Phuket
One of Thailand’s best known holiday destinations, Phuket’s greatest attractions are its beaches, fabulous swathes of silver-white sand which hold their own against the best around the world. Phuket’s sensational coral reefs are home to a variety of tropical fish, and provide excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Phuket Town has some fascinating temples and Chinese colonial buildings worth exploring. Phuket’s sobriquet, the Pearl of the Andaman, is more than justified, as you will discover. This is Thailand’s largest island, and is blessed with a rocky peninsula, limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical inland forests. Little wonder, then, that this is the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island.
Phi Phi Island
The island is located just 48 km to the east of Phuket, off the western coastline of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is renowned across the world for its natural scenic beauty, with silver beaches fringed with palm trees, towering limestone cliffs and hills full of lush greenery. Offshore, a bank of coral reefs provide a glimpse of marine life whilst spots such as the historic ‘Viking cave’ add a fascinating dimension to exploration. You can enjoy swimming and snorkelling on blue crystal clear water, full of coral reefs and marine life.
Phangnga Bay, James Bond Island & Ko Panyi
Board the boat from the mainland located across Phuket Island to the unique limestone islands in the famous Phangnga Bay. James Bond Island and Ko Panyi are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket *****
The premier destination spa of the 21st century, this spa offers world-class experiences that combine the island’s pristine natural beauty with cutting-edge holistic and contemporary treatments. This is the only resort located on the traditional Thai fishing island of Naka Yai.
LOCATION
Guests arriving at Phuket international airport are greeted and escorted to the limousine for a half hour drive to the Ao Por Grand Marina. After a five minute trip in the hotel’s speedboat, guests will reach Naka Yai.
FEATURES
The spa features four unique interrelated spa concepts (Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Thai) along with ground-breaking fitness programmes. The spa provides an integrative experience of wellbeing in a sustainable learning environment that meets the development needs and inspires the lifestyle choices of all guests and hosts.
ACCOMMODATION
The spacious 61 pool villas and pool villa suites present an uncompromised standard of natural luxury with elegantly designed architecture and natural furnishings. The large private pool villas are located on pristine white-sand beachfront and on the island’s gently sloping hillside. The Enclave is a cluster of 6 Hill Pool Villas ideal for groups or families; while The Retreat on the Hill offers a prestigious private villa with a 2,500 sq. mt. area.
The Banyan Tree, Phuket *****
A villa overlooking a tranquil bay. Fine dining in the lap of luxury. Welcome to The Banyan Tree, Phuket.
LOCATION
On the shores of Bang Tao Bay in the northwest of Phuket Island, Banyan Tree Resort is just a 20-minute drive away from Phuket International Airport and a 25-minute drive from the town.
FEATURES
The accent here is clearly on cuisine. Guests can enjoy gastronomic delights at any of the elegantly furnished restaurants. The resort’s informal cafe offers a host of authentic Thai classics.
ACCOMMODATION
Two-bedroom villas boast all the luxury amenities that are synonymous with the Banyan Tree experience.
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket *****
Set on a particularly stunning beach, Le Meridien offers its guests a variety of luxurious facilities.
LOCATION
Located in the tropical paradise of Phuket’s Western coast on a secluded cove, Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is set amidst 40 acres of lush foliage, sprawling golden sands, and the emerald Andaman Sea. The resort is just minutes away from the lively shopping and restaurant district of Patong, the 29 ornate temples that dot the island, hiking trails through ancient limestone caverns, and scuba diving through the Andaman Sea’s translucent indigo waters.
FEATURES
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort features six meeting rooms, two lagoon-size swimming pools, four tennis courts, two air-conditioned squash courts, a spa, a variety of land and sea sports facilities, and a discovery centre for kids. Ten restaurants and bars allow for a gastronomic journey around the globe.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotel offers its guests a choice of 417 stylish Superior Rooms and 53 Luxury Suites. The decor captures all the charm and elegance of traditional Thai design, while blending harmoniously with its lush tropical landscape.
Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach, Phuket *****
The hotel enjoys a magnificent location on one of Phuket’s longest and most stunning beaches.
LOCATION
The resort offers easy access to Phuket’s most popular attractions, and is a stone’s throw from Karon Beach, one of the longest and most impressive beaches in Phuket. Patong is 10 minutes away by taxi, and Phuket International Airport can be reached in 45 minutes by car.
FEATURES
The resort has a large swimming pool, a fitness centre, a beauty salon, a gift shop, room service and several restaurants serving everything from Oriental to modern world cuisine. The Spa at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket balances the traditions of Eastern and Western treatments to create an indulging and soul-soothing experience.
ACCOMMODATION
The Mövenpick Resort showcases 140 elegant villas ranging from Garden Villas with outdoor rainforest showers to Pool Villas with private plunge pools and Penthouse Plunge Pool Villas with rooftop sundecks and plunge pools.
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Phuket *****
Just moments away from some of Phuket’s finest entertainment attractions, the world class Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is nevertheless a haven of utter tranquillity.
LOCATION
This stunning resort, set on sandy Karon Beach, stretches over 75 acres of lush tropical gardens. The most popular attractions in Phuket, including Fantasea theme park and Chalong Temple, are just a short drive away.
FEATURES
Unwind with a traditional Thai massage at the Resort’s Spa. Cool off in one of three pools. Take a free scuba diving class. Or just relax to the sound of the waterfalls. And when you’re ready for some fine dining, sample fresh seafood and award-winning cocktails at Sails restaurant. Or opt for local cuisine at the romantic Thai Thai Restaurant.
ACCOMMODATION
All Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa rooms offer every luxury imaginable, and sport balconies which showcase spectacular views of the beachfront.
J.W. Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket *****
At J.W. Marriott, indulge in the ultimate resort experience. Thai elegance and warm, personalised service make this the perfect retreat for all the senses.
LOCATION
Set amidst tropical gardens, the resort abuts the pristine shores of the Mai Khao Beach, next door to the Sirinath Marine National Park with its sea turtle nesting area. The resort is close to the airport and just minutes from the Blue Canyon Country Club, which was recently named the “Best Golf Course in Asia” by the Asia Golf Monthly Magazine.
FEATURES
Apart from the wide variety of leisure activities in and around the J.W. Marriott Resort & Spa, there are several elegant onsite restaurants that offer cuisine from around the globe… Italian, Japanese and Thai, to name but a few. You can also enjoy a wide selection of cocktails and light snacks at the airy pool bar and the elegant lobby bar.
ACCOMMODATION
The resort offers 266 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all characterized by an elegant sophistication and enhanced with all the comforts of home.