Trisara

Spread out generously across forty-acres of tropical bamboo and banana tree jungle–which is tended to by a team of full time gardeners–Trisara feels marvelously sheltered from the rest of Phuket.

• The Andaman Sea views from every room
• Michelin-starred farm-to-table meals at PRU
• The lush tropical grounds

Spread out generously across forty-acres of tropical bamboo and banana tree jungle–which is tended to by a team of full time gardeners–Trisara feels marvelously sheltered from the rest of Phuket. Founded by Anthony Lark, the original manager of Amanpuri, this insider’s address of 60 villas, suites and private homes is a younger alternative. The name Trisara translates from Sanskrit to "three stages of heaven", and all 39 villas and suites face the Andaman Sea from one of three levels along the verdant hillside. Subtle Thai touches round out the high ceilinged, smooth wood interiors, and all accommodations are big and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows that let the sunlight stream in. Each villa also comes with a private pool and an excellent spot for stargazing at night. Trisara's privately owned residences–between two and seven bedrooms–occupy the northern and southern headlands of the resort’s bay and are available for rent with chefs and maids included. The service is outstanding, and all guests have a personal host throughout their stay.

Trisara has knockout views across the Andaman Sea everywhere you look, even in the spa. However, if the think of moving from your sun bed as too taxing, the therapists will give you an invigorating aromatic massage in your villa. Other standout treatments include the six-handed massage, chakra balancing and private seaside yoga. Trisara also offers a complementary Move in Nature program, which includes private nature walks and training sessions focused on holistic health.

Snorkeling just offshore around a deserted island is a wonderful Blue Planet adventure—the private bay is protected by a coral reef, which keeps buzzing jet skis out of sight. The reef prevents guests from wading right into the sea during low tide, but there is a long floating jetty into the water December through April. You can also go further afield aboard one of Trisara’s speedboats, sailboats and super yachts. All are privately crewed, and a PADI dive staff is available for longer trips. However, you may want to plan to be back in time for Trisara's signature Sunset Experience. You can select favorite sips from the glass clad wine cellar stocked with 2,000 bottles and 235 labels, or signature cocktails like a lychee and lemongrass martini or a passionfruit margarita. Trisara's in-house digital and film photographer will be on hand to capture these sublime moments.

Some of the island's tastiest eateries can be found at Trisara. The main restaurant, with its outdoor dining area shaded by soaring coconut palms, offers an extensive and authentic Thai menu, plus Western salads and comfort foods. Sunday here means Jazz and a cornucopia of delectable eats accompanied by champagne. At the southern end of Trisara's expansive oceanfront deck sits Trisara Seafood, where you can enjoy a Mediterranean spin on Phuket lobster and other fresh catch. PRU, which stands for Plant, Raise, Understand, is Trisara's Michelin-starred restaurant and is not to be missed. Meals at PRU are sophisticated and ecosystem-based with an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Trisara's other signature dining experience is their farm-to-table food experience, which takes place at their farm a few minutes off the property and includes many fun surprises and interactions. For those who prefer even to dine in privacy, every villa has a private service entrance, and a personal chef can prepare a BBQ with your choice of food items.

Staying here feels like a super chic villa holiday rather than a typical resort stay. Bucket-and-shovel fans will like the two- and three-bedroom oceanfront pool villas best, which are closest to the beach and have gigantic infinity pools.

Couples seeking privacy, gourmet dining, a standout spa and excellent service and families who want space to play in privacy where they can make as much noise as they like