The ultimate tropical beach experiences can be found at these spectacular resorts across Phuket, all of which have earned rave guest reviews on the popular online hotel reservations site Booking.com. Each of these hotels are five-star luxury retreats with review ratings of greater than 9 out of 10, and direct access to a beach.
The island paradise of Phuket, Thailand, attracts visitors from around the world with several direct flights daily from major cities across Asia including Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Beijing – so it’s easy to make it a weekend escape if you’re short on time. Direct flights to Phuket are possible from Australia and Europe as well, with nonstop flights from cities including Frankfurt, Moscow and Melbourne.
Looking to plan your own Phuket Island getaway? Read on to see the full list of the best-rated beachfront hotels in Phuket by Booking.com users.
1. The Nai Harn, Nai Harn Beach
Set along the soft sands Nai Harn Beach, the Nai Harn is the only resort in the area to enjoy direct beach access. With fantastic views from its tropical hillside setting, this is the place to simply relax and watch the sun go down over the sea. After an extensive renovation, the Nai Harn has emerged as a chic retreat where no detail is overlooked, from designer bathroom spa products, beach-side butler service and colorful cocktails prepared with flair on the sea-view bar and lounge. Large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer superb panoramic views across the beach and bay.
2. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, Mai Khao Beach
This luxury escape with about 200 rooms offers direct access to the sparkling white sands of Mai Khao Beach and easy access from Phuket airport. The pools offer an inviting place to laze away the day in the tropical sun, and the dining choices here earn rave reviews, especially the evening barbecues near the beach. Rooms are bright and lavishly appointed with marble bathrooms and furnished balconies. There’s plenty to do for guests of all ages with yoga classes, pilates, aqua aerobics, Thai boxing and bike tours among the activities offered. An especially good choice for families with its attentive service, great food, and chilled-out vibe.
3. The Slate, Nai Yang Beach
Found less than 10 minutes from Phuket airport, yet with its huge area of tropical gardens the 177-room Slate hotel feels like a complete hideaway. A short walk through the lush hotel grounds leads to the sands of Nai Yang Beach, one of Phuket’s loveliest beaches with soft sands and sunset views. This stylish resort was designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, with eye-catching details that pay homage to Phuket’s history as a tin mining centre. Boasting three beautiful pools, The Slate also offers a luxury spa, beachside dining, cultural excursions, bicycle tours, excellent Thai cookery classes in its own custom-designed classroom kitchen, and a wealth of activities including diving and standup paddle boarding.
4. The Shore at Katathani, Kata Noi Beach
With only 36 rooms and a gorgeous setting on Kata Noi Beach, this adults-only resort is the perfect escape for a honeymoon or a couple’s getaway. Every room has a private plunge pool, with one- or two-bedroom options, and the large infinity pool with endless views of the sea and sky offers a fine spot to relax. Kata Noi is one of Phuket’s most magnificent beaches, set in a small cove with powder-soft white sand and sunset views over the sea. Guests at the resort enjoy free yoga and aqua-fit classes, and there’s a spa on site as well.
5. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Layan Beach
Offering a mix of 30 rooms and suites, 47 pool villas, and 15 pool residences, this luxury resort set on a forested headland overlooks the fine sands of Layan Beach. Every room offers ocean views with a private balcony, while the pool villas and residences each have private pools and spacious living areas. Fine dining and wellness/fitness are the focus here, with its hillside and beachfront restaurants offering fabulous views while you dine, a luxury spa for Thai massages, Thai cooking classes and Muay Thai kickboxing classes. A great family escape, and also perfect for a romantic wedding or event.
6. Sri Panwa Phuket, Cape Panwa
Sri Panwa is found on a headland overlooking the sea on Phuket’s picturesque southeast coast. With its fresh, young vibe, sophisticated features and discreet privacy this has become a top hideaway in Phuket for celebrities, royals and rock stars. Beach access is a bit tricky with a hundred stairs to navigate, but there are three swimming pools more easily accessed in addition to the private pools of each villa. The resort has ample facilities including tennis courts, a gym, chic dining places and a spa. The rooftop Baba Nest bar is absolutely stunning, with its 360-degree views of the ocean panorama. Go here at sunset, but be sure to book well in advance.
7. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Mai Khao Beach
Found just a few minutes’ walk from Mai Khao Beach, this resort offers a beachfront infinity pool, five restaurants, and a selection of villas with private pools. The resort sits on Phuket’s longest and most idyllic beaches, just a 15-minute drive from Phuket airport, and 30 minutes from Patong Beach and Phuket Town. Most of the accommodation here is a private pool villa, luxuriously appointed with stylish furnishings, with a choice of one, two or three bedrooms. Among the things to do here are relaxing on the quiet beach, a massage in the spa’s private treatment suites, yoga, aerobics, Thai cooking classes and water sports.
8. Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club, Mai Khao Beach
Just steps from the soft sands of Mai Khao Beach and 15 minutes from Phuket airport, these large luxury apartments are great for families needing more space and home-style facilities. Guests enjoy access to the facilities at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa next door including all its excellent dining choices and spa. The two-bedroom apartments are equipped with a kitchen, a washer/dryer and a private balcony or terrace, as well as a large master suite with a double tub. Shared facilities include a fitness center and pool. An ideal Phuket rental for families or groups of friends, with each apartment accommodating up to six guests.