COCONUT DREAMS

Set on an uber-secluded slice of coast along the Andaman Sea, Aman’s debut resort (founded in 1988) still sets the gold standard for luxury on the white sand isle of Phuket. Amanpuri is a collection of posh pavilions on a former coconut plantation, and nearly four decades of operation haven’t robbed the five-star haven of its sparkle. Large, spacious rooms are connected via floating walkways and feature massive outdoor terraces dotted with daybeds, dining tables, and outdoor pools, all shaded by the billowing fronds of mature palm trees. Several options are available when hunger strikes, including Japanese delicacies at the izakaya-inspired Nama (complete with top-shelf sakes), farm-to-table Italian at Arva, and authentic Thai staples at Buabok don’t skip the lemongrass-forward tom yam soup. aman.com/resorts/amanpuri.

INTO THE BLUE

Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s largest island is overflowing with natural treasures: millennia-old rainforests tremble with the high-pitched squeaks of long-tailed macaques, while mountaintops proudly boast ancient Buddhist temples. Its beaches – some of the most beautiful in the world – feature sugar white sand that dead-ends in nearly transparent waters. While dedicating a day or two to lounging by the coast is non-negotiable, it would be a shame to remain land borne for the entire trip. The best way to explore the dazzling wonders of the Andaman Sea is via boat, a la private yacht charter. Climb aboard your very own power catamaran or king yacht to sail past dramatic limestone karst formations and visit turquoise lagoons, floating villages, and world-famous dive or snorkeling sites. yacht-charters-phuket.com.

TREE OF LUXE

Ten years ago, a stunning hillside camp cropped up in the lush Kamala rainforest of Phuket’s western edge. Dubbed Keemala, the safari-style resort offers an experience that’s as exhilarating as it is enchanting, featuring a melange of cottages, villas, and luxury treehouses tucked into the folds of old-growth trees. Wellness is a central theme here, and its Mala Spa is truly a sanctuary, offering a range of holistic treatments, rituals, and therapies tailored to each individual guest. Each treatment – whether a Voya seaweed hot stone massage, Siam Botanicals deep-cleansing facial, or raindrop healing ritual with medicinal plants – includes access to the sauna, steam room, aromatherapy bath, and outdoor rain shower. Keep the high vibes going with a nourishing bowl of riceberry and marinated seabass with fresh Thai herbs at Mala Restaurant. keemala.com

GARDEN GODDESS

PRU (“plant, raise, understand”) has double bragging rights; the community-to-fork restaurant holds the only Michelin star in Phuket and the first Michelin green star in Thailand. Located on Choeng Thale beach with breathtaking ocean views, PRU uplifts local ingredients from its own garden or nearby farms. There are three different menu options: the signature, multi-course PRU experience for carnivores, a plant-based tasting menu, or a chef’s choice lunch experience. Peek behind the scenes as chefs work their magic in the live-theater open kitchen, whipping up delicate servings of squid with blue cheese, razor clams infused with tea leaves, or green banana gnocchi with chickpea emulsion. prurestaurant.com

RACE TO THE TOP

Watch the sky melt into vivid shades of fuchsia and rose as you sip hibiscus cocktails at Baba Nest, the best place to peep a sunset in Phuket. Located on the southern end of the island, the rooftop bar serves 360-degree views of the Andaman Sea along with a huge menu of martinis, punches, margaritas, and tropic-forward cocktails, plus local beers and global wines. The rooftop deck is fully encased by an infinity pool, and each table features comfy pillows in lieu of chairs. The views are the main course, but hungry appetites can pair the panorama with Mexican tapas like citrus ceviche, flour chips with tuna and guacamole, and street tacos. babaphuket.com