Phuket is a luxurious tropical beachside destination and is one of the most visited places in Thailand for its various wonders. For one, they may be touristy, but apart from Patong Beach, they have really stunning and well-maintained beaches.

We would like to think of Phuket as a destination for a quiet, self-pampering and luxurious retreat – where we’d do nothing but laze in our villas, enjoy every sunrise, take a dip in our private pool, treat ourselves to a spa session, indulge in good meals, and take a stroll by the sea of blues.

Imagine doing all these in mansion-sized villas; waking up to a breathtaking ocean view is not a just a dream in Phuket. Because Phuket is home to some of the best villas in the world. Here is our take on the 12 Luxurious Villas in Phuket That You Must Stay At Before You Die.

Source: Agoda

ALEENTA VILLA

Aleenta Villa is one of the more popular choices in Phuket. The deluxe beachfront resort sits on Phang Nga, and is a contemporary luxurious accommodation with free wifi throughout the villa.

The luxurious Pool Villas are to die for; spacious and equipped with an outdoor terrace, a private pool and inviting sun deck. The Pool villa is also within walking distance to the beach.

Rates start from S$606 per night for Pool Villa

33 Moo 5 Tambol Khok Kloy
Amphur Takua Tung, Phang-nga
Khok Kloy, Phuket, Thailand 82140
Tel: +66 2 514 8112

Source: Amanpuri

AMANPURI

High-end travellers will love the intimacy and exquisiteness of Amanpuri’s lavish villas. Choose from two-bedroom villas to nine-bedroom villas and admire the spectacular views of either the Andaman Sea or a tranquil tropical garden.

While a one-night stay easily rakes up thousands of dollars, what you get is an out-of-the-world experience unlike any other.

Rates start from S$5,071 per night for 2-Bedroom Pool Pavilion

Pansea Beach, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 324 333

Source: Amatara Resort & Wellness

AMATARA RESORT & WELLNESS

The former Regent Phuket has rebranded itself to Amatara Resort & Wellness and is a hit amongst the superrich. Its oversize bathroom’s huge circular indulgent bathtub and private outdoor pool with a view of Panwa bay are two major draws. #Bedroomgoals indeed.

Rates start from S$696 per night for Ocean Pool Villa

84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road
Tambon Vichit, Cape Panwa
Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 318 888
Source: Andara

ANDARA RESORT & VILLAS

Sweeping views of the Andaman Sea await at Andara Resort & Villas. The luxe accommodation is suitable for families and groups of friends.

From a 3-bedroom villa to a 6-bedroom villa, each unit is beyond roomy and you would be preoccupied with the amazing facilities all day.

Rates start from S$2,768 per night for Three-Bedroom Pool Villa

Kammala, Kathu District
Phuket 83150, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 338 777

BANDARA VILLA PHUKET

Located in the Panwa Cape region at the South of Phuket, Bandara Villa is a gorgeous getaway that is perfect for couples. The resort is also steps away from the beautiful beach.

Rates start from S$300 per night for a pool villa with ocean view.

96 Soi Ao-Yon Khaokhad, Tambon Wichit
Amphoe Mueang Phuket
Chang Wat Phuket 83000
Tel: +66 76 316 298

Source: Banyan Tree

BANYAN TREE PHUKET RESORT

Banyan Tree Phuket has been ranked as the world’s 8th best resort by Condé Nast Traveler 20th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Each decadent pool villa at Banyan Tree Phuket Resort is equipped with a 3.5m x 6m private pool and inviting open-air bathtub that will instantly alleviate all your stress. Take a stroll along Andaman Sea Beach (where the hotel is located at) or play a game of golf or tennis in the resort’s vicinity.

Rates start from S$652 per night for Banyan Pool Villa

33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road
Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, 83110, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 324 374

Source: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

JW MARRIOTT PHUKET RESORT & SPA

Located on Mai Khao beach, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s 2-bedroom Royal Villa is a paradise on it own with its gorgeous outdoor private swimming pool. The extravagant mansion is incredibly spacious – at 7640 square feet, no wonder it was ranked number one in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014 for Top Family Hotels in Asia.

Rates start from S$1,523 per night for Two-Bedroom Royal Villa

231 Moo 3 Mai Khao
Talang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 338 000

Source: Paresa Resort Phuket

PARESA RESORT PHUKET

Looking to splurge on something? Paresa Resort Phuket’s Cliff Villa would be the ideal indulgence. Perched atop a cliff edge featuring marvelous views of the Andaman Sea and a suspended private infinity pool, this 160m² villa is truly the epitome of luxury at is very best.

Rates start from S$1,256 per night for Cliff Pool Villa

49 Moo 6, Layi-Nakalay Road Kamala
Phuket 83150 Thailand
Tel: +66 76 302 000

POINT YAMU BY COMO

Award-winning Point Yamu by COMO has seven One-Bedroom Pool Villas and each features a 25-square-metre private pool and an abundance of al fresco lounge area. The fancy villa can accommodate two adults and a child – an excellent choice for a short weekend retreat.

It also has a very photogenic pool area that, and our idea of an idyllic afternoon is to just laze away while munching on bar grubs.

Rates start from S$909 per night for One-Bedroom Pool Villa

225 Moo 7
Pa Klok, Talang, Phuket
83110 Thailand
Tel: +66 0 76 360 100

SRI PANWA PHUKET

An hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport is luxury accommodation Sri Panwa Phuket, and it is our all-time favourite resort in Phuket.

With one of the world’s best beach bars, spellbindingly beautiful ocean views, unrivalled hospitality, spa salon, cooking school and a fantastic selection of gourmet dining options, the 5-star hotel is an ultimate one-stop destination for indulgent travellers.

Rates start from S$1,050 per night for One-Bedroom Luxury Pool Villa

88 Moo. 8, Sakdidej Road
Tambon Vichit, Muang Phuket
Cape Panwa, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 371 000

Source: Booking.com

THE BELL POOL VILLA RESORT

As its name implies, The Bell Pool Villa Resort’s One-Bedroom Honeymoon Private Pool Villa is an excellent option for newlyweds to celebrate their love. The price for a one-night stay is surprisingly affordable when compared to other major international hotel brands, but the experience certainly does not pale in comparison.

Rates start from S$515 per night for One-Bedroom Honeymoon Private Pool Villa

41/31 Moo 5, Baan Hua Khuan Soi Bell Kamala 83150, Thailand

Source: The Naka Phuket

THE NAKA PHUKET

The Naka Phuket is situated within a 40-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, but its seemingly hidden location makes it feel like you have chanced upon a secret garden.

The marvellous contemporary design characterised by its floor-to-ceiling glass walls and cantilevers is the brainchild of internationally acclaimed Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag.

Rates start from S$639 per night for One-Bedroom Pool Villa

1/18, 1/20 Moo 6, Kamala
Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 337 999

Read: Phuket Travel Guide – Things To Do And Where To Dine At.

Karon Beach is not the top-of-mind destination for travellers to Phuket. Which is a shame, because the beach is so much cleaner and prettier as compared to your usual Patong Beach and Kata Beach.

It is relatively untouched by tourism – as compared to Patong Beach - and perhaps this is why food recommendations for the area is scarce too. Our first time to Karon beach had us struggling to find good eats, and most places look like tourists’ traps – which we loathe and always avoid. We’ve had several horrible meals at Karon Beach, got ripped off, and we were always grumpy after meal times.

But this was not until we found Mama Jin – an unassuming eatery that sits on the beachfront at the north of Karon Beach near to the lake. Yes, it looks like any other tourists’ trap along that stretch, but trust us on this: Mama Jin is your best bet at Karon Beach. We had an unforgettable Thai meal that was authentic, inexpensive and very satisfying.

The menu is pretty huge. We’d say skip the American-style food entirely, and head straight for the Thai options. Spicy Thai soups, chilli salads, noodles and fried rice… you will be spoilt for choice.

