Hotel Postcards: Amanpuri, Phuket
Dreaming of Thailand? Here’s a place that’s worth the trip.
As I continue shaping this newsletter, I’ve been drawn to using it as a kind of digital scrapbook — a place to catalogue the beautiful places I’ve been and share musings, tips and inspiration to help you explore the world in a more thoughtful, soulful way.
I currently have 108,393 photos in my camera roll, and at least half of those are of stunning hotels I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of visiting. So I thought — why not turn them into a monthly series spotlighting unique, beautiful places to stay around the world?
To kick things off, let’s start with Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand. Arguably the OG tropical destination hotel, flipping through my photos made me want to book a trip straight back to Thailand. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a wellness retreat, or a luxe getaway with friends or family, this place is pure magic.
Amanpuri, Phuket (Thailand)
I had a total pinch me moment when I checked into Amanpuri, my first Aman hotel — incidentally, this was the first hotel in the group, built in 1988. I had just spent six weeks diving into Bangkok and Chiang Mai before landing in Phuket for a well-earned beach holiday.
This was May 2022, as the pandemic was finally winding down and the world was slowly opening back up. To arrive somewhere this ethereal after that long, collective pause felt surreal in every way.
Aman is one of the most iconic luxury hotel brands in the world, and the moment you step onto Amanpuri’s grounds, you understand why. Perched above a secluded beach on Phuket’s west coast, the resort is tucked into a lush coconut grove spread over 24 hectares. The name Amanpuri means “place of peace” in Sanskrit and as soon as you arrive, the outside world just slips away.
Originally conceived as a private escape for friends of Aman’s founder, Adrian Zecha, the property now has 40 pavilions and 44 villas inspired by the architecture of Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya.
The design is understated and timeless. Aman’s signature teakwood is everywhere — floors, furnishings, rooftops — seamlessly woven into the landscape. There are scenic terraces and patios, staircases that lead down to the sea, and three infinity pools that reflect the sky and swaying palm trees. Dotted throughout the property are shady nooks where you can sit and soak in the beauty around you.
Spacious and private, you move through the property on elevated walkways that weave through dense jungle greenery with glimpses of turquoise sea piercing through the trees.
I used to think hotels were just functional places to sleep, and over time I’ve realized they’re an essential part of a trip. The best hotels give you a sense of place. They become your anchor in a new environment — a quiet refuge after a long day of exploring, a place to slow down and reset.
And Amanpuri, with its zen-like atmosphere, is exactly that kind of place.
There are four restaurants on site serving Japanese, Thai, and Mediterranean dishes, along with a sunset terrace for cocktails and a beachside spot for a relaxed lunch under a majestic banyan tree. The hotel also offers a wide range of spa and wellness immersions — from traditional Thai massage and Chinese medicine treatments to Muay Thai classes and even a curated detox program designed by Novak Djokovic.
There were many highlights during my stay, but one of them was surely breakfast. The à la carte menu was so good we couldn’t decide, so we ordered a bit of everything: beetroot waffles with mango, lemon confit and sour cream; butterfly pea pancakes with blueberry, passion fruit and honeycomb; eggs Florentine; and an egg white & herb frittata. Plus a tropical fruit plate to start. And of course, my favorite drink in the world: sugary-sweet Thai iced tea. Suffice it to say, we were well-fed until cocktail hour.
Phuket itself is different than I expected. It’s big — more like a coastal city than a postcard-perfect island — and the vibe really depends on where you stay. You’ll definitely want to splurge on a boutique hotel with sea views so you can enjoy the best of the surroundings without needing to go far.
If you’re in the mood to explore, Phuket’s Old Town is charming and worth a half-day trip. There’s a weekly night market on Sundays that’s fun — with food stalls, handmade crafts and live music strung along the street. You can also visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical experience focused on rescue and rehabilitation, where you can walk alongside the elephants without riding or shows.
And of course, Phuket is the perfect place to hop on a boat and explore some of the most iconic coastlines in the world: Maya Bay (where they filmed The Beach), the Phi Phi Islands, and Phang Nga Bay. Just know they’ll be crowded and touristy — I highly recommend booking a private boat if you can, or heading out early to avoid the mid-morning rush.
✨ Want to book Amanpuri with perks — like daily breakfast, a $100 resort credit, and priority upgrades? Or thinking of planning your own dreamy Thailand trip? Just reply to this email. I’d love to help! ✨