Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

The Anantara has 91 villas, so it's not an enormous property, but the villas are spread out for privacy which means that a bike or golf cart is the best way to move around the tropical grounds. Guests are greeted in the impressive open-air pavilion lobby, decorated with carved dark wood, iron chandeliers, and white candles placed inside of hanging birdcages. Enormous red vases hold white orchids. Expansive grounds are beautiful, with a lovely lagoon topped by lily pads, lush lawns, and a traditional shrine. Thick clusters of palm trees and enormous ferns add to the tropical vibe. As the beach here is small and not lined by loungers, guests tend to congregate around the stunning ocean-view swimming pool, which has sculptures, water fountains, and an adjacent bar. The vibe is laid-back but upmarket. Kids are welcome here, and there's a kids' club, but most of the guests are international couples looking for a quiet, romantic holiday. Honeymooners are especially drawn to this resort, thanks to the swish spa and private swimming pools in the villas. 

Anantara Phuket Villas have a remote and peaceful location on Mai Khao Beach and the edge of Sirinath National Park, which means no noisy neighbors or a lot of street traffic. However, there's nothing within easy walking distance except for the small Turtle Village shopping complex with a few stores, a market, and dining options. A 7-11 is also by here. Expect a 45-minute drive to Patong Beach and a 15- to 20-minute drive to Phuket International Airport. Parking at the hotel is free. 

There are 91 villas at Anantara Phuket Villas and each one of them flawlessly combines indoor creature comforts with super stylish outdoor spaces, decked out with designer pools and tubs. All units have an elegant design combining traditional Thai decor with swish materials. Expect vaulted wicker-lined ceilings, wooden floors, fabric headboards, and earth-tone furnishings. Like the bedrooms, bathrooms are huge, housing rainfall showers, two sinks, and an array of upscale toiletries such as bath salts. Sliding doors open to terraces with bathtubs and outdoor showers as well. Courtyard walls mean full privacy. Rooms come with daybeds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, robes, slippers, and beach bags. Two-bedroom villas are available.

The standout feature at Anantara Phuket is the swimming pool. Guests can wade through crystal clear water to reach clusters of comfy lounge chairs under chic white umbrellas that face the infinity-edge pool below and beach beyond. Exceptional landscaping details include submerged islands of trees and plants, whimsical turtle statues that spit water into the pool, and geometric cut-outs with submerged jets. A hot tub and poolside drinks and food service are available, too. A sandy area sits in front of the pool and is lined with ample loungers under umbrellas, as the actual beach is too small for them. It's also worth noting that the ocean is often too rough for swimming -- green, yellow, and red flags alert guests to the water safety. Non-motorized water sports are available too.An elegant spa sits next to a beautiful lagoon, offering open-air treatment rooms and luxe treatment menu of facials, massages, and wraps. Spa packages are available. The fitness center is bright and modern, plus there are tennis courts, yoga and aerobics classes, a giant outdoor chess board, and free bikes to borrow. A colorful kids' club is a nice addition, and both free and for-fee activities like batik painting are offered. Cooking classes for adults and kids are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Sea.Fire.Salt. serves a unique beachside barbecue in elegant surroundings, complete with a salt sommelier to finish guests' meals with the perfect flavored salt. Menu ingredients include gourmet options like foie gras, sea bass, and Angus tenderloin. It's open for lunch and dinner.La Sala is the all-day-dining option where free and extensive breakfast buffets are served every morning. It gets high marks for both Asian- and American-style options along with fresh fruit and pastries. Thai and Indiana dishes are served a la carte for lunch and dinner.The Tree House was built as an above-ground bar, wrapped around a huge Banyan tree. Guests can order Thai-style tapas from soft couches built for two overlooking a pond and the grounds below. Specialty coffees are served during the day and happy hour marks the start of Champagne, wines, and cocktails. The Tasting Room is located in an underground wine cellar, but with the feel of a stylish living room. Charcuterie and specialty cheeses are on offer to pair with the vast collections of wine.The infinity pool bar is popular for its mixologist created cocktails and lighter bites like seafood sandwiches and salads. Poolside service is available or guests can eat at the bar. Unlike a lot of pool bars, this one is open well past sunset.Spice Spoons is the on-site cooking school where students participate in everything from market shopping with the chef, to prepping the Thai meal, to step-by-step cooking instructions. Fruit and vegetable carving is also taught. Romantic dining for two can be set up in the villas or on the property for an added charge (with advance notice).