This Luxurious, Award-Winning Resort Is The Best Place To Stay On Your Trip To Phuket

Thailand is, without a doubt, on many a traveler's bucket list. And who can blame them? The country covers pretty much everything you could ever ask for. First, there are the countless islands — each one unique and perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. Then, you've got the mouthwatering food, historical sites, culture and traditions, and even the opportunity to come face to face with local wildlife at one of the country's top-rated ethical sanctuaries.

Affordable and welcoming, Thailand takes the crown as a premier destination for backpackers and budget travelers — making it ideal if you're looking to stretch your dollars. However, for travelers looking for an added touch of luxury and pampering, Thailand doesn't disappoint either. Especially at places like Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.

Hidden away in the southwestern coast, on Kata Noi Bay, Katathani is a haven for high-end travelers who want to soak up the beauty of Thailand's coastline without dealing with the crowds and noise. With beachfront accommodations on offer, the resort and spa also features six swimming pools, six on-site restaurants, and other facilities like a small souvenir and accessories shop, a children's playroom, and a tour booking office. Plus, with nearly 6,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, it's safe to say that Katathani is a top choice among travelers.

Winning multiple awards since 1998 — including Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice in 2020 — Katathani Phuket Beach Resort has quickly become one of Phuket's best luxury destinations. For starters, the resort currently has 10 different styles of suites and rooms on offer — from their Royal Suite overlooking the turquoise waters to cozy one-bedrooms that open up into the pool directly from your terrace.

As for dining options, Katathani covers all the bases. You've got Chom Talay Restaurant, which offers Thai and Western cuisine for breakfast and dinner; La Scala, a dinnertime-only spot that specializes in Italian cuisine and has live entertainment; Fisherman's Wharf, with grilled seafood and beachside cocktails on-demand; and Chanadda Royal Thai Cuisine, focused on Thai dishes. If you're craving a nightcap, the resort's six bars offer a mix of boozy concoctions and kid-friendly drinks by the water.

And if privacy is what you're looking for — you're in luck. Katathani's facilities — including the pool areas, most restaurants and bars, and other recreational spaces — are only available for the resort's guests to enjoy. Visitors and non-staying guests can only access the Seaside Restaurant for a bite between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m..

If spending a week-long vacation lounging by the pool is your idea of the perfect holiday — that's great. However, if you also like a dose of adventure and exploration alongside your sunset cocktails, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort offers a variety of tours to nearby destinations that'll get you out and about. These include a full-day visit to the neighboring Phi Phi Islands aboard a catamaran — the cost of this tour is $109 for adults and $90 for children — and includes breakfast, snorkeling stops, lunch on the beach, and cave visits. Alternatively, there's also an option to visit the famous "James Bond Island" — or Khao Phing Kan and Khao Tapu. The one-day catamaran tour costs about $130 for adults and $111 for children, and includes drinks and food onboard, WiFi, entrance to the national park, as well as other goodies.

As for making the most of the sunshine and beach life, the best time to visit Phuket is between November and April. With an average temperature ranging from 75 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, the days will be warm and pleasant, the waters will be calm and clear, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy waterside activities. If you can, try planning your visit for mid-April during Songkran — aka, Thai New Year — for a chance to take part in the festivities. Be warned, though: there's a lot of water involved.