For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
As you approach Phuket by plane, you spy jungle-clad hills twisting across the island like green contorted dragons. Rapidly developing around – and even up – the mountains, Phuket has speedily got back to business after the dramatic horror show of the 2004 tsunami. Upon arrival, spend your time soaking up the sun, the sea and the sand in exquisite spa resorts or rented villas, then drift down to Phuket Town and its one-of-a-kind Sino-Portuguese colonial architecture.
Although Phuket is hardly developed by Western standards, there’s a strong sense of entrepreneurship and ingenuity among its people. Look out for crafty DIY-versions of everyday items around the island. Chances are you’ll see roadside rubbish bins fashioned from old truck tires, sun-loungers built out of leftover piping, and dumbbells shaped from spare concrete slabs.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Phuket & Khao Lak
Commanding panoramic views over Cape Panwa, this lush and leafy Sri Panwa resort is a paean to privacy and pampering on tropical-island getaway, Phuket.
Known for its hearty hospitality and friendliness, the Sarojin boutique hotel is an award-laden honeymooner’s haven, with ooh-look-at-that-type tropical beauty around every leafy corner.
A white-washed hideaway to soothe the soul, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga has exclusive access to one of the most unspoilt and uncluttered stretches of beach in Thailand.
Peppered throughout the palm-trees beside the ivory crescent of Pansea beach, a village of luxury Thai pavilions make up this enchanting boutique hotel in Phuket.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
February Spine-tingling rhythm and blues at Phuket International Blues Festival (www.phuketbluesfestival.com). The Old Phuket Town Festival brings traditional music, dance and food to the streets, which are closed to traffic. March Phuket Pride (www.phuketpride.org). April Phuket Bike Week welcomes Hondas, Harleys and more roar for charity (www.phuketbikeweek.com). June Phuket International Marathon is followed by a hearty pasta party (www.phuketmarathon.com). July Yachting on the high seas at Phuket Race Week (www.phuketraceweek.com). October Local Chinese go vegetarian amid the bustle of processions at Phuket Vegetarian Festival (www.phuketvegetarian.com) November Phuket Carnival offers plenty of kitschy fun and floats to welcome the start of high season (www.phuketcarnival.com). December Phuket’s King Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest regatta race held in honour of the King (www.kingscup.com).
This former Chinese bank turned café makes for a quirky lunch stop. Nibble on traditional Chinese savouries while downing a refreshing rambutan shake.
20 Thalang Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
Perched on a waterfront terrace, this charming little outlet serves up Thai cuisine and Italian Illy coffee.
Canal Village No.49, Laguna Phuket, Thalang, Phuket 83000
Cool interiors and fantastic fusion-modern Thai cuisine have made this one of the most popular restaurants for discerning foodies on the island.
28 Phrabaramee Soi 7 Kalim Beach, Patong, Phuket 83150
Arguably Phuket locals’ favourite restaurant, Ka Jok See makes for a convivial meal with its lively atmosphere, top Thai tastes and occasional campy cabaret.
26 Takupa Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
Raise the romance quotient up several notches at this chichi spot where you can opt to dine poolside or in the air-conditioned comfort of a private room.
121 Srisonthorn Road, Surin Beach, Phuket 83110
The massive Sunday brunch spread is hands-down the best brunch on the island, so book ahead; many local expatriates are devout regulars.
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Located in Surin Plaza, this tremendously trendy spot serves Modern Thai cuisine in modern Thai interiors.
5/50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Splurge at this delightful eatery in top-end villa resort Amanpuri. The fine Italian dinner you’ll have at this stunning al fresco restaurant is holiday money well spent. Make sure to get a table with a full-on sea view.
Pansea Beach, Phuket 83000
If you have some time to spare before jetting off, stop by WiFi-enabled Siam Deli for fluffy breads, drool-worthy deli meats and a scoop of their creamy ice-cream. Or, if you hate airline food, pack a pastry to eat on the plane.
231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thalang 83110
Located at Twinpalms hotel, this is where the seriously sexy crowd hang out. Live international bands and DJ acts take to the stage for groovesome tunes.
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
The drag brigade provides outlandish entertainment, and this mother of all cabaret shows has camp ’n’ colourful extravaganzas that require advance booking.
8 Sirirach Road, Patong Beach, Phuket Thailand 83150
Cool jazzy sounds and a fantastic view will keep you at until the wee smalls; the cocktails are just as fabulous.
Kata Hill, Phuket
A sunset cocktails stop where the crowd and decor are so trendy, it smarts.
223/3 Prabaramee Roadd, Kalim Beach, Phuket
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
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