Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [562]
Capri Beach Resort ( Map; 0 7627 0597; r 1500-2900B; ) A little temple to Italian kitsch, this welcoming spot offers great home cooking, snug rooms and more Italiana than you can likely stomach. Expect opera, giant pepper grinders and high standards. It’s a short hop from the beach.
Surin Bay Inn ( Map; 0 7627 1601; www.surinbayinn.com; r 2000B; ) Right next to Capri Beach, this is another welcoming midranger. There’s an eatery serving fabulous breakfasts below; clean, spacious rooms above (although a sea view costs a bit extra); and a useful book exchange.
Benyada Lodge ( Map; 0 7627 1261; www.benyadalodge-phuket.com; r 2500-5000B; ) Chic, modern rooms have black louvred closets, terracotta tiles and silk, pastel-coloured throw pillows scattered in the lounging corner. Service is stellar and we loved the high-end details, like ice water service every time you sit anywhere in the lobby.
Twin Palms ( Map; 0 7631 6500; www.twinpalms-phuket.com; r from 6800B; ) Twin Palms is the Audrey Hepburn of Phuket’s hotels – it’s classic yet contemporary, and oozes oodles of class. There’s a pervasive feeling of space with minimalist, artsy swimming pools fringed by delicate white frangipani. Even the simplest rooms are extra spacious and have oversized bathrooms, sublimely comfortable beds and a supreme sense of calm.
Chedi (M Map; 0 7632 4017; www.ghmhotels.com; r/bungalows from 17,000B; ) Any hotel located on a private beach this stunning would make our top picks list, but Chedi’s bungalows, with their naturalistic wooden exteriors that hide within a jungly hillside, further enhance the property’s Garden of Eden vibe. You’ll have to be in decent shape for walking around the resort, since it can be quite a hoof up hills and over wooden walkways to get to your bungalow.
Amanpuri Resort ( Map; 0 7632 4333; www.amanresorts.com; villas US$750-10,000; ) Phuket’s number one celebrity magnet, the Amanpuri offers lashings of glamour and palatial luxury (what else would you expect from the former Shah of Iran’s winter palace architect?). With a staggering 3½ staff members assigned to every guest, this is as close most of us will get to royalty. Accommodation is in private villas and you can even book your own private cook.
Kamala
Location, location, location. Sandwiched in between Patong and the tranquil north bays, Hat Kamala is a good spot to call home if you’re looking to make naughty and nice. Click here for eating options in Kamala.
Benjamin Resort ( Map; 0 7638 5145; www.phuketdir.com; r incl breakfast 1000-1500B; ) With c 1970 construction, but right on the beach, friendly Benjamin is showing its age despite the fresh layers of paint. Rooms all come with TVs and minifridges, and you’ll fork over an extra few hundred baht for a view.
Orchid House ( Map; 0 7638 5445; treepoppanat_kwan@yahoo.com; r 1000-1500B; ) Orchid House is clean and cutesy with patterned tiles and gussied curtains. Blooming potted plants abound and there’s a sweet downstairs bar-cafe. It one-ups Benjamin and is only about 20m further away from the sand.
Kamala Dreams ( Map; 0 7629 1131; www.kamala-beach.net; r 2500-3000B; ) One giant stride from the sea, Kamala Dreams has sparkling surfaces and spotless (though slightly dowdy) rooms with tiled floors and bleached-white walls. The grounds are small but well kept, and are sprinkled with flowers and statues of praying Buddhas.
Layalina Hotel ( Map; 0 7638 5942; www.layalinahotel.com; r incl breakfast 5500-7700B; ) This tiny beachfront boutique hotel earns top marks, especially for the split-level suites with very private rooftop terraces, perfect for romantic sunset gazing. The decor is decisively Thai, with honey-toned wooden furnishings. The only downside is the pool is hilariously small – but that turquoise ocean is only steps away.
PATONG
Phuket’s Costa del Soul-less is a seething beachside city that crams thousands of hotel rooms between its craggy headlands. Check out Click here for a selection of excellent