Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [561]
Indigo Pearl (0 7632 7006; www.indigo-pearl.com; r/bungalows 5600-26,000B; ) The most unique and hip of Phuket’s high-end resorts takes its design cues from the island’s tin-mining history – although it sounds weird, this industrial theme fused with tropical luxe creates a spectacularly beautiful and soothing place to stay. Hardware, such as vices, scales and other mining equipment, is used in the decor to the tiniest detail – even the toilet paper rolls are fashioned out of oversized bolts. The Sunday brunch ( Click here) here is epic.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (0 7633 8000; www.marriott.com; r from 8100B; ) Don’t let the name discourage you: this Marriott once held the honour of being one of the best hotels in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Among the most appreciated assets are mammoth rooms boasting superior sea views, raised open-air pavilions, triangular back cushions, massage mats and polished wood floors. A cooking school and pub with live music round out the deal. A rub-down at the spa is a must.
Hat Nai Thon
Improved roads to Hat Nai Thon have brought only a small amount of development to this broad expanse of pristine sand backed by casuarinas and pandanus trees. Down on the beach, umbrellas and sling chairs are available from vendors. Swimming is quite good here except at the height of the monsoon, and there is some coral near the headlands at either end of the bay. Click here for eating options in Nai Thon.
Naithon Beach Resort (0 7620 5379; cottages 1000-1500B; Nov-May; ) This resort has large, tastefully designed wooden cottages. The resort closes in the rainy season. It is on the opposite side of the access road from the beach.
Trisara (0 7361 0100; www.trisara.com; villas from US$700; ) If you can afford to stay here, do so. A tranquil oasis far removed from Patong’s chaos, uber-exclusive Trisara’s villas take in some of Phuket’s most stunning views and are nestled in an idyllic location between the jungle and the cerulean sea. Honeymoon anyone?
Bang Thao
If we were forced to pick our favourite beach, it would probably be Bang Thao – an 8km stunner with flaxen dunes that glisten under the tropical sun. Most of Bang Thao’s luxury superstars unite under the corporate Laguna Phuket, which looks exactly like a glitzy California gated community. If you have the bucks, and aren’t too fussed about experiencing the local culture, then Laguna is the place for you. Click here for eating options around Bang Thao.
Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket ( Map; 0 7632 4101; www.starwoodhotels.com; r from 4000B; ) A city within a city, the 400-room Sheraton will appeal to families and energetic vacationers. The hotel features loads of water-sports, a huge beachfront and a gigantic pool (more like lagoon) – the biggest swimming pool in Asia.
Andaman Bangtao Bay Resort ( Map; 0 7627 0246; www.andamanbangtaobayresort.com; bungalows incl breakfast 5000-7000B; ) Every bungalow has a sea view and there’s a summer-camp vibe at this pleasant little resort. The design is very Thai, with woodcarvings on the walls and coconuts hanging from the eaves of the roofs, but for this price we expected a little more luxury.
Banyan Tree Phuket ( Map; 0 7632 4374; www.banyantree.com; villas US$550-2500; ) One of Asia’s finest hotels, and the first on Phuket to introduce bungalows with their own private pool, the Banyan Tree Phuket (in Laguna Phuket) is an oasis of sedate, understated luxury. Accommodation is in rambling villas, the most indulgent being the ‘double-pool villas’ (aka the ultimate shag pad). A trip to the spa is a must – it’s one of the continent’s best ( Click here). If you have the bling to drop on a place like this, do it now – Banyan Tree books up fast.
Surin
Surin is upmarket but completely unpretentious. A distinctly Thai spirit lingers here along with the lazy, pampered vacationers –which is probably why expats love this area so much. Trees line the pretty shore and dozens of cheap food shacks shelter beneath them. ( Click here for details about eating