island’s quiet stretch of shoreline. Relax by the resort’s several infinity pools, kayak through the turquoise sea, or even indulge in a hydrotherapy pool session at Kahtor Spa. Water babies rejoice!
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Perched on an 850-metre stretch of Kata Noi Bay – just a few minutes north from sister property The Shore at Katathani) – Katathani Phuket Beach Resort epitomises idyllic paradise. Claimed as ‘the most beautiful beach on the island’ by the resort, and with world-class views over Phuket’s legendary sunset, easy access to Phang Nga Bay and the spectacular Phi Phi Islands, lifeguards patrolling throughout the day and no shortage of marine life in the waters, it’s impossible to disagree. Just off the oceanfront, the resort is also a haven for water enthusiasts, with six themed pools and four children’s pools, including a waterpark.
Best Five-Star Resorts for Families
Banyan Tree Phuket
Nestled near Bang Tao Beach, Banyan Tree Phuket is the island’s all-villa retreat perfect for adventurous families. The spacious Two-Bedroom Villa provides privacy and relaxation with a private pool (with jets), Thai sala (open pavilion), and terrace, while the palatial three-bedroom residence is perfect for larger groups looking to live it up in paradise. With an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cycling paths, water sports in the lagoon, a pool and a beach, there’s endless outdoor fun to be had – children will enjoy the Rangers’ Club rotating schedule of activities, from batik painting to bird watching. The resort’s four onsite restaurants cater for even the pickiest of eaters, offering everything from aromatic Thai green curry at Saffron Restaurant to authentic Thai flavours to wood-fired pizzas and Phuket’s own seafood specialities, including The Watercourt’s Phuket lobster.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
For an international brand so widely loved by families, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is bound to attract high expectations. Luckily, it exceeds all of them: with three pools, a kiddie pool with a splash pad, a diverse line-up of 10 restaurants and bars onsite and a superb kids’ club (complete with a ball pit), this resort makes it easy for families to enjoy the island. While the little ones learn all about local underwater life at the Reef Education Center and Butterfly Sanctuary and the older kids try their hand at Muay Thai, the adults can kick back at The Rum Shack, enjoying signature rum cocktails and live reggae music.
Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa
Family adventures are at the core of Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa’s offerings. Boasting thrilling water slides for all ages, kid-friendly pools and a playground, relax with ease knowing the little ones will be entertained. Swim up to the poolside restaurant for a refreshing cocktail or light bite, or enjoy international favourites at Le Bayon and Orchid Cafe While the kids are off exploring the activities, parents can treat themselves to a glorious massage at Kanda Spa, whip up a collection of Thai classics in a cooking class, or get the heart racing at the onsite fitness centre.
Best Five-Star Resort for Honeymoons
Trisara
Possibly Phuket’s most luxurious option, Trisara’s ultra-private villas, personalised butler service and elevated infinity pools make for an aspirational honeymoon destination. Loved by A-listers such as Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and even Kate Moss, the resort’s design has privacy at its core. It may be hard to venture the opulence of Trisara’s terrace villas, but curious travellers will be rewarded: dip your toes in the azure waters at the resort’s private beach or sip cocktails as you laze on a sunbed poolside. Trisara also offers the perfect date night: make a reservation at Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, PRU, for a taste of seasonal modern Thai cuisine backed by some of the island’s rarest flavours. The best part? A dedicated team of buggy drivers are on hand to get you from A to B.
The Pavilions Phuket
Ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor, this luxurious haven truly is one of Phuket’s most loved – and loved-up – escapes. From the private suites and villas tucked behind lush foliage to boasting one of the best vantage points on the whole island, The Pavilions Phuket is a honeymooner’s favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. Look out to breathtaking mountain ranges and the rippling sea as you float in your private pool, find a cosy corner to enjoy authentic wood-fired Thai specialities at Firefly – with views overlooking the sprawling 60-metre pool, surrounded by lush gardens – or take some time out for a romantic Thai couples massage at The Pavilions Spa.
The Nai Harn
Leave luxurious romance up to the professionals at The Nai Harn: ranked the #1 resort in Nai Harn on Tripadvisor and #2 in Thailand at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, the resort is the only Leading Hotels of the World member on the entire island. This Mediterranean-inspired ultra-luxe sanctuary offers more than views over the island’s best beach and flawless service – surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters, the resort offers the ideal environment to relax with your dearly beloved in style, with a spa, five bars and restaurants, beach butler service, and private terrace barbecues at the ready.
Discover Phuket
After more inspiration? Check out Spice Up Your Life: 23 of Thailand’s Best Restaurants.
Feature Image: Barceló Coconut Island.
