Two years after successfully opening the boutique resort of Aleenta Hua Hin on Thailand's east coast, US-educated Anchalika Kijkanakorn created a stunning sister hideaway on the tranquil west coast. Situated on a pristine 10km beach a short dash from Phuket, this resort and spa lies on a peaceful and refreshingly undeveloped stretch of coastline and is designed with the signature 'Outside Living In' philosophy.
Sunlight and soft breezes stream through glass-fronted rooms and private pool-decks, with sea views to help you unwind. Pampering is de rigueur – expect sumptuous Thai and fusion cuisine, highly personalised service, great attention to detail and extensive spa treatments based on the 4 elements of moon, sun, earth and sea, including yoga retreats and supervised detox sessions. Once re-energised, you can charter a yacht, play golf or dive the world-class Similan Islands. This is much more than sun, sea and sand: it bills itself as 'a sanctuary of mind and body', for those in search of spoiling relaxation and luxury, within easy reach of Phuket's international airport.
Highs
- Space and privacy come as standard in your villa or suite; all have a private pool, or share an infinity pool (there's a main swimming pool too)
- It's on a stunning, unspoilt and isolated beach
- The food is innovative and beautifully presented
- There are high standards of workmanship and architecture throughout, paired with up-to-the-minute amenities
- The staff are wonderfully dedicated
Best time to go
Our top tips
An indulgent week is ideal here. Ask about the regular retreats and workshops held at the resort, whether for artists, writers or one of the signature wellness retreats where each guest receives a customised programme of holistic healing to optimise their well-being journey.
- Beach Resort & Spa
- 65 rooms
- Restaurants and bars
- Kids welcome (some rooms over 12s only)
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Walk to beach
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
All of the suites and villas are within steps of the beach and their doors and full-height windows slide open to allow sea breezes (and yourselves) to waft freely through. The contemporary design is generous in space, privacy and attention to detail.
Entry level units are the 8 Ocean-View Lofts, so-called because of their double-height ceilings. They have integrated living areas and direct access to a shared 35m infinity pool (book these if you like swimming pool laps as the others have smaller pools). All other suites and villas get their own private pools. We loved the Beachfront Pool Villas, set right on the sea with large beachfront verandas, while the Signature Pool Villas and 1 Bedroom Pool Residences are the most spacious option for couples, with separate living areas.
There are a few 2 Bedroom options for families, or friends travelling together, these come with full sea views or, for larger groups, the 3 and 4 Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villas, with direct beach access and have superb views of the Andaman Sea. Each has a spacious living area with high ceilings, a modern kitchen, a state-of-the-art home entertainment system and personal butler service. Individual Beachfront Suites are also available.
All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, bespoke toiletries with natural essential oils and 450-count bedlinen of soft Egyptian cotton, made especially for Aleenta.
Some of the suites and villas don't permit children under 12 staying, these are found on the southerly side of the resort. For full details of which do accept under 12s, see our Kids page.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Toiletries
- WiFi
- Yoga mat
Eating
Aleenta specialises in Thai cuisine and fusion dishes created with the freshest ingredients from land and sea; the dinner menu features daily seasonal specials. There are two restaurants to choose from: The Edge restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, offers an à la carte menu of Thai and Western food, and features interactive cooking stations; or opt for a table at SEASONS for a contemporary Western-Thai tasting menu that is 100% plant-based, artfully curated from fresh, local produce and changes with (you guessed it) the seasons.
If you have any special requests, they are gladly accommodated. On certain nights, you can join a beach BBQ beneath the stars or test your palette matching Thai food with wines from the well-stocked cellar. Private dining in your villa is easily arranged; spa cooking for the health-conscious likewise.
A beautifully presented gourmet breakfast is served until a jetlag-friendly 10.30am in The Edge. Expect a pyramid of pastries, sculpted fruit, pancake wedges, cheeses and meat, with the option of Thai broths and noodles for those who like to go local (we did, and can recommend it). Service is unstintingly gracious.
Check out the beach bar, where the barmen mix up excellent cocktails and the beer is ice cold. There are also cooking classes which are an intimate and personalised experience.
