Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort & Spa

The Ayara Hilltops Resort is all about serenity, and its adult-only policy ensures more quiet than other popular resorts. Because the property clings to the side of a steep hill, there are plenty of nooks and patios where guests -- most of whom are vacationing couples -- can find peace and privacy. The Ayara Hilltops is a vertical resort, with pathways and stone stairs snaking up and down the hill between buildings. There are lovely wooden walkways through ponds and tall bamboo, and the rooftops are peaked and shingled in traditional Thai style. With only 48 rooms, the resort doesn't feel crowded, and the common areas are designed and decorated to create a spacious, airy vibe. The colors tend toward golds and gentle peaches, with rustic Thai sculpture and traditional artwork throughout. The resort's spacious open-air lobby is surrounded by lush tropical plants and palm trees.The pool bar serves fancy artisanal cocktails on a non-fussy, but elegant, terrace. Sereniti Spa in the jungle is filled with fountains, tropical flowers, slate, and beautiful greenery. 

The Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa is located on Surin Hill, above the town of Surin Beach, on northwest Phuket. The resort is off the main North-South beach road, but has a private access road that insures quiet and security. There are several restaurants just a five-minute walk from the hotel, and guests can reach the nearest beach in about five minutes on foot. Phuket FantaSea is a 15-minute drive from the hotel and Patong and its nightlife district are 25 minutes away by taxi. However, there are other clubs, like Catch Beach Club, within walking distance. Phuket town is a 35-minute ride. The Phuket airport is a 30-minute drive from the property.

The Ayara Hilltops Resort consists of 48 private villas arranged up and down a steep hill, with unobstructed rooftop views from private balconies and huge picture windows with no danger of being spied upon. The higher up the hill, the better the view, and the most luxurious rooms have private infinity pools and outdoor spa tubs. Others have outdoor showers in exquisite personal courtyards. The modern Thai decor incorporates wood floors and a soothing color palette of creams and browns. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, free bottled water, safes, and free toiletries, including bath salts for use in the deep soaking tubs. 

The Ayara Hilltops Resort and Spa features a large outdoor pool ringed with lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, tropical flowers, and palm trees. There's also a lovely poolside bar that serves exotic cocktails under a pretty pavilion. One story above the pool is the Spice Terrace Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving international and authentic Thai cuisine, including a free breakfast buffet. Room service is available during set hours and cooking classes are offered. The spa, Sereniti, offers a variety of massage modalities, including Thai massage, as well as wraps and body treatments for singles and couples. There is a library, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.