Among endless stretches of white-sand beach, ancient architecture and a thriving Old Town, Thailand’s largest island is also home to a vast number of 5-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. These are the best 5-star resorts in Phuket.
Best for: beaches
The Shore at Katathani
Located on Phuket’s cliffs, The Shore at Katathani is an adults-only private-pool villa retreat offering sweeping views of Kata Noi Beach. Each villa has its own infinity pool and sunken lounge, with Kata Noi Beach’s golden shores enticing enough to step outside. Between dips in the calming waves and skips through nearby rockpools, sip a cocktail and watch the sun descend over the Andaman Sea at the resort’s exclusive Nest Beach Club.
Barceló Coconut Island
Imagine sipping 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 has 500 metres of near-private beachfront just a short boat journey from Phuket’s mainland. Away from the busy crowds of popular Phuket beaches, this unique destination offers direct access to the island’s quiet stretch of shoreline. Hop between four pools, hire a kayak or indulge in a hydrotherapy session at Kahtor Spa.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Perched on an 850-metre stretch of Kata Noi Bay – just a few minutes north of sister property The Shore at Katathani – Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is the kind of place that makes a return trip easy to justify. The resort calls it ‘the most beautiful beach on the island,’ and between the views over Phuket’s legendary sunset, easy access to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, lifeguards patrolling throughout the day and no shortage of marine life in the waters, it’s a hard claim to argue with. Just off the oceanfront, the resort has six pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool area.
Best for: families
Banyan Tree Phuket
Near Bang Tao Beach, Banyan Tree Phuket is the island’s all-villa retreat suited to adventurous families. The spacious Two-Bedroom Villa offers privacy and relaxation with a private pool (with jets), a Thai sala (open pavilion) and a terrace, while the three-bedroom residence gives larger groups room to spread out.
With access to an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cycling paths, water sports on the lagoon 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 onsite restaurants cater to a range of tastes, from aromatic Thai green curry at Saffron to wood-fired pizzas and Phuket’s own seafood specialities, including The Watercourt’s Phuket lobster.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is built around its water park – slides and splash zones sit steps from Karon Beach, with the resort’s own stretch of sand a short walk from the pool rather than a shuttle ride away. Rooms range up to two-bedroom pool villas, giving families space to spread out.
Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa
Family adventures are at the core of Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa’s offerings. With 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 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 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 Kate Moss and Mick Jagger, the resort’s design has privacy at its core. It may be hard to fathom 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: book a table at PRU, the Michelin-starred restaurant next door, for a taste of seasonal modern Thai cuisine backed by some of the island’s rarest flavours. A dedicated team of buggy drivers is on hand to get you from A to B.
The Pavilions Phuket
The Pavilions Phuket is one of Phuket’s most loved – and loved-up – escapes. From private suites and villas tucked behind lush foliage to one of the best vantage points on the whole island, it’s a honeymoon favourite.
Look out over the mountain ranges and the rippling sea as you float in your private pool, find a cosy corner to enjoy Mediterranean and Thai specialities at Firefly – with views over the sprawling 60-metre pool, surrounded by lush gardens – or take time out for a romantic Thai couple’s massage at the resort’s spa.
The Nai Harn
Leave luxurious romance up to the professionals at The Nai Harn: the only Leading Hotels of the World member on the entire island. This Mediterranean-inspired ultra-luxe retreat 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, several bars and restaurants, beach butler service, and private terrace barbecues at the ready.
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Feature Image: Barceló Coconut Island.
