Phuket’s star has risen once again, thanks in part to The White Lotus Season 3, which showcases the island’s cinematic beauty. With its backdrop of emerald waters and dazzling sunsets, Anantara Mai Khao Villas — the show’s featured hotel — perfectly captures the island’s understated allure. But Phuket has long been beloved for its barefoot luxury, especially by those travelling from the Middle East. Now more accessible than ever, direct flights from the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s new pilot routes make it a seamless getaway for travellers seeking an alternative to the crowded beaches of Bali or Sri Lanka.
April brings ideal conditions, with sunny skies and balmy temperatures in the mid-thirties - perfect for enjoying the island’s many beaches and hidden bays. Whether it’s the lively buzz of Patong, the peaceful shores of Mai Khao, or the rugged cliffs and panoramic views at Cape Panwa, there’s a pocket of paradise for every kind of traveller. But if you’re looking for the glamour of The White Lotus, consider three of Phuket’s most luxurious outposts - each offering a taste of haute bohemia.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Yai Island
For travellers craving real escapism without the hassle of long-haul connections, Anantara Koh Yao Yai strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. A direct Emirates flight from Dubai lands in Phuket in just under six hours, followed by a short drive to Laem Sai Pier and a breezy 25-minute speedboat ride to the island — Koh Yao Yai feels special before you even arrive. It’s almost (almost) fly-and-flop territory, where the hardest decision of the day is whether to lounge by the pool bar or head straight to the beach (luckily, there is time for both).
Previously a coconut palm plantation, Anantara Koh Yao Yai now spans 27 acres between a lush hillside and a serene turquoise bay, where jungle-covered limestone islets are the stuff of postcards. Unlike the mainland’s built-up beaches, Koh Yao Yai remains blissfully under the radar. The island, known for its quiet fishing villages, is a place where time slows and the horizon stretches uninterrupted. Anantara’s newest Thai outpost embraces this remoteness while ensuring no comfort is sacrificed. Suites and villas spill out on to palm-fringed sands, infinity pools blur into the Andaman Sea, and the architecture leans towards minimalism rather than ostentation — luxury here is about space, privacy and an unbroken connection to nature.
For visitors coming from the Emirates and accustomed to five-star service, the experience feels effortless yet personal. It’s the rare kind of retreat that delivers both —barefoot, off-grid tranquility with just enough indulgence to remind you that you’re still on holiday.
Dining
Breakfast is served at Pakarang, offering a selection of international and Thai dishes with views of perfectly preened lawns. Come lunch and dinner, families often opt for relaxed, beachside dining at the The Beach Restaurant, where fresh seafood and grilled fare are served against the sound of waves. For a more grown-up evening, try Tomi, an intimate setting offering a Japanese omakase experience. Wherever you choose, dining here always feels relaxed, yet impressive.
Suites
Suites at Koh Yao Yai are designed with both comfort and adventure in mind, specifically if you’re booking a family space. Featuring spacious rooms replete with bunk beds, tents and even toddler-sized WCs, this is a home away from home that turns bedtime into an adventure. The family building also features one of Southern Thailand’s largest kids’ clubs, offering everything from a ball pit to chill-out room for younger guests. Just outside, a dedicated kids’ pool — with water slides and ice cream carts — adds a lively touch, while a discreet water feature softens the joyful squeals that might otherwise echo throughout the resort, so parents can enjoy the serenity of the island while the children make the most of it.
Villas
While it might boast 148 generously-sized suites, if you ask us, reserve yourself one of the private villas which balances homely design with subtle Thai influences. Couples can retreat to one- and two-bedroom villas that line the shore, offering private butler service and direct beach access. The resort’s largest, the 300-square metre two-bedroom beachfront pool villa, includes a central living area, kitchen, dining room, two ensuite bedrooms and a pool terrace with an outdoor rain shower, perfectly suited for those seeking an intimate island retreat.
Wellness
The Thai massage, with its precise techniques and indigenous ingredients, promotes balance, while rituals focused on detoxification are designed to renew the body. For those seeking a deeper experience, the resort’s wellness spaces provide an ideal setting for yoga, meditation and lengthier spa journeys. While Koh Yao Yai is family-oriented (the spa menu includes family treatments and mother-daughter journeys), the resort is also popular with with young couples, often found in the sleek gym, overlooking the jungle. If you’re spending your break hooked up to a Fitbit, there’s no better place to do it. Just don’t forget to schedule a daily visit to the hydro pool — one of nature’s best body boosters. Book now
Intercontinental Phuket Resort, Kamala Beach
Tucked between Kamala Beach and a lush forested hillside, InterContinental Phuket offers the best of both worlds — seclusion without isolation. Designed for travellers who crave the comforts of a hotel but still want a unique escape, the resort is just a 45-minute drive from the island’s main airport. The beachfront suites and pool villas provide sweeping sea views, while the hillside accommodations offer a more private retreat surrounded by nature. At its heart stands a striking temple-inspired structure, an architectural nod to Thai heritage that adds a sense of spirituality to your stay.
