Phuket has a mixed reputation, one that nearly stopped us heading there when we identified it as an accessible and well-developed corner of Thailand that we could take advantage of to escape the onset of winter in Europe.
Ultimately it was the promise of reliable internet and good airport connections combined with warm weather and wonderful Thai food that sealed the deal. And I’m so glad we made that decision.
After spending two months there staying in a luxury villa at a reduced low season price and exploring the island on moped – admittedly not very luxurious but it’s the easiest way to get around the island I got a real feel for the best places to go. From exploring some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand to enjoying some of the tastiest food and also wizzing past incredible resorts, Phuket has so many diverse opportunities.
I would now love to share with you the perfect way to enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering on Phuket, even if your budget can’t stretch to a luxury hotel this is the perfect way to splash some cash on a special day.
Morning Massage
Start your day with a relaxing but stimulating massage either alone or together with your partner.
While a bone-cracking and body bending Thai massage is the obvious choice, for the ultimate relaxation I would highly recommend the extravagant but exquisite experience that is a four-hand massage, an experience I wrote about recently.
I can personally recommend the Oasis Spa in Bang Tao and the spa at Banyan Tree in the Laguna resort. Not the cheapest massages in Thailand by far, but worth it if you’re looking for a very special and luxurious treat.
Brunch at Trisara
I’m not sure why but massages always leave me both hungry and thirsty. While you can find almost any sort of restaurant on Phuket there are only a select few that can serve up a brunch in a location as stunning as the one you’ll find at the restaurant in Trisara.
This ultra-exclusive resort is hidden away in the northern hills of west Phuket but once you find it you’ll be welcomed and transported to the restaurant by golf buggy. Then you can enjoy an elevated view over the beach and out towards the ocean and a small lone island in the distance.
Again, this is not a meal for those looking to save money but after we enjoyed some of the best breakfast foods in Thailand and a champagne brunch at Trisara, I was convinced that we enjoyed our money’s worth and then some.
Massage done, brunch devoured. What next? It’s time to rest, of course.
A Lazy Afternoon at Catch Beach Club
The beach club – a restaurant/bar/cafe/place to soak up the sun – is becoming a very popular concept on Phuket and there are several up and down the coastline. While Catch on Surin Beach may not have been our favourite, it is certainly one of the most popular and most elegant with a guaranteed clientele of beautiful people sipping just as beautiful cocktails.
Dinner at Rockfish
While brunch filled you up so you didn’t have the hard job of thinking about what to eat for lunch, it’s worth being challenged by the tempting menu at Rockfish on Kamala beach.
This Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant is perched on the rocky banks that overlook the beach. Enjoy a romantically lit view of the sea where rows of long-tail fishing boats will line up with the fresh catch of the day that you can then enjoy on your plate.
The good news is it’s all down hill when you leave…
Drinks at Xana
If you’ve still got a little life in you and you can still squeeze a cocktail or two in, then head slightly north to Xana, another beach club but one that has a nightclub feel after the sun has gone down. With lots of space spilling out onto the beach and a beautiful big swimming pool to dip your toes in, Xana is the perfect place to toast the end of a day of luxury on Phuket.
Need more inspiration? View my guide to the best islands to go in Thailand. You might also like to view more destinations ideas with my Thailand travel advice.