We had the Shrimp Toast (THB95) and hey, what do you know? It was the best version we’ve ever had! The squares of crispy goodness sure took us by surprise – generous chunks of shrimps atop white bread, topped with lots of white sesame and deep fried to a beautiful golden brown. Oh, what we’d pay to have it again now.

Need your tomyum? Tomyum Koong (prawns) or Tomyum Talay (seafood) are both THB120 each. More spiciness in the form of a salad calls for the classic Spicy Papaya Chilli Salad (THB80), or otherwise known as somtam.

We also had a serving of pad Thai (THB95), but if you need your grains, there are many fried rice options to pick from too – nothing above THB100. You have to order the Thai-style omelette too. Fluffy, oily, sweet; so sinful, but so very awesome, especially if you dip it in to the Thai sweet chilli sauce. The Green Curry Chicken (THB120) was pretty decent, and there are other curry choices like red and yellow ones.

Honestly, this is a no-frills place. But that is precisely what we appreciate about an authentic Thai joint; just delicious home-style cooking that is prepared upon order. And the cherry on top for diners of Mama Jin? You get to enjoy a complimentary fruit platter at the end of the meal!

If you cannot find Mama Jin on the map, search for Karon Park. It is tucked along a stretch of beachfront eateries near to the lake.

Mama Jin
381/14 Karon Beach, Phuket
Tel: 0818939043

There are many things to fall in love with at Phuket. The beaches sparkle in the prettiest jewel tones, the satisfaction that Thai food brings is unrivalled, the countless gorgeous beach resorts and villas to call home, the cheap Thai massages to soothe those tensed muscles, and the list goes on.

As much as the well-loved holiday destination is popular and sees constant tourism, there is this one system that stains the beauty of the Thai island, one that makes commuting a headache and frustration, one that does not benefit anyone, one that needs change.

Getting around Phuket means you either take a tuk-tuk or you go for “private taxis”. Or you rent a bike, but that is beside the point. Quite unlike Bangkok, the transport here does not offer you an option to “charge by metre”. In other words, everyone sets a fixed price across board, and you either pay them what they ask for, or you are on your own – by foot. Because most places and points are very far apart, sometimes separated by hills, and walking is almost impossible.

So how does Phuket’s Taxi Mafia system come into place, and why do we think it is warped?

Those drivers will park themselves at their respective “territories” – some will be at the foot of the beach, some will be scattered around the restaurants, some will team up with their pals and take an entire street, some will wait at specific hotels and resorts. It depends, though we have no clue how they mark their territories, but more often than not, you’d see the same faces waiting at the same spots.

And the prices are fixed across board. In a very warped way. Let us illustrate the situation with some figures – a 5-min ride from the hotel to a restaurant costs THB400; a 10-min ride from the hotel to the beach also costs THB400; a 30-min ride from one beach to another costs THB400, too; a 60-min ride from the hotel to the airport costs THB900. Do you see what we mean now? We do not know if these drivers belong to certain companies or if they are on their own, but somehow, they are in unison when a tourist needs a ride, and this is their concerted quotation.

They would waste their time doing nothing and staying put at their spots, than to consider your negotiation for a lower price and to just take up the job – since they are not making any money from sitting around anyway. It really does not make sense, and it is an infuriating situation. There is no service for tourists to say the least, but more than this, it is an absolute stifle in productivity.

The system should be smarter, so as to maximise manpower and supply to effectively fulfil the demand. It definitely costs lesser for the drivers to take on a job of a 5-min distance, than what it would take for a 30-min drive. And this difference should be distinguished with a price differentiation so that tourists do not feel repulsive towards the otherwise beautiful Phuket. The obstinace is unnecessary, and if they could just alter the system and pricing methods, just how much more could they earn? And that positive change would surely reflect Phuket’s tourism so much better.

Phuket is one of the most well-known beach destinations in Asia; travellers fly in from all around the world for some soaking up in the sun and relaxation at the prized Thai island. Among all the beaches in Phuket, Patong Beach is the largest and busiest one on the island.

