Nestled in the balmy Andaman waters of Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline, Phuket is a melting pot with a rich and colourful history that has exploded into a tourist magnet in recent years. A 5 star hotel in Phuket puts iconic cultural attractions, natural wonders and adventurous activities right at your doorstep. From sheer limestone cliffs jutting out of idyllic waters, lively shores and secluded coves to splendid shopping sprees and nocturnal fun in the form of vibrant night clubs and night markets, you can experience all that this island paradise has to offer at a 5 star hotel in Phuket.

Where to stay in Phuket? The most beautiful 5 star hotels in Phuket

Beach break: Best 5 star hotels to stay in popular Phuket

Boasting a climate that is tropical and warm throughout the year with temperatures hovering at the 30 degree mark, the best time to go on a shopping spree in Phuket is surely at night. At the night markets, you can treat yourself to Thai silk, pearls or a tailor-made outfit as well as a variety of other every day and luxury items. The local cuisine is rich and resplendent, aromatic and spicy, and always well-seasoned. Feast on a the usual green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes but also be sure to savor the myriad of tropical fruit you probably have never seen before like rambutan, dragon fruit and durian, as well as sweet pineapple, coconut and mangoes. Fresh or juiced, you’ll find your flavor. One thing is sure, Thailand’s largest island has something for everyone.

Beach bumming: Sun, surf and sand & Rest and relaxation

Over 30 of Phuket’s most popular beaches hug the curvaceous west coast of the island. Set in a deep oval bay encircled by lush greenery, Patong beach is the most famous, most developed and most popular of all the beaches in Phuket. But this comes at a price, and it’s worth remembering that Phuket does not equal Patong. Though Patong does offer some exciting shopping and beachside experiences, it’s worth venturing a bit further away to explore the lush nature and cultural heritage that Phuket has to offer. Thanks to its dense, forested landscape, the pearl of the Andaman also offers plenty of well-hidden beaches to choose from for those seeking some privacy. Head to Bang Tao beach, a beautiful, long stretch of white powdery sand that attracts an upmarket crowd. This is the ideal stretch of sand for a siesta or catching a few rays before watching the sunset at chic restaurants and bars nearby. And what would a trip to Phuket be without a luxurious spa visit? At a 5 star hotel in Phuket you can enjoy a traditional Thai-style massage in an open-air pavilion while the waves lap at your feet. After being greeted with a friendly wai, silk robe clad Thai massage therapists will have you feeling relaxed and refreshed in no time, as well as looking and feeling your best.

Awesome activities: Into the wild & Cultural escapes

Phuket’s natural beauty is undisputed and the best way to enjoy it is on a nature hike. Sirinat National Park, one of two national parks on the island, boasts beautiful mangrove forests and covers a large stretch of beach along the island’s northwestern edge, extending to the white powdery Nai Yang beach to the north. The Khao Phra Thaeo Conservation Development and Extension Center is a beautiful park home to a number of endangered species. Explore the dense forest and check out the Nam Tok Sai waterfall before having lunch at the floating restaurant amidst the mangroves. Sitting on top of the Nakkerd Hills, the smiling Big Buddha towers 45m over Chalong and the surrounding area. A walk to the top offers breath-taking view points and delightful places to grab a bite to eat or something refreshing to drink. For a charming cultural experience on the quieter eastern side of the island, take a guided walking tour of Old Town Phuket where you’ll discover interesting historical facts and wonder at the Sino-Portugese architectural gems lining Thalang Road. Phuket also boasts some terrific, must-see temples like Wat Chalang, not only the biggest and most famous temple on the island but arguably the most beautifully decorated too, and Wat Suwan Khirikhet, a stunning Hindu temple next to Karon beach. The vibrant Phuket weekend market selling everything from food, clothing, home décor, plants, antiques and jewellery, is also worth a visit. Think Bangkok’s Jatujuk weekend market but on a smaller scale and not as touristy.

Action-packed fun: Island hopping & Adrenalin junkies

Adrenalin junkies will be on cloud nine while staying at a 5 star hotel in Phuket. The pearl of the Andaman offers everything from snorkelling, diving and paragliding to jetting off on a speedboat or jet ski. Surin beach, Laem Singh and Ya Nui are some of the best spots for snorkelling, while visiting James Bond island will have you feeling like a movie star. If your muscles are aching from one too many action-packed adventures, Phuket is also one of the best places to watch Muay Thai fighting, either at Saphan Hin Stadium where regular matches are held or right on Patong beach, where the disciplined combat fighters train. Moreover, a stay at a 5 star hotel in Phuket is an excellent base from which to explore the nearby islands like Phi Phi Don and Ko Yao Yai. Whether you prefer jetting off in an exhilarating speed boat or enjoying a serene cruise, there are countless options to choose from to visit the stunning surrounding islands. Wherever you choose to travel to, you can be sure to enjoy sunbathing, exploring, snorkelling and diving to your heart’s content, as well as simply revelling in that wonderful feeling of having gotten away from it all. Once you’ve gotten your fill of rest and relaxation, though, don’t forget that Phuket is only 70 minutes flying time to Bangkok and other fantastic destinations in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia.