Opened as the Royal Phuket Yacht Club back in 1986, this was Phuket’s first luxury hotel, attracting the likes of one-time 007 Roger Moore. Last January, following extensive and expensive renovations, it reopened as The Nai Harn. The 2016 edition of the hotel has managed to recapture its earlier days of glamor with an attractive new look that makes the most of the atmospheric ocean views. In terms of dining, contemporary alfresco restaurant and lounge Rock Salt exudes a raw ocean side spirit with its location atop rocks at the head of nearby Nai Harn Beach, while the sunken seating booths at the rooftop Reflections bar make the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail. Inside the updated rooms, a muted color palette is complemented by black-and-white photography of the island, while outside, stark white private terraces abloom with bougainvillea cascade down the hillside in a style reminiscent of Santorini. Our favorite detail? The champagne request buttons on the outdoor day beds in the suites. More bubbles, please. (66/7638 0200; thenaiharn.com; doubles from US$172).
This article originally appeared in the December 2016/January 2017 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“The Luxe List 2016: The Nai Harn”).