While Patong Beach is known for many things – from water sports, to nightlife and luxe resorts – it can be quite a challenge to find affordable authentic Thai food when you are there for a holiday. Most restaurants along Patong Beach are tourist traps, and they serve mediocre Thai food at exorbitant prices.

We made several trips, and picked out some fantastic places to dine at when at Patong Beach. They may not be the cheapest by Thailand’s standards, but they are authentic enough with reasonable price tags, some of which are favourites even among locals. Here is our guide on where to eat at Patong Beach, featuring five restaurants and eateries that offer delicious Thai classic dishes and seafood.

KAAB GLUAY RESTAURANT

On one of our recent trips, Kaab Gluay was recommended to us by locals, and it most certainly deserves a mention for serving good and inexpensive Thai food. The menu is extensive and you can enjoy your classic Thai dishes without breaking the bank.

Located on Phrabarami Road, further north of Patong Beach, Kaab Gluay can be slightly inaccessibly, but take our word for it – avoid the tourist restaurants along Patong Beach and take a tuk tuk here. The fare for the ride will be compensated with the satisfying meal.

We had our favourite Thai dishes – Green Curry Chicken (THB 120), Tom Yum Goong (THB 120), Phad Thai (THB 65), Stir-fried Kale with Roast Pork (THB 120) and Salted Egg Yolk Squid (THB 120); nothing disappointed, and we scrapped the plates clean fast before we knew it.

58/3 Phrabaramee Road
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 340 562

NO. 6 RESTAURANT

An institution in Patong Beach, No 6 Restaurant serves pretty decent Thai food at reasonable prices. While it was not the best Thai food that we have had, there are no complaints for the price that we paid. Phad Thai starts from THB 70, while most of the meat dishes are priced between THB 100 – THB 150.

No. 6 Restaurant’s original shop is just a 3-minute walk from Jungceylon Shopping Mall, the largest shopping mall in Phuket. During dinner, it provides free transport from the original shop to its second outlet on a hill further north of Patong Beach (just 10 minutes away) and during dinner.

186 Rat-u-thi- road
Patong, Phuket

PAN YAAH RESTAURANT

Pan Yaah Restaurant is located along the road heading towards Kamala Beach and it comes with a splendid view that overlooks the entire Patong Bay. It is considerably a romantic spot, especially when you get a table by the edge to catch the sun set during the evening.

You can get all the classic Thai dishes – like spicy Thai Salad (THB 180), Red Curry Beef (THB 170), Green Curry Chicken (THB 175), Phad Thai (THB 140) – at Pan Yaah, but you have to try its Tom Yum Kung (THB 200) which is so satisfyingly spicy with a kick.

249 Prabaramee Road
Patong, Phuket

PATONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Conveniently located beside the beach, Patong Seafood is the place to go to for a feast after a day of sun-tanning at the beach. The menu is comprehensive and includes the usual Thai dishes like Tom Yum Talay (THB 190 – THB300), Green Curry with Chicken (THB 180), Crab Curry in Coconut Milk (THB 240), as well as a selection of seafood such as Fried Prawns with chilli (THB 200), Charcoal Grilled Snapper with Salt (THB 350).

98/2 Thaweewong Rd
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 340 247

SEA HAG RESTAURANT

Established in 1991, Seahag Restaurant is one of the more popular restaurants in Patong Beach which specialises in seafood and Thai dishes. It is situated along Soi Wattana, just a stone’s throw away from the Beach. Prices here are steeper than most of the restaurants in Patong Beach, but you will be rewarded with a good variety of the freshest seafood.

Some of the dishes that are worth trying include Mixed Seafood Platter (THB 1,900), Prawns with Yellow Curry (THB 260), and Grilled Squid (THB 320).

78/5 Permpong Soi III
Thaweewong Road
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 341 111

Phuket is a highly popular Thai island, with millions of tourists flocking there every month for a retreat at the many beaches. And because everything is so affordable, and that options are aplenty, you will never have to put up at shabby and dirty hotels. Home at Phuket can be a nice and quiet villa with your own private pool!

