Secluded Phuket Hotels: Relaxing Retreat for All Seasons

Phuket evokes a mixed bag of reactions among seasoned travelers; it is common knowledge that the popular beaches are crowded and crawling with hawkers trying to sell everything from knick-knacks to food items. Popular beach areas teem with Phuket hotels, but in high season the room rates skyrocket, leaving visitors disillusioned. All these and more are prompting tourists to bypass Phuket during their Southeast Asia sojourn. This is a sad state of affairs, as the place is still incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. If you have a liberal budget, here is a list of upmarket Phuket hotels and resorts that are tucked away in secluded corners of the island, far away from regular tourist spots. Set in vast unspoiled landscapes close to far-flung beaches, these resorts offer limited accommodation for more privacy, solitude and personalized attention.

Six Senses Yao Noi, 56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand (http://www.sixsenses.com/sixsensesyaonoi/)

One of the most luxurious Phuket hotels built around hideaway theme, Six Senses Yao Noi presents the true tropical beach resort experience in its 24-acre verdant forest setting. Situated on the picturesque island of Koh Yao Noi amid stunning limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, Six Senses is just an hour’s car/boat ride away from Phuket. The sprawling resort grounds is home to just 54 spacious Thai-style pool villas, each boasting of private infinity pools, sun deck and a cortege of well-trained staff. Abundant natural vegetation and tropical landscaping ensures complete privacy for guests here. In-room amenities include oversized king beds, customized mini bar, wine cabinet, in-villa BBQ and open-style bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. A selection of topnotch restaurants serving world cuisines, a well-stocked wine cellar and wellness and beauty spa using natural products are present on-site besides a host of interesting leisure activities.

Villa Zolitude Boutique Resort & Spa, 53/25 Moo5 Soi Bann Nai Trok, Chaofa West Rd, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand (http://www.villazolitude.com/)

Well-hidden in 15 acres of natural rainforest, Villa Zolitude Boutique Phuket Resort & Spa rests on a hillside overlooking Chalong bay with villa roofs barely visible through the canopy of treetops. A dream venture of a local businessman, the boutique resort has 45 luxury pool villas with Moroccan-inspired décor and hand-picked Mediterranean art. Pool villas offer sunrise view or forest view and have spacious lounge area and large bedrooms outfitted with latest conveniences. Pampering guests with a range of massages and beauty treatments is Zense Spa. In-house restaurant promises fine dining in company of breath-taking ocean views and soothing live music. In-villa BBQ, infinity pool, Thai cooking class, library and souvenir shop is available on-site.

Trisara, 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand (http://trisara.com/)

Nestling in a tropical forest facing a private bay in Nai Thon in the north-western coast of the island, Trisara is one of the most famous Phuket hotels located just 15 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport. Presenting sea-facing 39 pool suites and villas besides eighteen 2-6 bedroom residences in its 40 acres of landscaped garden placed between two headlands, the luxury resort is totally insulated from outside world. Residences have fully-functional kitchens, 20-m pools, and a retinue of staff including dedicated cooks, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the stay. A jungle path leads to the 2-km private beach that is uncrowded and excellent for swimming. A beachfront restaurant, spa and souvenir shop are available on-site in addition to hordes of standard amenities and services.

Imperial Adamas Beach Resort, Phuket 92 Moo 3, Baan Na Tai, Naiyang Beach, Tambol Sakoo, Amphur Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand (http://www.imperialadamas.com/)

Set in a tropical garden amid coconut groves, Imperial Adamas Beach Resort, one of the most beautiful boutique Phuket hotels, is located just steps away from the secluded beach of Nai Yang. The highlight of the resort is its 3,000 sq. m. infinity pool that winds its way around the Thai-style low-rise buildings. Eighty-eight sea-facing luxury rooms are designed with a large living area, bedrooms featuring king beds, walk-in closet and spacious bathrooms with bathtubs. Private balcony/terrace and direct pool access for ground floor rooms allow guests to enjoy the unspoiled surroundings. Nai Yang Beach Spa extends massages, aromatherapy and herbal treatments in ten individual pavilions set in a lush tropical garden. Beachfront Chai Lay Bar & Grill specializes on freshly grilled seafood in addition to a good selection of local and international favorites.

Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa, 99/4 Moo 7, Phuket 83130, Thailand (http://www.goldentulipmangosteen.com/)

Perched high on a private hillside in the southern parts of Phuket close to Rawai Beach, Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa overlooks four bays and numerous islands. Removed from main tourist circuit, yet close enough for activities and shopping, the resort offers free shuttle service to nearby Nai Harn Beach. Rawai Beach, Big Buddha, Promthep Cape Viewpoint and seafood restaurants of Chalong are within easy reach. The resort presents 41 beautifully-appointed villas with private gardens ensuring privacy and tranquillity. Large terraces/balconies fitted with hammocks, Jacuzzi bathtubs and outdoor rain showers are the highlights of the villas. Centrally-placed free-form pool has features like Jacuzzis and 14 waterfalls. Mangosteen Restaurant serves a fine selection of Asian and Western delights with organic ingredients and boasts of a well-stocked underground wine cellar. Ayurveda spa offers a host of rejuvenating treatments and massages, bringing together the best techniques of the East and the West.

Andaman White Beach Resort, 28/8 Moo 4, Tambon Sakoo, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand (http://www.andamanwhitebeach.com/)

One of the best luxury hotels Phuket, located in a private and secluded white sand beach amid rubber plantations and lush coconut groves, nestles Andaman White Beach Resort, offering beautiful views of the Andaman Sea. Featured in two Hollywood movies, the Beach and the Quest, the powdery white sand beach is right at the doorstep for guests to enjoy. The resort offers exquisitely designed rooms, villas and suites, many featuring Jacuzzis or private pools, most of them with ocean views from their private terraces/balconies. Guests rarely leave the resort because of the lure of magnificent pool, hordes of choices in water sports and Dala Spa offering massages, wellness treatments and beauty therapies. Four dining options on-site include the traditional Tom Yam Restaurant, the classic Mediterranean-style restaurant Mareblue’ Corner and open-air beachside bars and pizzeria.