The nearest other restaurants are about 60km away in Phuket town; the staff will happily advise you as to the best to choose from and book taxis for you.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Try the health treatments in the spa. Massages use 100% natural oils, yoga and detox are expertly supervised, and you can greet the sunrise with Tai Chi on the beach. As well as individual treatments, there are packages designed around the elements of moon, sun, sea and earth which combine facials, steam baths, wraps, scrubs and massages
- Breathwork, meditation and sound therapy are all offered, and Thai boxing classes too if you're after a physical challenge
- Swim in your private pool, or plunge into the large communal infinity pool which overlooks the ocean
- Take a cooking class – a private tour guide or chef accompanies you to local markets and teaches you to concoct classic Thai dishes, followed by dinner on the rooftop, and a copy of your own recipe booklet
- Phangna Bay offers spectacular limestone formations and mirror-like seas; the trip to "James Bond" island has to be done once, though be prepared for company
- Yachts and motor boats can be booked for island hopping, deep-sea fishing and diving expeditions; the breathtaking Similan Islands are an hour by speed boat
- You're only a few miles from the Blue Canyon golf course
- The hotel rents out bicycles for a more leisurely exploration of the locale
- Aleenta sponsors the Marine Turtle Foundation and organises visits to its breeding centres in nearby Haad Thaymung National Park. The programme has hatched an annual fundraising Gala dinner, plus a special ‘Pampered Turtle Lovers’ package in support of the endangered species
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf
- Gym
- Historical sites
- Hot tub
- Meditation
- Pilates
- Rafting
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Spa treatments
- Swimming
- Turtle hatching
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome throughout the resort. There's a (complimentary) gadget-free kids club open to all up to 10 years of age. Those aged under 6 stay free, extra beds and cots are available on request. Children are welcomed with a goody bag full of colouring books, painting sets and a guide to the activities offered during their stay. There's even complimentary babysitting if you've booked a spa treatment, and there's a Children's Concierge to assist at all times from arranging surf lessons or trips to the local market. Professional nanny services are also available.
Note that no children under 12 are permitted in the Ocean View Lofts and the Pool Suites in the main complex.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
All units which work for families have their own private pools. Families of three are welcome in the Grand Deluxe Pool Villas, The Club at Aleenta and 1 Bedroom Pool Residences. Families of four or more will need to book the 2 Bedroom Ocean View Duplex, 2 Bedroom Ocean View Pool Residence and the 3 and 4 Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa catgories, some of these have gardens and all are close to the beach.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Babysitting:
Available by arrangement, as is a professional nanny service
Baby equipment:
Baby cots and high chairs are available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Creche/Kid's Club:
The Explorers Club provides activities centred around gadget-free learning and development for up to 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, for children 4-10 years of age, and is supervised by certified school teachers and activity staff. Daily activities include chocolate-making, Muay Thai (kickboxing) classes, batik painting book camp, painting, games, scavenger hunts, yoga, watersports and educational classes at the turtle sanctuary - each class is about 45 minutes long.
For smaller kids aged 6mo-5 years, the ‘Learn and Discover’ programme offers a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities to help develop toddlers’ communication and friendship skills, such as blowing bubbles, finger paint art and clay modelling.
Kids Activities on site:
- Kids pool
- Playground
- Children's spa menu, massage classes
- Cooking classes
- Movie nights so parents can dine a deux
Kids Activities nearby:
- Turtle and Marine Sanctuary in Phuket - kids can help release rare leatherback turtles into the sea through Aleenta's Pure Blue Foundation, which rescue young turtles to save them from fishing and predation, and then they are released into the ocean when developed enough to survive by themselves (8-10months of age)
Families Should Know:
The sea in front of Aleenta is very safe to swim in but note there is no lifeguard on duty; safety flags are displayed on the beach daily
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes (Phuket)
- Hospital: 40 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Aleenta Phang Nga is a short drive north of Phuket, about 12km north of Sarasin Bridge (that connects Phuket to the mainland) on west-facing Natai beach.
By Air:
Phuket (18km away) is the closest airport. It's served by some direct international flights and international connections through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The resort is 20-30 minutes' drive from the airport and Aleenta can arrange a transfer service for you.
Getting Around
The location means you'll need to travel for sightseeing and restaurants. Aleenta can arrange a car service for an additional charge, or alternatively hire your own - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Thailand and getting around
Airports:
- Phuket International 18.0 km HKT
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 15.0 km
- Restaurant 15.0 km
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