13points · on 2 of 3 lists: Tripcorner blog and Tripadvisor
Banyan Tree Phuket has worked with Laguna Phuket on sea turtle conservation since 1994 and has released 2,186 turtles into the Andaman Sea. At its yearly family release, guests watch young turtles find their own way to the water, and the program has raised 7.7 million baht for the Phuket Marine Biological Center. With local schoolchildren, the resort also planted a Miyawaki pocket forest of 7,500 saplings from 84 native species.
“An absolute sanctuary of luxury, elegance, and heartfelt hospitality.”
a Google reviewer
“Our two days at Banyan Tree Phuket were absolutely wonderful.”
a Google reviewer
Keemala's villas hide in the rainforest above Kamala, each built in its own shape: clay cottages, canvas tents, tree houses and woven bird's nests, most with a pool. Golf carts run guests along jungle paths, past stone and carved wood, to the restaurant and Mala Spa, where treatments run alongside full wellness programs. The resort was built into the hillside with as little clearing as possible, and that work earned it EarthCheck Gold certification.
“The room was incredible - cleaned daily, excellent view, gorgeous bath and pool.”
a Google reviewer
“Keemala is perched in the lush hills of Kamala, featuring fantastical, nature-inspired architecture”
Forbes & Partners
- Award
- EarthCheck Gold
Anantara Mai Khao's villas are built in a Southern Thai village style around a lagoon, on a long, quiet beach backed by national park forest. The resort holds EarthCheck certification for its energy systems and materials, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, set up for the sea turtles of this coast, is close by. Mornings can start with beach yoga or Muay Thai, and dinner at Treehouse is a Japanese omakase.
“Housekeeping cleaned and tidied our room twice a day”
a Google reviewer
“The crab curry with noodles really stood out.”
a Google reviewer
- Award
- EarthCheck certified
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Named on 2 lists, but in the top 10 of only one, so under the two-list rule it counts as a one-list place.
“The pools are fantastic, and the beach right outside is gorgeous.”
a Google reviewer
Named on 2 lists, but in the top 10 of only one, so under the two-list rule it counts as a one-list place.
“The beach is beautiful, the pools are excellent, and the staff is truly outstanding.”
a Google reviewer
Named on 2 lists, but in the top 10 of only one, so under the two-list rule it counts as a one-list place.
“Truly stunning grounds maintained absolutely impeccably.”
a Google reviewer
Named on 2 lists, but in the top 10 of only one, so under the two-list rule it counts as a one-list place.
“The resort is beautiful, with a relaxing atmosphere, spacious rooms, and excellent facilities.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Forbes & Partners · December 2025
- Tripcorner blog · October 2024
- Tripadvisor · 2026
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
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