Some months ago, we took a flight out for a weekend getaway, and we chose to stay at the Kata Beach area. We are particularly fond of that area, because it is less crowded, slow and has a little rustic charm to it – just the way we like our Phuket to be. It was a vacation to relax, so we chose to put up at Metadee Resort and Villas – an ideal spot for couples who want to be lost in each other’s worlds.

Located at an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Metadee offers a variation of deluxe rooms and villas at decent rates. Our recommendation has got to be the Private Pool Villa – a spacious one-room villa with floor-to-ceiling windows. The king-sized bed was so soft and inviting, and it was perfect for a deep slumber. At the corner of the room is also a resting corner with a mini bar, where we spent a lot of time reading our magazines and indulging in tropical fruits. There is also a walk-in wardrobe with a vanity desk, and the double-sink toilet came with a huge bath tub and nice shower area.

In the day, we enjoyed soaking up the sun at the outdoors of our villa, which is complete with a private plunge pool, a sheltered pavilion and an outdoor rain shower that is surrounded with tall palm trees. It was a simple kind of joy, and one that was much needed.

Metadee Resort & Villas also has a gorgeous pool that spans across the property, granting a pool view for most of its contemporary rooms. And if you are lazy to get out of the resort, head over to Himmaphan (‘cashew nut’ in Thai) Restaurant for a meal of Asian and European cuisine, complete with a chill-out bar by the pool where you can order your favourite ice-cream and drinks.

Metadee Resort & Villas
66 Kata Road, T.Karon A.Muang
Phuket, Thailand
Tel: 66 76 337 888

I have been to many hotels and resorts around the world, but a trip to Sri Panwa Villa at Phuket and it has immediately rocketed to my all-time favourite list – I am head over heels in love with this gem of Phuket.

Here are 9 reasons why I love Sri Panwa Resort in Phuket.

Best Sunset Spot at Baba Nest

Boasting an unrivalled panoramic view of the ocean, Baba Nest – the rooftop bar at Sri Panwa – is one of the best spots to watch sun set against the boundless horizons of Phuket.

Day trips to Coral Island or Phi Phi Island

Sri Panwa is located at Cape Panwa – the southern tip of Phuket – making it the perfect base to visit nearby islands in the Phuket archipelago like Coral and the highly popular Phi Phi Island which are both an hour away by boat. The resort offers a private day tour (cap to 2-3 couples per trip) for its in-house guests, which includes beach hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Private Beach

One of our favourite spots in Sri Panwa is the private beach. What’s there not to like about the idea of having a quiet beach all to yourself? Lay a mat and read your magazines in an undisturbed territory, or go canoeing in the area.

Snorkelling at the pier

From the private beach, there is an extended pier where you can do some fishing, or go snorkelling. The water may not be the clearest, but we were still able to see a lot of fishes – it was quite an experience, and the plus point of the exclusivity was one that left us going to bed happy and extremely contented.

Spend an afternoon at the reception lounge

The reception lounge is quiet and very cosy; it feels almost like home. Keep yourself occupied with the wide selection of books and magazines, or you can simply listen to your music and daydream the afternoon away. Or, just snuggle up at the comfy couches with your loved one and enjoy a cuppa together. The best thing about staying at Sri Panwa is that you can cut off from the world and do the things that you like.

Go for a spa treatment at Cool Spa

Pamper yourself with a much-needed spa treatment at Cool Spa, which is located at a secluded spot within the rainforest overlooking Phuket’s Archipelago. There are six waterfall treatment rooms, and you can also use the spa facilities including the plunge pools and steam room.

Authentic Thai food at Baba Soul Food

Soul Food, the resort’s Thai Restaurant, serves a selection of Southern home-cooked Thai cuisine. They offer the dishes in two portions: half portion for sharing so that you can order a variety to share, and full portion if you are dining in a big group. While we really enjoyed the Steamed Garoupa with Lime, Chili and Garlic and the Red Curry with Pork and Pineapple, the clear winner was the Stir Fried Anadaman Crab Meat with a very addictive lime sauce.

