Keemala

Keemala is Phuket’s most imaginative luxury stay, a five-star resort built into a forested hillside above Kamala on the west coast. Instead of standard rooms it has 38 pool villas in four striking styles that look as if they grew from the landscape. There are sixteen Clay Pool Cottages with rounded earthen walls, seven Tent Pool Villas under sweeping canvas roofs, seven Tree Pool Houses raised among the branches like giant seed pods, and eight Bird’s Nest Pool Villas with woven shells and partial sea views. Every villa has its own private pool, and the Spa Sanctuary Villas add their own treatment rooms. The resort is all about wellbeing: the Mala Spa offers ritual suites with steam room, sauna and open-air bathtub, and the restaurant serves international fine dining with Thai and Indian influences and plenty of healthy, raw and vegetarian dishes. With no beach of its own, Keemala runs a free shuttle down to Kamala Beach. It is a splurge, best for honeymooners, design lovers and anyone who wants seclusion.

Location and getting around: Keemala sits in the hills inland from Kamala, between Patong and Surin. The free shuttle to Kamala Beach runs from late morning to the afternoon, and the drive takes about five minutes. Patong is a short taxi ride south, and Carnival Magic is close by in Kamala. Airport transfers are available for an extra charge if you arrange them in advance, and free self and valet parking suits guests with a hire car.

The rooms: all villas are one-bedroom with a king bed and private pool, ranging from the Clay Pool Cottages to the larger Tree Pool Houses and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas, which have the best views. The Tree Pool Houses are reached by stairs, so mention mobility needs when booking.

Who it suits: couples on honeymoon or a milestone trip, and wellness travellers who will use the spa. Children are welcome and can join some activities with parents, but there is no kids club or children’s pool, and the resort advises checking which villa suits a family.

Good to know: breakfast is a curated buffet with à la carte dishes and can be served privately in your villa. The site is a steep hillside, and the jungle setting brings insects, so pack repellent.