Aman resorts offer the gold standard in luxury travel and Amanpuri was the brand’s first opening in 1987. But all these years on it still looks as if it was only opened recently. To swoons at the dramatic vista overlooking one of the few, and largest, private beaches on Phuket, there’s a collective exhalation of breath on arrival as every slight decision is taken off your hands. Think you’ve had great service before? Think again. It is like no other here: charming staff (at a ratio of seven to every guest) inexplicably greet you by name only moments after arrival at each remote corner of the resort. Your umbrella is positioned to your liking without looking up from your book and towels are rid of sand each time you stray from your lounger. It’s no surprise there’s such a huge return rate from guests making it an annual home from home.
The 40 pavilion rooms with private sala, sunken baths, separate dressing areas and his and hers sinks are not the biggest you’ll have encountered, but are so stylish and comfortable that it doesn’t matter a jot. An upgrade is determined on your view and location and, bar some with a small plunge pool, all pavilions have the same layout so there’s none of the room envy you experience at most hotels. Superiority is democratic here – so put that upgrade you’ve been considering towards your food and drink bill.
By day, the fine, white sand beach is the most popular resting place with its off-shore swimming platform providing just enough of a daily challenge to reach. There’s a wealth of watersports for the hardier too. The two pools never get more than a few couples’ business at a time, the upper pool filling up slightly more when complimentary afternoon tea and cakes are served there each day.
This is a hotel that exudes discreet glamour, where that chap over there looks remarkably like Owen Wilson, and is she on TV? Does it matter? Turn over and sun your back, here you’re one of the VIPs.
What’s hot
- The food. Whichever restaurant you choose, you’ll be blown away by the flavours
- The location. Exclusive plot with a private beach, yet buzzy Surin beach is a ten minute walk away for some inexpensive nights out.
- The service.
What’s not
- Breakfast from October to May is not included.
- Not a hotel for those with walking disabilities, there’s a lot of steps to climb but mini Jeeps can drive you to most areas.
Need to Know: Amanpuri
Number of rooms: 40
Check-in/check-out times: 11am and 2pm (although this is flexible).
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: Yes, two plus a private beach
Spa: The Aman Spa has six pavilion treatment rooms with an extensive menu of massage, healing therapies, yoga and meditation. The gym is extraordinary too: “treat it like your home gym” says the instructor as you look out over the glass-walled 360 view of the ocean. Try not to, more like.
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: There’s four restaurants: an Italian, a Thai, a Japanese and the Beach Terrace for lunch. The food at all is phenomenal; Thai dishes you’ve had a hundred times surprise you with a new depth of flavour while even a tuna sandwich on the beach is somehow the best you’ve ever had. The bar towers over the Andaman sea and its sunset. Cocktails are delicious if a little weak for the price.
Near to? Situated above Pansea beach on the west coast of Phuket island and a ten minute walk to the bustling Surin beach with lots of cheap beach restaurants and sceney bar Catch.
Getting there? You’re collected from Phuket international, a 30 minute drive, by complimentary limousine.
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