Rosewood Phuket

"An exceptional stay with freestanding pavilions and villas for absolute seclusion, featuring the MICHELIN-listed Thai restaurant Ta Khai." - Pruepat 'Maprang' Songtieng

"This hotel may be located within eyeshot of Patong Beach—the island's rowdy epicenter—but from the moment you turn up at its monogrammed entrance gates, it feels a world away. Sprawled over a lush hillside dotted with ancient banyan trees and indigenous foliage, the Rosewood Phuket's 71 elegant villas and suites feel more like island homes than hotel digs, thanks to their cozy living room spaces decorated with keepsakes, fresh flowers, and coffee table books. The Asaya spa is one of Rosewood’s best in the region, where serious spa junkies should book themselves into the Asaya Villa, a spacious day-use spa retreat with a private watsu pool and Himalayan salt sauna. The four restaurants, providing treats from Italian comfort food to poolside surf and turf, are roomy and relaxed, with Ta Khai (modeled after a Thai fishing village, dishing up authentic Thai plates from open kitchens) being the rightful signature spot. There’s also a seriously good kids’ club—wooden toys, educational activities, the works—making it a great stay for the whole family." - Chris Schalkx

"Ta Khai means ‘fishing net’, and here diners can choose live seafood from the restaurant’s tank before a chef scoops it up and cooks it. Dishes, including the deep-fried white snapper with fish sauce, are flavoursome, with spicing slightly toned down if you wish, while two set menus offer a variety of items to try. Ask for a table on the lovely terrace for a panoramic view of the bay and cityscape beyond – or for something different, book a BBQ sala." - Michelin Inspector

"What was it like arriving at the hotel?From the drive-up alone, you know this place is special. Lots of blond wood and large flagstones. The design is breezy and the whole resort is spaced out; free standing bungalows go up and down the hillside, while pools, the spa, and bars and restaurants are scattered throughout. The set up lets the property breathe; you never feel like you're sharing space with many others, even when the resort is full. And the Andaman Sea is visible from everywhere. Lovely! How was your room?Rooms are all stand-alone bungalows, and designed with privacy in mind. Terraces have sofas and plunge pools, while the decor is breezy and modern: lots of white on white, with cool touches like make-your-own cocktail bars. Outdoor bathrooms were a lot of fun. Any notable amenities to tell us about?Wifi is free and fast. Mini-bar was stocked with boutique brands of colas, spirits, and snacks, which made the resort feel on-trend. If you had to award a trophy to a member of the staff, who would it be?Eve! My masseuse at the wellness center. She. Was. Magical. I was unable to talk or interact with others (in a great way) for around 30 minutes after my singing bowl massage with her, which lasted one hour. I felt utterly reset. Do yourself a favor, demand that she be your masseuse. You will not be disappointed. After your first treatment with her, you'll want to book another for each subsequent day that you stay. Anything special to tell us about at the resort?Ocean access: excellent. The resort is on the Andaman Sea. Childcare: There are playgrounds and child facilities available throughout the pool, and spa, and probably why you are here. Ayurvedic treatments and on-site wellness specialists make the spa so much more than a sauna with facial and massage rooms. And hit the restaurant for some of the tastiest fresh Thai fish and chicken dishes you'll ever have. So, worth it?The place is gorgeous and ground-breaking for Phuket. Mark my words, Rosewood will make travelers start regarding Phuket as a tasteful destination, to tack on as the beach break during trips to Bangkok or Singapore. Doesn't hurt, either, that flights come in direct from Dubai, so you don't need to make that one more hop once in the hub city to get here, or fly back to Bangkok to get home. It's a special property and a wise way to unwind after the chaos of Bangkok." - Erin Florio

"The Alchemy of Sleep retreats are also available at Asaya at Rosewood Phuket." - Travel + Leisure Editors