The 13 Best Luxury Resorts in Phuket

Paresa means "heaven" in Thai, and with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea over Millionaires Mile and private luxury villas -- to some guests, Paresa is truly a five-pearl piece of heaven on earth. At night, the infinity-edge pool is lit up with hundreds of twinkling LED lights. Two on-site restaurants and a cooking school offer gourmet fare.


Standout Feature: The views here, particularly from the infinity pool, are hard to beat.

The 48-room luxury Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa is built on the steep slope of Surin Hill, in northwest Phuket. Thanks to its hillside location and lush, jungle-like landscaping, there are unobstructed and spectacular views throughout -- especially the sunsets over the Andaman Sea on the horizon. Each room is a spacious, private villa with luxe features including outdoor showers and deep soaking tubs.


Standout Feature: We love that this romantic spot is adults-only.

The 205-room Cape Panwa Hotel is an upscale property located directly on Panwa Beach. It's a solid choice for families and couples who want fast access to the hustle and bustle in nearby Phuket, but prefer to sleep and eat in a quieter location. The hotel makes transportation easy with a free shuttle and parking, and guests who want to stay on property can enjoy the white sand, outdoor pool, several restaurants, and fun cultural activities. Rooms are spacious and stocked with creature comforts like pillow menus and balconies.


Standout Feature: Guests can ride a funicular through the lush grounds to reach the beach.

Regent Phuket Cape Panwa is a five-pearl property overlooking the Panwa Cape on Phuket's quiet southern end. With a breathtaking infinity-edge pool overlooking the Andaman Sea, a private sandy beach, and tricked-out villas and rooms, the Regent Phuket is an ideal spot for couples and families seeking a luxurious tropical vacation with all the trimmings. Fun extras include iPad tablets in the rooms, and a full spa and salon, and a free breakfast buffet.


Standout Feature: The hotel offers a slew of freebies – everything from breakfast to Wi-Fi, from rental bikes to a shuttle into town.

The five-pearl Pullman Phuket Arcadia Resort is alone in its class in this part of Phuket. Both families and couples adore this hotel for its gorgeous design details, extra-comfortable rooms, and infinity-edge pool overlooking the Andaman Sea. There are six on-site bars and restaurants, a luxe spa, and a fun kids' club. The natural beach is stunning, but the water can get a little rough at certain times of the year, and steep steps to the beach may be difficult for little ones to traverse. Staff is available to drive guests around the resort in small buggies.


Standout Feature: With the beach and a national park as neighbors, this is one of the most private, tranquil resorts in Phuket.

Trisara Phuket is one of the most luxurious and private five-pearl properties in Phuket. Guests are met at the airport by an SUV and shuttled to the stylish resort, complete with a private sandy beach, infinity-edge swimming pool, three restaurants, and gorgeous accommodations with private pools and views of the Andaman Sea. There's a private boathouse and a popular Jazz Brunch on Sundays.


Standout Feature: The focus here is the private beach, which has some of the bluest waters and whitest sands we’ve ever seen. Plus, Trisara provides free kayaks to rent.

It's pretty difficult to beat the wow factor found at The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Phuket. Guests arrive at the small, tropical island via a five-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. The five-pearl property consists of 67 private villas with private courtyards that boast plunge pools and giant outdoor soaking tubs. Naka Spa is one of the best in Thailand; it includes an ice room and warm Watsu pool.


Standout Feature: You can’t really beat a resort that’s on its own island, right?!

Well-heeled guests choose from luxury villas or suites at Andara; most of them have gorgeous private pools and sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. It would be easy to spend an entire vacation holed up in the villas, which get stocked with guests' favorite foods, and a private chef comes to prepare customized meals. Other great features are the relaxing spa, infinity-edge swimming pool, and Silk restaurant found in the common areas.


Standout Feature: Guests can charter the hotel’s tricked-out yacht.

The 333-room luxury Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is a peaceful family-friendly resort conveniently located near the gorgeous Phuket beaches. Diamond Cliff is a quiet sanctuary; its three swimming pools set it apart from other area resorts. The atmosphere is traditional Thai, simple but lush, with plenty of local character.


Standout Feature: Rooms here are outfitted in beautiful, traditional Thai décor; many have walls of glass offering spectacular sea views, and private balconies.

Anantara Phuket Villas is a five-pearl property with gorgeous villas. It was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, and his high attention to stylish detail shows throughout the Sino Portuguese property: intricately carved wood, open-air buildings, reflection pools, and pagoda-style structures can be found here. Though Anantara has everything its competitors have -- a luxe spa, free breakfast buffet, cooking school, and free bikes -- the one major flaw here is the tiny, red flag beach. For those who care more about swimming pools than sand, the Anantara is a great choice.


Standout Feature: Each villa has a private pool.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious resorts (with a price tag to match) in Phuket. The tropical grounds and friendly service are almost impeccable. A location near Phuket International Airport is convenient for flights, but less so for those who want to explore Phuket. There are three upscale swimming pools, a luxe spa, and 12 distinct restaurants and bars. Contemporary rooms include balconies and mini-fridges, while the Villa has a private pool. 


Standout Feature: The spa is a true highlight; facilities include indoor pools, a steam room, and outdoor day beds, and various traditional and Thai-inspired treatments are available.

The Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa is a luxury property perched on a lush hillside bordering Patong city that offers a quiet atmosphere and a modern, vaguely futuristic aesthetic. The 150 rooms and suites are decorated in metallics and rich earth tones, and have all have private balconies. On-site features include a spa with hillside views, a sleek rooftop terrace with a cocktail bar, and an opulent international restaurant.


Standout Feature: With poolside and swim-up bars at the three pools, guests never have to wait long for a drink.

Banyan Tree Phuket is one of the larger five-pearl resorts in Phuket, with over 100 guest villas on sprawling garden grounds that can be difficult to navigate. Manmade lagoons and the Andaman Sea provide beautiful water views. Villas are spacious and include luxurious details like private outdoor spaces with hot tubs or pools, designer furniture, and pillow menus.


Standout Features: The list of on-site features is incredibly extensive, and includes cooking lessons, boat rides, a golf course, yoga, and even a baby elephant.