What’s the draw?
Prefer your hotels with plaudits? Aleenta Phuket is a boutique resort with a Michelin Key and a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Comprised solely of private suites, each offers at least 80 square metres of living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool and beach access just minutes away.
Wellness bunnies rejoice – Aleenta boasts a spa worthy of its soaking salts. The Ayurah Spa & Wellness Centre stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of The White Lotus. From classic Thai massages to modern therapeutic rituals, meditation classes, yoga sessions and detox retreats, you’ll leave feeling restored and rejuvenated.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the resort, with eco-initiatives ranging from a no-plastic policy and energy-efficiency systems to locally sourced produce and community support. Luxury here intertwines with nature like a liana up a banyan tree.
A retreat at Aleenta Phuket
The food and drink
Breakfast is best enjoyed at The Edge – a beachfront bolthole arranged around the swimming pool – where you can indulge in everything from Thai classics like khao tom to plant-based superbowls such as rice berry congee, omelettes or shakshuka, all while watching the Andaman Sea glow in the early light.
Spend enough time travelling and you often find your gut plaintively requesting a few more vegetables.
Seasons answers that call with a tasting menu underpinned by a plant-based ethos that remixes traditional southern Thai dishes, borrowing from the seasons to create a blend of elements that will pucker, prickle and please your palate.
As the sun sets over the sea and the surface of the infinity pool, you’ll be treated to dishes like steamed dumpling with local spirulina and tofu, sea grapes, soy and cider vinegar; jackfruit sandwiched in a steamed sesame and almond crumble bao bun; or butterfly pea and lemongrass granita. It all sums up to a happy belly.
The view from the beach
What else
If you’re comfortable on two wheels, rent a motorcycle or scooter and explore the region. The roads are quiet and well-kept, and honestly you’ll never feel as free. There are dozens of waterfalls in the area to visit, whether it’s Ton Pariwat waterfall in the eponymous wildlife sanctuary, a series of cascading tiers that you can swim in; Ramang waterfall, a picturesque gentle cascade in Ao Phang Nga National Park; Bang Pae, one of the largest cataracts on Phuken island, located near a gibbon rehabilitation area; or Phung Chang Waterfall, nestled in lush rainforest at the end of a trail that passes through multiple caves. Many of these sites are quiet and serene, ideal for a romantic dip.
Suites from £262 per night. 33, Khok Kloi, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga 82140
Find out more at aleenta.com/phuket
