Phuket is one of the destinations Israelis love most, and with good reason. The island’s tropical beaches come with a huge range of places to stay, and the best hotels in Phuket cover everything from secluded hillside villas to big family resorts. This guide sorts the recommended names by the kind of holiday you want, then looks at the areas and what there is to do beyond the pool.
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Recommended hotels in Phuket by type of holiday
Luxury and privacy
Banyan Tree Phuket is one of the island’s leading hotels, with lavish villas, private swimming pools and terraces overlooking the lagoon. Amanpuri is the place for an indulgent, unforgettable stay: sea views, an infinity pool, pampering spa rooms and outstanding service. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Trisara belong on the same list. At hotels of this level guests can expect spacious, well-designed rooms, personalised service, fine restaurants and plenty of activities.
Romantic and secluded
Keemala sits in Phuket’s tropical hills and offers an intimate, close-to-nature experience. Its villas come with a private pool, a terrace and a panoramic sea view. The Pavilions Phuket is another good choice for couples, in a quiet, tucked-away location with wonderful views of the sea and the green hills, and roomy, well-equipped accommodation.
On the beach
The Shore at Katathani is on Kata Noi, one of Phuket’s favourite beaches, and has luxurious rooms with private pools as well as an excellent restaurant of its own. For something more exotic, The Slate on Nai Yang beach combines luxury and modern design with elements of Thai culture.
Families
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa stands on Mai Khao, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, and offers activities for the whole family alongside a calm, relaxing spa. More generally, Phuket is an ideal family destination. Many hotels have kids’ clubs, family activities and suitable room layouts, and nearby attractions include Splash Jungle Water Park, Dino Park Mini Golf and Phuket Aquarium.
Eco-minded stays
Green tourism has become a clear trend in recent years. Hotels such as Keemala and The Naka Island let environmentally conscious guests enjoy a comfortable holiday with a lighter footprint. They work to reduce their impact through water management, energy saving, recycling and protecting local wildlife.
Which area of Phuket should you stay in?
Patong is the island’s tourist hub, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and shops. Kata has gorgeous beaches and a quieter feel, while Kamala is calmer and more natural still.
There are lesser-known areas too. Nai Harn, Bang Tao and Surin offer beautiful beaches, local attractions and indulgent hotels with fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere. Travellers looking for something quieter or more authentic will feel at home there.
Beyond the room: what Phuket’s hotels and surroundings offer
Food and shopping
Hotels in Phuket cover a wide culinary range, from traditional Thai kitchens through Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants to high-end international dining. Most hotels have good restaurants on site, and you will find plenty more in the town centres and along the beaches. Shopping is varied as well, with malls, one-off boutiques and local markets.
Spa and sport
A spa visit is one of the favourite pastimes of tourists here. Many hotels run their own, with traditional Thai massage, facial and body treatments and more. For those who like to stay active on holiday there are well-equipped gyms, pools, tennis courts and even golf courses, and the beaches are good for surfing, windsurfing and diving.
Culture and nature
Many hotels host local performances and art exhibitions, and the island has museums, galleries and cultural tours that introduce visitors to Thailand’s rich heritage. On the nature side, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park shows off the country’s tropical landscape, and Ao Phang Nga marine park has stunning views of the surrounding islands. Hotels can arrange organised trips to both, so you can enjoy them without the logistics.
Tips for planning your Phuket holiday
- When to go: the dry season, from about November to April, brings calm seas and sunshine. May to October is the rainy season, with lower prices but rougher water on the west coast.
- Choose your area carefully: Phuket is bigger than it looks, and traffic can be slow, so pick a base close to the beaches and activities you care about.
- Kosher food: Chabad of Phuket offers kosher meals and Shabbat services – check details before you travel.
- Book island trips through reliable operators: boat tours to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands are highlights.
Before you book
Getting there is half the planning. See our guide to El Al flights to Thailand, Bangkok or Phuket, and check the current visa-free stay rules for Thailand before you fix your dates.
