the Best of Phuket

Paradise regained: the best of Phuket

Kate Morgan 8 March, 2013

Long tail wooden boats on a beach near Phuket, Thailand

Drazen Vukelic © Copyright Lonely Planet Images

Surrounded by the aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea in the south of Thailand, the quintessential tropical island of Phuket is a long-time honeymooners’ favourite.
The 40km stretch of sandy coastline snaking its way along the west coast is peppered with exclusive resorts and day spas, while high-end restaurants perch on rocky hilltops overlooking blinding beaches. It may not be a secret, there are many reasons why Phuket attracts millions of newlyweds each year.

Where to find the best beaches

Kata, Phuket sunset by mst7022. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Just minutes from the airport in the north of the island are some of Phuket’s most pristine beaches, and it’s here that you’ll find some seclusion and tranquility. Part of the Sirinat National Park, Hat Mai Khao is a stunning 17km stretch, Hat Nai Yang is a pleasant sheltered bay and Hat Nai Thon is a peaceful arc of sand void of any jet skis or hordes of beach-goers.
Following the coastline south brings you to Ao Bang Thao’s quiet stretch of powder-white sand and peaceful waters, where you’ll find fishing villages, food shacks, a few ambient beach clubs and not much else.
If you’re after a bit more action, your best bet is Kata (bypassing party central and sleazy Patong). Kata Beach is split into two areas: Kata Yai (the main beach) and Kata Noi, which curves around the bay. Both offer a range of upmarket dining, bars, spas and resorts.

How to spend your days

Explore hidden lagoons at Koh Hong by starlight

Long-tail boat inside Koh Hong by Jim Winstead. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Explore hidden lagoons enclosed by 360 degrees of limestone rock on a starlight kayak trip at Koh Hong near Ao Phang-Nga. With just the gentle swish of your kayak’s paddle in the water, sit back and enjoy the tranquil confines with your loved one.

Beach clubs

A number of beach clubs are popping up on the island, providing the perfect excuse to laze around beachside infinity pools, lounge on deckchairs, dine on gourmet cuisine, drink cocktails and swim all day. Our picks are The Catch Beach Club (Surin), Up Beach Club (Hat Nai Thon), Bliss Beach Club (Ao Bang Thao) and Re Ká Ta (Kata).

Viewpoints

Lever by Nicolas Mary. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Phuket’s craggy coastline offers some incredible viewpoints where you can cosy up together and watch the flame-red sun set into the Andaman Sea. The island’s most famous spot, Laem Promthep (Rawai), attracts a large gathering at sunset but don’t let that deter you; it’s not to be missed. Also try a romantic lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking Phuket Town at Khao Rang.

Spas

Pamper and preen to your heart’s content at some of the island’s sexy spas, where couples can indulge in aromatic baths, massages and treatments in their own private rooms. We love Sala Resort & Spa (Hat Nai Yang), The Spa (Karon) and Palm Spa (Surin).

Where to eat

• Blue Elephant, Phuket Town - Set in a restored Sino-Portuguese mansion on manicured lawns, this is one of the most romantic dining experiences in Phuket, and definitely worth the trip into town.
• Boathouse Wine & Grill, Kata - French cuisine, candlelight, red roses on the tables and a beachfront location make this a solid honeymoon spot.
• Mom Tri’s Kitchen, Kata - Intimate and upmarket, Mom Tri’s overlooks Kata Noi and the Andaman Sea and is a great choice for that special night out.
• Batik Seafood, Hat Nai Yang - For those who like it more casual, Batik, nestled on the southern end of Hat Nai Yang, specialises in fresh seafood served under private thatched gazebos right on the beach.

Where to drink

• White Box, Kalim Bay - Up the hill from Patong, this hip and minimalist bar comes with sea views where you can toast each other in style.
• Ninth Floor, Patong - Escape Patong’s streets at this swanky NYC-style restaurant and bar, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows open up to the twinkling of lights down below.
• Royal Phuket Yacht Club, Rawai - A large open-air decked patio with a classic yacht club feel, this is the place to sip contemporary cocktails with bay breezes and island views.
• On the Rocks, Kata - Sink your toes into the sand at this blissfully simple hideaway shack that lies at the end of Kata Noi beach among the rocks.

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