Amanpuri
The cream of the crop, you won't see brochures for the Amanpuri at your local travel agent--this Thai-style resort on the north point of Surin Beach is the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. As of 2009, ates start near $1,000 per night and go up to almost anything you'd care to pay.
Rub elbows with international celebrities while staying at one of 40 Thai pavilions or 30 private villas with dedicated staff, set in acres of old-growth tropical gardens. Amenities include a 27-meter pool with gorgeous midnight-blue tile, six spa pavilions, private beach club, boardroom, 350-square-meter gym, six tennis courts, and Thai, French and Italian restaurants.
Amanpuri
Pansea Beach
Phuket, Thailand 83000
011 (+66) 76 324 333
amanresorts.com
The Chedi Phuket
Farther inland along the same point as the Amanpuri, the Chedi Phuket's 92 cottages and 16 beach suites are a more affordable way to luxuriate on Surin Beach. Still very upmarket, these Thai-style villas peek out at Andaman Sea views from lush tropical gardens above an intimate white-sand beach. Amenities include a spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, dark-tile swimming pool, plunge pool, tennis court, and Thai and Western restaurants.
The Chedi Phuket
Pansea Beach
118 Moo 3 Choeng Talay
Phuket, Thailand 83110
011 (+66) 76 3240 1720
ghmluxuryhotels.com
Courtyard Phuket at Surin Beach
This Marriott resort is one of the newest properties to spring up at Surin Beach. Garden and sea views are available in 256 guestrooms on five floors, decorated in a modern Thai tropical style with wood floors, vivid earth tones, white linens and bright silks. Family-oriented facilities include a free-form pool with water slides, fitness center, Internet game zone with PlayStation, movie theater, five meeting rooms, business corner, cafe and pool bar.
Courtyard Phuket at Surin Beach
106/27 Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Talang
Phuket, 83110 Thailand
66 76 303300
courtyardmarriottsurin.com
Twinpalms Phuket Resort
This high-end boutique hotel offers 97 guestrooms and suites in a contemporary tropical style fronting Surin beach. Unique amenities include a 50-meter saltwater pool, Asian restaurant with oyster bar, Life Fitness gym, beach club, and business center. A separate part of the property features residences that may be rented on a long-term basis.
Twinpalms Phuket Resort
106/46 Moo 3
Surin Beach Road
Cherng Talay
Phuket, Thailand 83110
011 +(66) 76 316 500
twinpalms-phuket.com
About The Author
Jeff Studebaker is a travel writer and recreational fisherman who started writing professionally in 2003 as a Bangkok-based reporter. Covering Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, he has published more than 1,000 articles in magazines including "Travel Trade Gazette," "MICE Magazine," and "Business Travel News." A psychology B.A. from Western Washington University, he is now based in Bellingham, Wash.
