Perhaps the most well-known beach destination in Thailand, Phuket is the place of choice for international celebrities and jetsetters. This city located on the southeast coast has direct access to the aquamarine water of the Andaman Seas, and is a short ferry ride away from smaller surrounding islands, such as Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island where ‘The Beach’ was filmed. On land, expect Phuket to be like any party coastal city, with cool beach clubs such as Nikki Beach and Catch Beach Club to chill out in during the day. If you want to experience a bit more grit and the more stereotypical Thailand, Patong Beach is a great place to bar hop, people watch, or even catch a Ping Pong show... but be prepared for a massive culture shock!
Where to stay: The past decade has seen Phuket’s hospitality industry rapidly develop, with the addition of a multitude of luxury hotel brands. However, there is no beating the grand dame of resorts that started it all - Amanpuri. This uber-luxe 40 all-pavillion and villas resort located in a coconut plantation overlooks the Andaman Sea, and is luxury as its best. The stellar concierge ensures that all your needs and wants are taken care of before you even arrive ensuring that your experience is one that is personalized. There are a plethora of things to do within the resort grounds, from pilates, to tennis, to scuba diving - so leaving the resort is not necessary at all especially for all their VIPs. Amanpuri even has its own fleet of luxury cruisers. If you need any more convincing, this is the private Phuket haven that Jay Z and Beyonce spent their winter holiday at!
[Photo via Facebook, photo courtesy of Kristina Tanso]
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