Mr & Mrs Smith

If you’re looking for adventure, Anantara has a multitude of tailored trips that can be organised for land or sea. The hotel’s brilliantly titled Director of Discovery can arrange jungle exploring, wildlife watching, sailing and sea cruises, rafting, diving, elephant trekking, art and architecture tours and even private surfing lessons. More unusual options include watching baby turtles hatch on the beach or meeting sea gypsies to learn about their lifestyle. You don’t have to venture out of the grounds though, with cooking classes, meditation and yoga lessons, tennis courts, windsurfing and kayaking all available on the premises, as well as the Anantara Spa. The seven luxe treatment rooms include a spa suite with a pool, perfect for indulging in Thai massage, scrubs, body wraps or Ayurvedic therapies.

The tropical sophistication and jazzy soundtrack at Siam Supper Club (+66 (0)76 270 936) attracts the island’s more discerning expats. It serves an easy-going menu of pizzas, grilled fish and meat, and cocktails. Lotus (+66 (0)81 797 3110) is a casual beach restaurant with a modern-rustic vibe and jaw-dropping views at sunset. Book ahead as it’s extremely popular. Smart restaurant Silk (The Plaza Surin, 5/50 Moo 3, Cherngtalay; +66 (0)76 271 702) serves contemporary Thai food to a stylish crowd.

Ramp up the glamour factor by spending an evening perched on the cushioned white loungers overlooking the ocean and pool at Sala Phuket (333 Moo 3, Mai Khao Beach; +66 (0) 76 338 888; www.salaresorts.com/phuket).  

If you fancy getting out of the hotel for breakfast or a snack, head to Paula’s Retro Café (106/41 Moo 3, Cherngtalay; +66 (0)76 270 283), a local favourite. For lunch, quiche, home-made bagels, fresh sandwiches and salads are on the menu.

Dare to venture to chaotic Patong – if only for one night – where there’s a guaranteed party crowd and the best people watching in Phuket. Local hotspots are Seduction (39/1 Bangla Road; +66 (0)76 340 215), the open-air Club Lime and Banana (both Taweewong Road). Located in an old Sino-Chinese house, Ka Jok See (26 Takua Pa Road, Phuket Town; +66 (0)76 217 903) attracts a fashionable crowd with its classy decor and lively atmosphere – don't be surprised to see dancing on the tables!

February The Phuket International Blues Rock Festival (www.phuketbluesfestival.com) draws local and international bands to a huge outdoor venue at the Hilton Phuket on Karon Beach. March The Thao Thep Krasatri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival commemorates two heroines who defended Phuket against the Burmese in 1785. April Leave your camera and other valuables in the room during the Songkran Festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year. The tradition of sprinkling water has now become an excuse for full-on water fights and you’re likely to get soaked.