As a trendy tourist destination and Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has plenty of enormous chain hotel resorts, but in high season, when these resorts are at full capacity, they can feel loud, crowded and impersonal.
So, if you want to avoid fighting over sun beds or struggling to find a table at the breakfast buffet, consider one of Phuket’s unique and charming boutique hotels instead.
I find that boutique hotels in Phuket offer a more relaxing, intimate and personalized experience. They also boast unique designs often with interesting cultural or heritage features. As they are smaller hotels, they never feel congested, helping you maintain that peaceful, laid-back, lifestyle you want when on vacation.
As a long-term expat in Phuket, I’ll share my tips on where you should stay in Phuket, my favorite boutique hotels in Phuket (with options for all tastes and budgets) and why I love them.
Where to Stay in Phuket
As Thailand’s largest island, it’s a good idea to know a little more about the different areas before you book your Phuket hotel. With beautiful beaches and stunning nature all over the island, you’re spoilt for choice. So, choosing where to stay in Phuket depends on the type of vacation you’re seeking. Here’s an overview of the island:
- Phuket Town – If you prefer culture and architecture over beaches, head to Phuket town in the east of the island. Along with many beautiful colonial buildings and landmarks in old Phuket town, you’ll encounter the island’s top weekend markets and an endless array of entertainment options. Accommodation in Phuket Town is generally cheaper than in the beach resorts.
- West Phuket – The west coast of Phuket is home to the island’s most popular tourist towns, such as Patong. Known for the famous Bangla Road entertainment strip, you’ll love Patong if you want to sunbathe by day and party by night. If you prefer something calmer, head to Kata or Karon, which are popular with families. Here you’ll find stunning beaches with clear seas ideal for swimming and town centres with plenty of restaurants, shops, and markets.
- North Phuket – The beach towns in Northern Phuket, such as Bang Tao and Mai Khao, have a quieter and more peaceful ambiance. So, this area is ideal for couples looking to relax on uncrowded beaches and enjoy soothing massage treatments with stunning ocean views.
- South Phuket – If you’re a digital nomad looking for your next workcation, you’ll love the expat towns of Rawai and Nai Harn. While these areas have a small-town vibe, they are always bustling, thanks to their perfect blend of nature and entertainment.
- East Phuket – While the east coast of Phuket is far less touristy than other areas, there are many wonderful hidden gems here. For example, Cape Panwa is a peaceful haven of secluded wild beaches and luxurious accommodation. Or, why not head off to one of the many small islands off the West Coast, like the aptly named Island Escape by Burasari on Coconut Island – a true tropical escape!
The Best Boutique Hotels in Phuket
Now you’ve got a better idea of the best places to stay in Phuket, check out my pick of Phuket’s best boutique hotels by area:
- Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel, Phuket Town
- Phuket Nonnita Boutique Resort, Phuket Town
- Eden Resort & Villas, Patong
- Patong Signature Boutique Hotel, Patong
- Sole Mio Boutique Hotel and Wellness, Bang Tao
- Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, Mai Khao
- Royal Thai Villa Phuket, Rawai
- Le Resort and Villas, Nai Harn
- Island Escape by Burasari, Coconut Island
- The Mooring Resort, Cape Panwa
Carry on reading to know what makes each one special. As room rates depend on seasonality click on the links to check the prices for your dates, read reviews and book.
The Best Boutique Hotels In Phuket Town
Phuket Town is rich in culture, so you can expect to find some unique boutique hotels here, from heritage buildings to trendy guest houses. Here’s my favorites:
$ Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
The Casa Blanca boutique hotel is housed in a stunning colonial building in the Old Town centre. The cute courtyard garden here reminds me of the boutique hotels in European cities, and the outdoor swimming pool is perfect for refreshing dips in-between sightseeing.
The air-conditioned rooms at Casa Blanca boast wooden or carpeted flooring, private balconies, and a modern en suite bathroom. The suites also have a separate living room and a kitchenette, making them ideal for extended stays.
The convenient location of this SHA Plus hotel means you can explore Phuket Old Town’s many incredible restaurants, bars, and coffee shops on foot. The Thai Hua Museum is 550 meters away and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the central bus station.
$ Phuket Nonnita Boutique Resort
If you’re looking for a unique Thai cultural experience check out Phuket Nonnita Resort located just south of Phuket Town. This homestay-style boutique resort blends nature and culture with activities like Thai cooking classes and spacious green gardens with an outdoor swimming pool.
The staff here excel at offering personalised stays, and there are many thoughtful and unique amenities like free bike hire. The guest rooms are simple, clean and comfortable with triple and quadruple rooms available making this one of the best boutique hotels in Phuket for families looking for reasonably priced accommodation. There’s also a mini farm with animals that kids will love.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Patong Beach, West Phuket
Phuket’s western tourist towns, such as Patong, Kata and Karon Beach, are by far the most popular areas in Phuket. By staying here, you’ll have incredible white sand beaches and turquoise sea just a short stroll away, along with a vast array of restaurants, bars, and shops.
$ Eden Resort & Villas
Amidst the many huge resorts in Patong is Eden, a boutique hotel with stylish suites just 250m from Patong Beach.
The owners here are pros at creating an intimate travel experience, supplying everything you need, from free private parking to free Wifi. There is a swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers, and a buffet breakfast is available at the on-site restaurant.
Each suite has a gorgeous private terrace with tropical greenery all around. The rooms have an ‘effortless design’, using neutral shades and the art of minimalism to create a tranquil and stress-free atmosphere that sets the mood for a relaxing vacation.
$$ Patong Signature Boutique Hotel
Patong Signature Boutique Hotel is one of the most stylish hotels I’ve come across in Patong. What makes it so unique is the rooftop pool that gives incredible views over Patong Beach.
