Andara Resort and Villas

This is a smaller property but it's well laid-out with villas and suites spread out for privacy and maximum views of the Andaman Sea and Kamala Beach below. From the exterior, the resort is lushly landscaped with palm trees and green plants hanging over rock walls. Inside, the lobby is accessed by a short flight of steps that leads to mahogany floors accented with floor-to-ceiling wooden pillars. Black marble alcoves hold large Buddhist statues. Small reflection pools have running water features and cast iron pots hold white orchids. Sunken living rooms are set with high-end wooden furniture. Kids are welcome here, but the large majority of guests are international couples with money to burn on a romantic vacation. 

The Andara Resort is located on a cliff overlooking Kamala Beach in the distance, so the overall ambiance is private and quiet. There are some local restaurants and bars within walking distance and a small village next to Kamala Beach. Expect a 15-minute drive to Patong Beach and 25 minutes to Phuket International Airport. Parking at the resort is free and guests can call an on-demand free shuttle to get to the beach and village, which is about a five- to 10-minute ride. 

Groups and celebrities should take note: The Andara Resort has a six-bedroom luxury villa with a private chef. Actually, all 63 villas and suites have the option of a private chef, and each is super spacious. Pool Villas have the best views of the Andaman Sea and large bedrooms that open directly onto pool terraces. Indoor and outdoor showers, lavish dining and living spaces, and modern appliances (Gaggia coffee machines) make the villas more than comfortable. The smallest villas have three bedrooms. Decor includes Jim Thompson silk furnishings, hardwood floors, recessed ceilings, and high-end, Asian-inspired art like statues and paintings. Scented oil infusers mean that the villas even smell great.

Suites are still over-the-top but a bit more toned down, with one to four bedrooms. Not all of them have private pools and some views are better than others. 

For this price tag, there aren't loads of features at Andara Resort. Most guests spend their time in the villas' private pools or exploring the nearby beach. Silk Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet and made-to-order items. The cost is included in some packages. Breakfast and lunch focus on Thai and Western cuisine a la carte. There's a full bar for cocktails and wine. The poolside bar also serves cocktails. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

The infinity-edge swimming pool is truly gorgeous and rarely crowded. Floating planters hold tall palm trees and the pool deck is lined with chic sun loungers and umbrellas. There's a large hot tub, too. The on-site spa is relaxing and peaceful but doesn't have all the bells and whistles found at other five-pearl properties. Indoor massage rooms are designed with couples in mind. The Spa Boutique sells high-end women's clothing and jewelry. There's an adjacent fitness center with modern equipment and free fresh fruit. Outdoor tennis courts are beautifully maintained and private yoga classes can be arranged.

An indoor kids' club is equipped with a ball pit, toys, and games. Staff provides structured activities for little ones. For the ultimate luxury vacation, guests can charter a customized and staffed yacht for half or day trips around the Andaman Sea, or an overnight excursion to Ko Phi Phi.  

Though the resort overlooks Kamala Beach, the fastest way to get there is via an on-call buggy service, which takes anywhere from five to 10 minutes depending on whether you want to go to the north or south end of the beach. The beach is public but the resort provides a private area with free sun loungers and a lunch restaurant for guests. Towels are also provided. The water is clear and warm, good for swimming or renting a variety of water toys and equipment.