Looking for a short getaway from Bali? Phuket is the island escape you need
From one paradise to the next. If it’s even more tropical sunsets, white palm-lined beaches, and warm blue waters you need, then get yourself a ticket and jet off to this world-class paradise… all the deets on what to do are right here in our Phuket travel guide!
WHERE TO STAY
Amanpuri Phuket
This peaceful resort on the west coast of Phuket is chock-a-block with dreamy spots for a romantic vacay. Surrounded by a secluded coconut plantation and perfect private beach, it’s home to Ayutthayan style pavilions ranging from two bedroom villas to ones with ocean and garden views.
Amanpuri Phuket, 118 Moo 3 Srissunthorn, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
The Slate Phuket
Expect to be whisked away as soon as you get off the plane. The Slate Phuket keeps its aesthetic modern yet traditional, with decor elements which pay homage to the island’s tin-mining history. A myriad gorgeous suites are available here, from the Pearl Bed Suite with marble and wooden interiors with a private balcony, to the decadent and massive Bensley Suite (504sqm) with private plunge pools and terraces. If you’re looking to bliss out, check in at the hotel’s Cocoon Spa, where eight rooms nestled in the lush rainforest guarantee you a spot of rejuvenation.
The Slate Phuket, 116, Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand, p. +66 76 327 006.
Habita Suite at Sri Panwa
The new arm of renowned resort Sri Panwa is yet another enclave of calm on the island. 20 pool suites and 10 penthouses between 70 to 140 square metres are available for booking, with each equipped with its own infinity pools overlooking the beautiful Andaman Sea. You’d be hardpressed to not feel relaxed here, as the hotel offers 24/7 room service from its in-house restaurants and a beautifully designed spa with a whole gamut of pampering treatments.
Habita Suite at Sri Panwa, 88 Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
The Pavilions Phuket
This is the place to be for a luxury Thai holiday. Located on one of Phuket’s dramatically high peaks, it has the largest hotel pool on the island, a wellness sanctuary and award-winning restaurants. Whatever your choice of accommodation (the selection includes villas and suites), you’re guaranteed a hideaway as these offer complete privacy and intimacy.
The Pavilions Phuket, 31/1 Moo 6 Cherngtalay, ตำบล เชิงทะเล, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Naka Island Phuket
Relax in utter seclusion at Naka Island: A boutique resort located on the private island of Naka Yai Island, situated 25 minutes off Phuket International Airport. Be sure to leave your phone behind when you check into Spa Naka; you’ll want to be free of all distractions as you immerse yourself in the mind-melting treatments at the four treatment rooms. On the menu are a host of botanical therapies, including the ache-relieving Watsu Treatment, Naka Indigenous Massage to relax tired muscles, as well as the anti-stress Tranquility Aromatic Ritual.
Naka Island Phuket, 32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Naka Yai Island, Paklok, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Where to dine
Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Surrounded by lush gardens with to-die-for views of Kata Noi’s white sandy beaches, Mom Tri’s Kitchen features a menu inspired by renowned Michelin star chefs like Henri Charvet and Gerard Royant. While its signature dishes average six, try the light-as-air hot crab souffle starter, filled with spiced fresh blue crab meat.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen, 12 Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Joe’s Downstairs
If you’re in Phuket, making a reservation at Joe’s Downstairs is mandatory. Toast to your vacay with a sunset cocktail on the sundeck seats, before you chow down on tapas, fresh salads and the freshest ocean catch. Despite its all-white interiors and location mere feet away from the water’s rocks, Joe’s Downstairs keeps it laidback, casual and friendly.
Joe’s Downstairs, 223/3 Prabaramee Road, Pa Tong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Oriental Spoon Bar & Grill
You’ll forget the fact that Oriental Spoon Bar & Grill is located in a hotel – it has its own street entrance to welcome both guests and locals. A buzzy atmosphere instantly greets you upon entering, with a long martini bar and seriously good tipples for you to keep that buzz going. Within its double height space and walls covered in Thai art, you’ll enjoy an authentic Thai menu of Tom Yum, wok-fried proteins, and citrusy salads like Yum Som O, which combines spicy pomelo with prawns.
Oriental Spoon Bar & Grill, 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay 83110, 83110, Thailand
The Corner Restaurant
It’s been open for a while, but The Corner Restaurant continues to pull in the crowds with its Thai-German fare and casual atmosphere. Start your day right with a light breakfast here, or chow down on a massive buffet at seriously reasonable rates (we’re talking $12 to $30 here).
The Corner Restaurant, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Da Maurizio
Phuket may be the last place you’d think of for Italian food, but you’ll thank us for this – Da Maurizio offers the most romantic seaside dining experience with delectable contemporary Italian cuisine to boot. Three menus await – Ocean, Mountain and Deluxe – with dishes promising the freshest ingredients and produce. Delizioso!
Da Maurizio, 223/2 Prabaramee Road, Patong, PHUKET, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
THINGS TO DO
Island Hop
You simply can’t go to Phuket without island hopping. Spend afternoons exploring the sea caves of Phang Nga Bay, visit James Bond Island (it was featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun”), or sun tan at Phi Phi Islands, often dubbed as paradise on earth. Note that these tours are insanely popular, so if you’re looking to dodge the crowds, do your due diligence on less popular islands like Tachai.
Scuba diving
Regarded as one of the top diving destinations in the world, Phuket offers a plethora of exciting underwater experiences, from shipwrecks at Anemone Reef, shark diving and crystal clear waters at Phi Phi Island.
Adrenaline activities
Extreme adventures await in Phuket for those addicted to the adrenaline rush. Rock climb caves, scream your lungs out on your plunging bungee, go off the beaten path on an ATV or conquer forest trails on a mountain bike.
See a different side of Phuket
Phuket’s Soi Bangla may be infamous for its seedy visitors, but it’s an ace way to discover the city’s thriving nightlife scene. Drop it down low at the mega dance clubs like Illuzion and Seduction, or catch a “ladyboy” cabaret show for a spectacular showcase of lights, colour and dance.
When to visit
Soak up the sun from November to April or risk rain from May to October.
Fly via:
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia and Jetstar.
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