Boutique Phuket Hotels Off the Beaten Track

Phuket has earned worldwide fame for its beaches and verdant landscape, but is shunned by purists for its highly commercialized tourism. Despite huge inflow of tourists in recent years to the island and consequent developmental activities, the beautiful island has managed to hold on to some pockets of unspoiled nature, thanks to the eco-friendly efforts of local administration and a few dedicated members of hospitality industry. Far away from the crowded beaches of Patong, Kamala, Karon and Kata, these are unique Phuket hotels for visitors to experience and rejoice.

1. The Village Coconut Island, 51/7 Moo 6, T.Koh Kaew, Phuket 83000, Thailand (http://www.thevillage-coconutisland.com/)

Set on a private island just off the east coast of Phuket, the Village Coconut Island presents eco-friendly luxury villas and suites with topnotch amenities and recreational choices. Cut off from the touristy beaches of Phuket, this secluded island guarantees complete privacy and tranquility in addition to magnificent views of the picture-perfect Phang-Nga Bay. Accommodation choices at the best of eco-friendly Phuket hotels include beachfront pool villas with 2-5 bedrooms and private infinity swimming pools and luxury suites with sunken Jacuzzi in private terrace. Resort amenities consist of superb dining venues, health spa, well-equipped gym, mini mart and kid’s club with babysitting facilities. With 500 meters of private beach and hordes of activities to keep you engrossed, you may take the five-minute trip to mainland only on the way back home.

2. Indigo Pearl Phuket, Nai Yang Beach and National Park, Phuket 83110, Thailand (http://www.indigo-pearl.com/)

Indigo Pearl strives to serve as a striking reminder of Phuket’s flourishing tin-mining days. Set against a backdrop of dense rainforest inhabited by rare wildlife, Indigo Pearl is located on Phuket’s sheltered northern shore. One of the top beachfront Phuket hotels, Indigo Pearl, one of the most luxurious Phuket hotels, nestles in a lush plantation bordered by golden sand beach offering unhindered view of the azure Andaman Sea. Exuding luxury and warmth, accommodation choices at Indigo Pearl include pool villas and secluded suites. Service begins for guests at the airport with the hotel’s fast-track VIP service. An array of in-house restaurants and bars serve world cuisines and beverages besides authentic Thai dishes. Coqoon Spa, fantastic event spaces well-supported by dedicated Events Services Team, wedding planning and host of recreational options await visitors at Indigo Pearl.

3. Amanpuri Resort, Pansea Beach, Phuket 83000, Thailand (http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpuri/home.aspx)

The flagship property of Amanresorts, Amanpuri lay cocooned in a coconut plantation on a headland overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Andaman Sea. Since its opening in 1988, the most charming of Phuket hotels has earned an unblemished reputation for personal service, fine cuisine and cruising, all of which complement the natural beauty of its tropical island surroundings. Thai-style pavilions and luxury villas lay spread out across the resort ground offering oodles of privacy and space. Villas come with two to six bedrooms, dining sala, private pool, cook, live-in maid and beachfront setting, making it perfect for family getaways, intimate weddings, business meetings and special events. Aman spa menu includes traditional treatments and healing therapies besides yoga and meditation sessions. Amanpuri offers cruises in its luxury fleet to beaches and islands nearby. The resort has PADI-accredited dive programs from introductory to advanced levels and supplies water sports equipment for guest’s use. Indulgent and pampering, Amanpuri elevates service to new levels.

4. The Chedi Hotel Phuket, Pansea Beach, 118 Moo 3 Choeng Talay, Talang, Phuket 83110 Thailand (http://www.chediphukethotel.com/)

Sandwiched between green wooded hills and azure waters of Andaman Sea, the Chedi Hotel Phuket welcomes guests to thatched cottages sitting cozily under a canopy of coconut palms. Hillside setting affords guests spectacular ocean views from the privacy of their cottages. With private verandahs, secluded sun decks, polished teak floors and a host of modern installations, Chedi Hotel’s cottages are laps of luxury. Exceptionally elegant among Phuket hotels, the Chedi Hotel offers onsite spa services, dining venues, meeting facilities and recreational activities. Daily shuttle service runs at regular intervals to Phuket town and Patong, offering easy access for hotel guests. The steep hilly terrain makes it unsuitable for young children and people with walking difficulties.

5. Banyan Tree Phuket, 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand (http://www.banyantree.com/en/phuket/)

Designed in traditional style in harmony with nature, Banyan Tree Phuket offers a quiet retreat with dream-like appeal. Situated at Bang Tao Bay on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island, Banyan Tree Phuket was ranked 2^nd in Asia and 8^th in the world at the Condé Nast Traveler 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. With its range of exquisitely designed pool villas surrounded by tropical garden and Thai salas, the most serene among Phuket hotels extends the perfect ambience for guests to escape, albeit for limited period, the chaotic world. Facilities offered include choicest dining venues, world-class spa, fitness pavilion, 18-hole golf course, 40 meter lap pool, tennis court, library, cooking classes and yoga sessions. Resort presents activities such as lessons in scuba diving, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing to classes in meditation, tai chi, aerobics, aqua toning and batik painting. Diving expedition to nearby Similan Island, kayak tours and elephant trekking through dense vegetation are other exciting activities.

6. The Vijitt Resort Phuket - 16 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 (http://www.vijittresort.com/)

‘Serenely secluded’ describes this beautifully landscaped resort set above the white sands of stunning Friendship Beach in Phuket's southern Rawai district. Plush, independent villas lay interspersed in the lush tropical garden overlooking the turquoise waters of Chalong Bay. Ideal for romantic holidays and family getaways, the greenest among Phuket hotels is remarkably serene and peaceful. Pool villas come with private tropical garden, exclusive sun deck, spacious terrace and sprawling bedrooms offering magnificent ocean views. Mouthwatering southern cuisine in addition to international favorites and an extensive selection of the best wines from around the world is served in the array of dining venues onsite. Spa, kid’s club and hordes of exciting activities are on offer to make the stay unforgettable.