Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa

The Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is a large beach resort set among 20 acres of tropical gardens, although the resort’s private beach, both small and rocky, is located a few minutes’ walk from the property. The Diamond Cliff has been in existence for 26 years, and certain elements, such as the air-conditioning system, are very old school, but this is Thailand, not Miami Beach, and the Diamond Cliff captures the essence of Phuket in its carved wood, bright brocades, gold leaf trim, and ubiquitous orchids. At night, the resort is quiet, perhaps too quiet for those seeking the legendary Thai nightlife, although Patong’s rowdy entertainment district is nearby. The Diamond Cliff is built into the side of a steep cliff, which means there are lots of stairs and terraces that feel private in spite of the resort’s more than 300 rooms. (Guests with limited mobility may want to stay elsewhere.) There is plenty of breathing room, and a real sense of being in Thailand, not some one-size-fits-all resort property that could be anywhere in the world. There is a nice combination of Western amenities and Eastern atmosphere, with nothing pre-fab or generic to be found.

The Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is located on a busy road off Patong’s main beach drive, up a steep hill, looking over Kalim Beach and the Andaman Sea. The resort is a considerable distance from the center of Patong and its fabled nightlife. Free shuttles run to those areas until midnight. The popular shopping destinations, Bangla Road and Jungceylon Mall, as well as the legendary Sphinx Theater, are a mile away. Spectacular Paradise Beach is 20 minutes away by car. The airport is a 45-minute drive from the property. 

Rooms at the Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa are spacious and clean, with private balconies, hardwood floors, and Thai brocades brightening up beds and seating areas. Decor is traditional Thai, with lots of dark wood, carvings, and atmospheric lighting. Many suites have luxurious in-room whirlpools. Headboards are ornate Thai paintings, and the furnishings are hand-carved, including platform beds and lovely mirrored vanities. Many rooms have walls of glass offering spectacular sea views. Bathrooms are modern, but guest room air-conditioning is not individually controlled. Rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite channels, minibars, coffeemakers, free toiletries, and bottled water.

The Diamond Cliff Resort’s Spa is a paradise, with fountains and lotus pools, Japanese-style soaking tubs, luxury products, and a full menu of massage and body treatments. The fitness center includes cardio and weight equipment. There are grass tennis courts, cooking classes, Thai massage lessons, mini-golf and more. Sea Cafe serves tea and pastry in blissful air-conditioning. The resort has six restaurants, including traditional Thai, Korean, Japanese, and local seafood. There are three gorgeous pools and a kiddie pool with a nearby friendly kids' club. The resort offers dedicated rooms for solo female travelers, with extra amenities like yoga mats.