Phuket has become rightly famous for its pristine beaches, natural beauty and hospitable people. The island is one of the most visited destinations in Thailand, yet is large and diverse enough to cope with its popularity.
The tourism industry on the island is concentrated mostly along the west coast, where a string of fine beaches, including Patong, Kata, Kamala and Surin all vie for the attention of the millions of travellers who arrive to the island every year.
Due to Phuket's location in the Andaman Sea, there is a distinct high season, unlike other places in Thailand, so travellers planning to visit the island between November and March should book well in advance.
Essentially there are four distinct types of accommodation Phuket to be found. Budget, mid-range, high-end and luxury. The latter category is limited to a handful of truly exclusive developments where attention to detail and extraordinary service warrant a higher price tag.
Phuket was one of the first places in Thailand to start offering private villas as an alternative to the traditional hotel or resort rooms. In the early 2000s there was a shift in the tourism industry on the island from a backpacker heavy clientele to more sophisticated, well-heeled visitors who were looking for bespoke holiday experiences. At the same time, a real estate boom meant money could be made in residential property and the combination of a steady stream of visitors meant investors began to see the opportunity for rental income and the villa segment was born.
Most private villas on Phuket are located in the west side of the island, with easy access to the main tourist centres around Patong, Kata, Bang Tao and Surin beaches. These oceanside havens offer an extensive range of dining and entertainment facilities, not to mention great beaches and fabulous sunsets.
Because many of the villas on Phuket were built as stand alone properties by private investors, the island has a wide choice of styles and designs to suit varying needs and tastes. Some properties are right by the beach and within a short five of the main tourist areas. Others are more secluded, located in the forested hills with only a small road connecting them to the outside world.
A number of the private villas on Phuket were built for families and offer a range of onsite recreation and entertainment options, while others were built with adults in mind, and feature wine cellars, bars, jacuzzis and poolside terraces for dining or entertaining.
The best quality agencies, like Luxury Villas and Homes, can offer the perfect villa to suit most people's needs, whether they are looking for a romantic escape, a family retreat or a venue to celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding or landmark birthday.
Posted by Max Vee