You’ll also get stunning sea views from most of the plush rooms as well as a sunbathing deck, a small fitness centre, and a relaxed cafe and eatery on the ground floor. All guest rooms have private balconies, and select suites have spa baths and kitchenettes.
The location of Patong Signature Boutique Hotel at the southern end of Patong beach is also fab. It’s close to the hidden gem of Freedom Beach and just 1.2 km from Bangla Road’s entertainment and nightlife scene, so you are close enough to party but far enough away to get a good nights sleep!
The Best Boutique Hotels in North Phuket
If Patong is too hectic for you, head north. In the coastal towns of Bang Tao and Mai Khao, you’ll still enjoy the stunning beaches and crystal clear Andaman Sea but with fewer crowds.
$$$ Sole Mio Boutique Hotel and Wellness
Are you looking for an adults-only boutique hotel in a trendy and luxurious part of town where you can focus on wellness and relaxation? If so, Sole Mio is for you.
This boutique hotel in Bang Tao features an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and fitness centre. You can also do their signature Wellness Programme, which includes a range of specially selected massage treatments during your stay.
The modern guest rooms boast private balconies, kitchenettes, and a separate living area. The hotel is just 600 metres from Bang Tao Beach and a 5-minute drive to Boat Avenue.
$$$ Meliá Phuket Mai Khao
Love Phuket’s world-class beaches but hate crowds? If you seek beautiful yet peaceful beachfront accommodation, Melia Hotel is it.
Melia Hotel sits directly on the tranquil 7-mile Mai Khao beach, boasting a beachfront infinity pool, spacious tropical gardens, and a fitness centre.
And if you get bored of the pristine sands and sea of Mai Khao, the equally stunning Nai Yang Beach is just a short drive away. Plus, the hotel is only a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.
Melia features luxury accommodation with an outdoor bathtub and private terrace. One-bedroom villas with private pools are also available. Two restaurants are on-site, and a delicious buffet breakfast is included in the room rates.
The Best Boutique Hotels in South Phuket
South Phuket has become incredibly trendy recently, and Rawai and Nai Harn are now bustling digital nomad hubs. But there is also tons to do for tourists, from the stunning Nai Harn Beach to the easy access to some of Phuket’s best island hopping trips and snorkelling spots.
$$ Royal Thai Villa Phuket
If being immersed in regal splendor appeals, Royal Thai Villa Phuket SHA Extra Plus is a unique and hidden gem along the east coast of Rawai.
The luxurious villas features a beachfront location, outdoor infinity pool and beachfront dining at the light and airy alfresco restaurant and bar.
What makes this resort so unique is its traditional Thai decor and architecture. The rooms boast elegant wooden walls and antique furniture, creating an elegant but cosy feeling.
This is a style you don’t find in many other hotels in Phuket, so if you want to experience Thai culture at its fullest, this is the place to stay.
$ Le Resort and Villas
Want to experience luxury for less? Then, Le Resort and Villas in Nai Harn is for you. It boasts an outdoor pool, free bike hire, room service, and a floating breakfast option.
This uniquely designed boutique hotel is built on a hill and offers a range of room options, including glamping domes, all with stunning views of the beautiful natural backdrop from the private balconies.
I recommend upgrading to the incredible Le Dome Villa if you have the spare cash. It has a private pool, terrace, and a unique domed tent bedroom with air conditioning all nestled within a private courtyard for a unique and stylish stay.
The Best Boutique Hotels in East Phuket
While the western resorts in Phuket are super popular with tourists, there are some little-known hidden gems in the east of Phuket. From tiny islands to peaceful capes, consider one of these boutique hotels if you’re looking for a tranquil and relaxing getaway.
$$$ Island Escape by Burasari
With Phuket becoming so popular, you might think getting off the beaten path is impossible. Well, think again! If you dream of a private island escape check out Burasari!
Burasari Island Escape Phuket SHA Extra Plus is on the small and secret Coconut Island. This island is largely unknown to tourists, yet it’s easy to reach as it is situated close to Phuket Town.
Island Escape by Burasari features an amazing pool that winds around the resort with water slides, cute bridges, tropical greenery, and sunbathing decks. It also sits directly on the beach, so you can choose between beachfront rooms or villas with private pools hidden in the lush flora if you prefer more privacy.
$$ The Mooring Resort
The Mooring Resort in the quiet Cape Panwa oozes relaxation, making it another excellent option if you prefer a peaceful retreat. The resort boasts direct beach access, a large outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of lounging areas.
The Mooring resort offers accommodation on the beach as well as second-floor rooms with sea views. The air-conditioned rooms are bright, airy and spacious, with soundproofed walls and a modern private bathroom with a walk-in shower. It’s the perfect place to relax right on the beach away from the busy tourist areas.
Enjoy Phuket!
Whilst there is no shortage of accommodation on Thailand’s most popular island, these top Phuket boutique hotels offer a sanctuary to return to after a busy day exploring the island.
Strategically designed with privacy in mind, these smaller, unique hotels in Phuket maintain their peaceful atmosphere, even in the middle of high season, making for the perfect relaxing vacation.
While it may be tempting to relax in these stunning hotels all day there are so many things to see and do in Phuket and beyond so make sure you allow time in your Phuket itinerary for some island hopping and day trips.
And if you’re visiting Phuket as part of a longer trip around Thailand be sure to check out these other amazing places to visit in Thailand for more inspiration and find more tips in my Thailand Travel Guide.
If you’re wondering how to fit it all in to one trip then my 2 week itinerary for Thailand includes the best of north and south for the ultimate Thai adventure!
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