Amanpuri

Top-end resort above Pansea Beach

Hours: Check-in 3pm / check-out noon
Address: Pansea Beach, Phuket 83110

Pavilions and villas step down a coconut-palm hillside to Pansea Beach, which feels almost private. Days here are simple: swim, then a drink on a sea-facing terrace at sunset. Hotelier's Choice ranks it first on the island (9.7). Nightlife is far off, so any trip out means a car.