Amatara Wellness Resort

Amatara was originally a Conrad property before it shut down for four years of intense renovations, re-opening in 2013 as a Regent with an updated Neo-colonial and minimalist style that emphasizes the gorgeous Andaman sea views. Now, it is an Amatara property but hasn't changed much since the most recent changing of hands. Guests are greeted in a paved courtyard under an elaborate white porte cochere flanked with water fountains. Inside, the semi-open air lobby includes a reception desk set on a raised wooden platform. There are a few clusters of bamboo furniture, but most guests hang out by the swimming pool. Guest rooms and villas are built into a hill, which means great views, but also the use of a golf cart for getting around the large property. Reflection ponds, palm trees, and thick bamboo groves give a tropical vibe to the grounds. The clientele is evenly split between couples and families with big budgets who don't mind paying extra for privacy. 

In exchange for the huge grounds and private beach, guests give up fast access to Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town. The property sits on the southern end of Phuket, overlooking Pawna Cape on the Andaman Sea. The road that leads to the hotel is mostly quiet; it hits a dead end just past the property so there isn't much in the way of traffic or services. Expect a 45-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and a 20-minute drive to Phuket Town. Parking is free and there's a free shuttle to town and Patong Beach, though the hours are irregular and the service ends early. 

There are 105 rooms spread out over a sloping hillside facing the Andaman Sea at Amatara. Each has a private furnished balcony with gorgeous sea views, though some of the vistas are slightly interrupted by bushes or an industrial compound. Technology includes iPad tablets, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The decor is elegant and contemporary with linoleum wood floors, white walls, and dark wood recessed ceilings. Furniture is made from bamboo or dark wood and large windows let in ample light. Electric blinds are a luxe touch, as are in-room espresso machines. Contemporary and spacious bathrooms have marble double sink vanities, oversize glass showers, and deep soaking tubs. Some rooms include standalone soaking tubs that overlook the ocean.

Pool Villas are large, but they don't include kitchens or dedicated dining areas. Instead, the bed in each is placed on a raised platform below a sunken living room. The highlight in these rooms is the outdoor, L-shaped private plunge pool in each, which comes complete with an infinity edge and submerged water jets. Inside, Villas have circular bathtubs large enough for two. Another perk with this level of room is free alcohol in the minibar, a 24-hour butler service, and free laundry.

Features here are focused on fresh air and sun. The most popular feature is the gorgeous infinity-edge swimming pool with a tiled blue bottom that almost perfectly matches the color of the sparkling Andaman Sea. Though the large pool is rarely empty, there are plenty of umbrellas and cushioned sun loungers to go around. White sculptures spit streams of water into the pool, adding ambiance. The other swimming option is the private white sand beach, though during low tide (which takes place most of the afternoon) the water is extremely shallow. Guests will find several sun loungers, towels, and a rack of kayaks to borrow, set out on the sand. The beach isn't accessible to the public, so there aren't any vendors or touts. 

The indoor/outdoor spa has eight private treatment rooms and a salon. Attention to elegant details includes a reflection pond and outdoor cabanas for al fresco Thai massages. There's a well-kept tennis court with a tennis pro, fitness center with personal trainers, and an outdoor yoga pavilion. Staff organizes group classes and activities like bike tours, kayaking, and tai chi. There's a cute kids' club, too. The Library Lounge offers a quiet place to peruse books or borrow one of the laptop computers with free Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the property. A gift shop sells beach resort wear and toiletries. 

All guests get a free daily breakfast buffet included in the price of a room, though a la carte add-ons can incur an extra charge. The Restaurant serves Thai and international fare. The Grill focuses on seafood and prime cuts of meat, and features an extensive wine list. The adjacent Grill Lounge serves cocktails and wine on a rooftop overlooking the Andaman Sea. The Library is the place to smoke a cigar and have an after dinner cognac while the Beach Table provides snacks and cold drinks on the sand. Room service is available 24 hours a day.