Expect the quintessential Thai getaway: a lively beach where well-heeled families, seasoned travellers and the occasional backpacker cross paths. Service is arguably better than anything you’ll receive across European shorelines, embodying Thai hospitality at its best. It’s a place where contrasts — energy and tranquility, tradition and modernity — come together with ease.
Strolling from the forest shade to the shoreline is a simple pleasure, best done with Hermès slippers in hand rather than on foot (no one’s judging, it’s that kind of place). Whichever direction you turn, the setting feels blissfully removed from reality — until the distant hum of Phuket’s roads reminds you that you’re still connected to the city that you came to explore.
Dining
Jaras is the resort’s standout outlet where local ingredients shine in signature dishes like the Phuket lobster red curry, rich with coconut and kaffir lime, and the crispy Andaman sea bass. The setting — intimate, candlelit and framed by the infinity pool — elevates each bite. Elsewhere, a beachside grill serves up just-caught seafood, while the lobby lounge offers afternoon tea with a Thai twist. Mocktails are creative, often infused with regional botanicals.
Villas
With over 200 rooms, suites and villas, the resort offers plenty of choice, but MOJEH recommends opting for one of the private pool villas. The one- and two-bedroom options are best for those craving extra space, while the three-bedroom villa — if you’re feeling indulgent — offers the ultimate sanctuary. With floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools and expansive terraces that blur the line between indoors and out, whether you're waking up to jungle views or stepping straight on to the sand, these villas offer a more secluded, home-like escape.
Kids' Club
A light-filled haven of colour and creativity, the kids’ club is cleverly designed with cosy nooks and themed play areas to keep young minds engaged. Little ones can dive into arts and crafts and nature-inspired fun, but activities go far beyond painting and cooking classes, although there’s plenty of that, too. There are even trips to the beach for recycling activities and ecology lessons.
Wellness
Sati Spa is a sleek, understated retreat offering Thai herbal compress massages, invigorating scrubs and oil therapies designed to melt away tension. Private treatment rooms ensure complete tranquility, while expert therapists tailor each experience. For those who prefer to stay active, the resort’s tennis club offers well- kept courts and private coaching. Book now
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thalang
Banyan Tree Phuket is one of those classics that never goes out of style. Built around a network of lagoons and framed by lush tropical gardens, this all-villa resort has been setting the standard for discreet, high-end Thai hospitality since the 1990s. As the very first outpost of the Banyan Tree brand, they take it seriously. The villas — most with private pools, others stretching into multi-bedroom estates — are designed for those who like their seclusion with a side of service. Some of these villas have permanent owners, so don’t be surprised if you return home having added to your investment portfolio. The vibe is understated luxury with natural materials, and just enough Thai detailing to remind you where you are.
While the Andaman Sea is a short buggy ride away, much of the resort’s charm lies in its vast, jungle-lined grounds. Mornings begin with birdsong and a leisurely breakfast overlooking the water, while afternoons stretch out between the award-winning spa, the golf course and long, lazy laps of the pool. The pace is slow, the service effortless, and whether you’re here for a romantic retreat or a family getaway, it delivers.
When it comes to dining, Banyan Tree Phuket offers a selection of tried-and-tested restaurants that have long set the standard for Phuket’s culinary scene. Saffron, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, stands out with its refined approach to traditional Thai flavours, offering expertly crafted dishes in a stunning setting overlooking the lagoon. Meanwhile, Watercourt offers a relaxed atmosphere with an international menu, perfect for laid- back dining after a long day.
Wellness
Among the standout options are the Restorative Yoga sessions, designed to promote relaxation and flexibility, and Detox Retreats, focusing on cleansing the body through diet and treatment. For a more immersive experience, guests can join Thai Cooking Classes, where they learn to prepare nutritious local dishes. The Wellness Immersion Program combines fitness, yoga and spa therapies for a complete mind-body reset, while private meditation classes offer a peaceful space for personal reflection. These experiences take place in light-filled studios and tranquil treatment rooms.
Activities
Scenic bike rides take you through lush tropical landscapes. For golf enthusiasts, the resort’s 18-hole course provides stunning views at every turn — they simply don’t make them like this anymore, space is not an issue here. The private beach does require a short shuttle ride, but the crystal-clear waters more than make up for the journey.
What Else
In addition to Banyan Tree, Laguna Phuket is home to other distinguished resorts, including Angsana Laguna and Dusit Thani, each offering its own distinct atmosphere. The area caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding, alongside nature walks for those seeking a slower experience. Guests can indulge in seaside dining at vibrant beachfront restaurants, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments and explore cultural activities. Its slower pace and untouched landscapes make it ideal for those wanting to disconnect, but Phuket’s lively beach clubs and restaurants are still within easy reach for the occasional foray into civilisation. Book now
Originally Published In The March 2025 Issue of MOJEH. Subscribe here
