Phuket is blessed with more than thirty different bays and beaches, and while they all score top marks in terms of postcard prettiness, their vibes (and therefore, their hotel line-ups) vary widely. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. All are open to ocean-facing lounge decks, some come with private plunge pools. Rooms, on the contrary, are bright and breezy affairs with palettes of white and grey warmed up with touches of gemstone-hued silk. All come with sala-covered sundecks, real estate rentals phuket thailand some with private pools. The interiors meld safari chic with jungle dwellings – teakwood walls, stone-carved bathtubs and fabrics in earthy tones.

Trisara’s remote location means it’s far away from any tourist sights, but there’s little reason to leave: there’s a gorgeous sunbed-lined pool for lounging and laps, as well as a powdery white beach only guests have access to. But even the entry-level villas at the main address offer plenty of comforts, with open-air bathtubs, walled gardens and pools long enough for laps. Sprawled over a lush hillside dotted with ancient banyan trees and indigenous foliage, its 71 elegant villas and suites feel more like island homes than hotel digs, thanks to their cosy living-room spaces decorated with keepsakes, fresh flowers and coffee-table books. There’s also a seriously good kids’ club – wooden toys, educational activities, the works – making it a great stay for the whole family. The 56 villas, hidden on the jungled slopes and bays of the island’s sunrise-facing east coast, are thatched-roof tropical hideouts with bed posts from sun-bleached driftwood and expansive indoor-outdoor lounges from reclaimed teak. There are a handful of balcony suites, but the pool villas are the ones to book. Each of its sun-flooded villas, some with multiple bedrooms, is hugged by a private infinity pool long enough for laps and appointed with a butler on call for boating excursions, spa reservations and floating breakfasts (if that’s your jam). And even if you’re not sleeping over, the lounge-y, daybed-dotted rooftop bar is worth a stop for the spectacular sunsets alone.

Not just the sarongs, but the bags also are very popular among the people of the city. They have very beautiful and varied designs that will want you to go get them this instant. These bags and sarongs are very reasonable in prices so you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pockets. You can buy them at almost all the shops or markets that are set up in the city. The elaborate and intricate designs on the handmade work will surely attract your eyes everywhere. The handicrafts of the country are very notable and worth buying. They are also available at quite affordable prices so you don’t have to go over the budget to buy these things. The authentic handicrafts built by the people come in various forms like coconut shells, bamboo art, complex stonework or paper artwork which create their own aura around the place. The city has various shops and street markets where you can find the very best handicrafts made by hand and can finally buy them as souvenirs for yourself or for your loved ones.

Bask in the sun and soak up island vibes as you stroll along its soft sands, or swim and snorkel around the bay. Life here is all about relaxation, whether you stretch out on a sunbed, swim in the clear water or explore the underwater world while snorkelling. Open-plan living areas, decadent ensuite bedrooms, bright kitchens and top-notch facilities offer a premium holiday escape for entertaining and unwinding in complete comfort. Service is flexible. Tailored precisely to your group’s needs. Venturing beyond the villa, you have easy access to many of the island’s best sights and activities, such as golf courses, beach clubs, yacht charters, spas and fine dining venues. Whether you desire an elaborate barbecue dinner, a private poolside massage, a babysitter for the kids, or cocktails on the terrace at sunset, your wishes will be met with a smile. Need more inspiration? Each tiny detail is taken care of, and small personal touches are sure to delight such as bespoke activities or fine dining with panoramic views.