66points · on 10 of 37 lists: Fodor's, Condé Nast Traveler (via The Vendry), The Points Guy, Gourmet Traveller, The Hotel Guru, the Luxury Travel Expert, Forbes, BringYou, Loudavým krokem and Phuket Insider (phuket-insider.com)
Amanpuri, Aman's first resort, opened on New Year's Day 1988 on its own peninsula above the Andaman Sea, with buildings by designer Ed Tuttle working alongside Aman founder Adrian Zecha. Raised walkways link the thatched wooden pavilions through the palm groves, and the villas out on the tip of the peninsula each come with a pool and a personal chef. The Holistic Wellness Center runs a Mobility and Recovery Program by Novak Djokovic, and the restaurants cook from Thai, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean traditions.
“While you are swimming in the sea, the staff prepare dry towels for you.”
a Google reviewer
“The beach is pristine and never overcrowded or reserved with personal belongings.”
a Google reviewer
64points · on 12 of 37 lists: Global Gallivanting, You Could Travel, Condé Nast Traveler (via The Vendry), Gourmet Traveller, The Hotel Guru, Phuket 101, THAIest, The Asia Collective, Frommer's, Loudavým krokem, Marco Togni and Phuket Insider (phuket-insider.com)
The Nai Harn is a late modernist building that steps down a hillside to the sea, with plain interiors of warm wood and clean lines that leave the view to the bay. The higher suites look straight out over the water from wide terraces, and the beach is a short walk down the hill. It suits travelers who want design and a calm southern beach over the bars of Patong, with sunset cocktails at Reflections, the rooftop bar.
“Pool views are breathtaking!”
a Google reviewer
“The attention to detail was unlike anywhere we've stayed before!”
a Google reviewer
64points · on 11 of 37 lists: Bren on the Road, The Manduls, Fodor's, The Points Guy, Gourmet Traveller, the Luxury Travel Expert, Frommer's, Loudavým krokem, Visit Thailand Today, Phuket Insider (phuket-insider.com) and 食尚玩家 (Supertaste, TVBS)
Banyan Tree Phuket opened in 1994 as the brand's first resort and started the idea it became known for, villas each with a pool of their own, now 217 of them around a lagoon on an 89-acre estate. At the Terra Kids Club, children join workshops built on local traditions, and the resort also runs hands-on Thai cooking classes. Down on Bang Tao Beach, the Rava Beach Club has a kids' pool and play area of its own.
“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
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Fourth, with 59 points from 12 lists.
“The villa was stunning, private, and beautifully designed, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.”
a Google reviewer
Fifth, with 51 points from 8 lists.
“They even serve you little snacks when you’re swimming!”
a Google reviewer
Seventh, with 42 points from 8 lists.
“It is deeply calming, soothing, and impeccable in its service.”
a Google reviewer
Named on only one list we found, so it cannot be ranked under the two-list rule.
“The island is stunning, the beach is one of the most beautiful we've ever seen, and the resort offers a relaxed sense of luxury that never feels over the top.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Santorini Dave · October 2024
- Bren on the Road · July 2026
- Global Gallivanting · March 2026
- The Manduls · December 2025
- Travel Lemming · March 2026
- You Could Travel · April 2024
- Fodor's · March 2022
- Condé Nast Traveler (via The Vendry) · November 2021
- The Points Guy · January 2026
- Gourmet Traveller · January 2026
- Time Out · December 2024
- North Abroad · September 2026
- The Hotel Guru · February 2026
- 22places · February 2026
- the Luxury Travel Expert · October 2023
- Phuket 101 · October 2026
- THAIest · June 2026
- The Asia Collective · February 2026
- Forbes · February 2024
- Tripadvisor · October 2026
- BringYou · January 2026
- Frommer's · January 2026
- Loudavým krokem
- Make-Trip.ru
- Marco Togni
- Trip101
- Visit Thailand Today · August 2026
- Voyage avec nous
- Voyageurs Intrépides · June 2026
- Phuket Insider (phuket-insider.com) · August 2026
- Oyster.com
- Un sac sur le dos (blog) · August 2026
- Сайт Винского (awd.is)
- 食尚玩家 (Supertaste, TVBS) · June 2024
- KTC (บัตรกรุงไทย) · December 2023
- Тонкости туризма (tonkosti.ru)
- The Flight Club (theflightclub.it) · July 2021
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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