Chill out at Sri Panwa’s Pool Club

After having a hearty breakfast at Baba – the resort’s all day dining restaurant – chill out at the pool club for the rest of your morning. The big space provides yet another patch of heaven within the magnificent resort – to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.

Stunning villa with ocean view

Soothing lounge music greeted us when we stepped into the stunning, modern and very well-designed villa. Each villa comes with a big private pool that lines the unit, and an immeasurably terrific view of the ocean. Words cannot describe how in awe we were, and the photos cannot do enough justice to how beautifully divine Sri Panwa is.

The villa was our secret spot away from the world, and it was so comfortable that we spent most of the time in the villa. We were truly spoilt silly by the luxurious space and amenities; even getting out of bed was almost mission impossible, because we spent so much time just lying in bed with the perfect view of how the skies and ocean merged.

If you are planning to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, or simply want a place to go for a weekend, Sri Panwa is really the perfect getaway spot from Singapore.

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Phuket as a guest of Sri Panwa Resort. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodation were sponsored.

There are many reasons why so many people fall in love with Phuket – white sand with turquoise waters and blue sunny skies; luxurious beach villas that will make you feel like royalty; cheap and delicious Thai street food; and wonder spa treatments for your tense shoulders after your flight.

Granted, Phuket has become very touristy in recent years as travellers escape there for a getaway, but there are still many beautiful beaches that are waiting to be explored. We spent a weekend in Kata Beach and had a memorable experience.

We preferred Kata Beach as it is a quieter area as compared to the extremely popular (and commercialised) Patong Beach. Our home for the weekend was a 1 bedroom grand seaview suite at The Aspasia Hotel Phuket (1/ 3 Laem Sai Road, Kata, Phuket, Thailand).

What I like most about the hotel is its location – a short 5 minutes walk to Kata Beach. Plus, it has a clean and spacious room with a terrific ocean view.

The first two days were spent hanging out by the pool, reading a book on the couch, and taking nice long strolls along Kata Beach.

There are also plenty of restaurants in the area. If you are planning a trip to Phuket Kata Beach, the following are just a few recommendations that you can try.

Our favourite place during this trip was Home’s Food Thai Food (87/2 Tayna Road Kata Beach, near Easy Rider Pub) a small eatery that serves cheap, honest and delicious Thai food. It was so good that we went back a few times.

Perched on the rocks overlooking Kata Noi Beach, Mom Tri’s Kitchen (12 Kata Noi Road, Kata No, Kata, Phuket Tel: +66 76 333 569) is an award-winning restaurant which food lovers must check out. For a spot to watch the sunset, go Re Ka Ta (3rd Street Cafe & Guest House 92/15 92/15 Khoktanod Road, Kata Beach Tel: +66 76 330 015), one of the most hottest beach clubs in Kata Beach, if not Phuket.

We also spent a day exploring Phuket Town, the largest town in Phuket. Most people go to Phuket for the beaches and hardly venture to Phuket Town. But our recent trip showed us a different side of the place. There, we discovered many nice cafes, eateries and boutiques.

Coffee lovers must check out Mac-chiato House & Cake Box (48 Thalang Road, Muang Phuket), a trendy cafe which serves a range of speciality coffee and desserts such as honey toast (B85), brownies (B55) and chocolate lava cake (B75).

You should also drop by Pirrera Cafe Bar (39/1 Dibuk Road, Phuket, Thailand Tel: +66 08 5782 4406). Housed in a beautiful old building, the cafe offers coffee, cakes and light snacks – a nice place to watch the World go by.

Another place that you should go is Kopitiam by Wilai (18 Thalang Road Tel: +66 83 606 9776), an old-school coffee shop that has affordable Thai food. On the menu, you can find local eats such as Cha Koay Teow (B70), Pad Thai (B70) and Tom Yum Koong (B100).

Getting to Phuket from Singapore is easy. Silkair, Jetstar, Tiger and AirAsia have direct flights (1 hour 46 minute) and the tickets are usually very affordable if you book in advance. Everyone needs a beach holiday, and if you have not been to Phuket, maybe it is time to book your tickets and pamper yourself with a weekend getaway.