Andara Resort & Villas review: we check into one of Phuket’s most exclusive and wealthiest addresses

Let’s be honest: Phuket is hardly starved for luxury hotels. The island is awash with them, with new options appearing constantly. But in a market obsessed with the next new thing, there’s something to be said for a classic that has perfected its craft over time. For that quintessential blend of Thai elegance and timeless glamour, look no further than Andara Resort & Villas.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket, Thailand

When it first opened its doors 15 years ago under Hong Kong billionaire businessman Allan Zeman (founder of the famous Lan Kwai Fong Group), Andara instantly became a gem in Phuket’s hospitality crown. Its legendary status has only grown stronger. Splashed across an expansive headland overlooking Kamala, the property is known to many, but only a lucky percentage get to experience its world-class service firsthand.

This is no ordinary headland. Andara sits at the beginning of what’s known as Phuket’s prestigious “Millionaire’s Mile,” a road famous for housing the island’s most exclusive villas. This is where the rich and famous holiday. Rihanna has stayed here, and the Real Housewives even filmed an entire season on the strip. So when I finally received an invitation to experience the magic myself, I felt more than excited – I could almost feel imaginary zeros being added to my bank balance.

A luxurious home away from home

The best thing about Andara, no matter which accommodation tier you choose, is the sheer space. The modern Thai suites and villas start at a generous 150 sqm, ranging from luxurious suites to sprawling one to seven-bedroom pool villas.

I checked into a jaw-dropping two-bedroom Penthouse Pool Suite with sweeping views of Kamala Beach. It offered the luxury and open space of a villa but with the convenience of a suite. If you can picture quintessential Thai glamour and multiply it by ten, you might get close to how decadent it is. Think big statues of Thai gods, wide-open spaces blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, lush foliage, and the salty sea breeze from the Andaman Sea. It’s quite simply my luxury Thai fantasy come true.

The suite, with its ocean views, wonderfully comfortable bedrooms, spacious kitchen, decadent outdoor balcony, and private rooftop pool, was one of the most magnificent and downright relaxing stays I’ve ever had. After weeks of insomnia, the floor-to-ceiling windows in my primary bedroom overlooking the ocean gave me a rest that the most powerful sleeping pill couldn’t achieve.

But if my penthouse made me feel like a rock star, it did nothing to prepare me for the vast seven-bedroom villas. The infectiously friendly General Manager, Daniel Meury, gave me a tour. These villas span multiple levels, with each room feeling like its own standalone house, connected by passages and walkways, complete with private gyms and infinity pools. They are the epitome of privacy in paradise.

While fancier rooms often leave me jealous, these villas left me dumbstruck. As a regular guy with a handful of close friends, I couldn’t imagine how I’d fill the space without feeling like a lonely princess in a tower. Needless to say, these incredible villas are reserved for those with a big circle of friends and an even bigger wallet.

A different level of service

The service here is exactly what you’d expect for such an exclusive clientele. It’s the type of place where your every need is anticipated. My partner and I were completely dumbfounded when our suite was serviced, cleaned, and replenished without us ever noticing when the staff came or went. They operate in the shadows, looking after you flawlessly. I never had to think about housekeeping knocking or calling for service. This is the kind of attention that transcends a mere five-star rating.

Culinary excellence

Thailand is known for its high-quality cuisine, and Andara, like most things, takes this to a new level. The award-winning SILK Restaurant offers a masterful blend of Thai and Western cuisine. I started my days the right way with a full breakfast and barista-style coffee in a luxurious atmosphere overlooking the main pool, which looks more like a stunning water feature, dotted with palm trees and glistening waters. The restaurant is also perfect for an al fresco lunch or dinner, complemented by a beautiful wine list.

Friday evenings come alive during Taste of Siam nights, featuring authentic Thai cuisine, traditional local dance performances for the Gram, and some soul-stirring Thai music. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Thailand’s vibrant traditions without ever leaving the grounds. And believe me, I hardly did.

And relax…

What’s a trip to Thailand without a massage, or in some cases, a massage a day? Fortunately, the Andara Spa offers an exquisite range of treatments to soothe body, mind, and soul. Pampering options include traditional Thai, Ayurvedic, Swedish, and Javanese massage, as well as body treatments, a beauty salon, and a steam room.

I opted for the Andara Signature Massage, which combines Thai, Asian, and Indian techniques. The therapist used smooth strokes to loosen my knotted muscles, followed by pressure point work to ease congestion. It was a complete and total de-stress in a supremely serene space. It had been a while for me, so my therapist ironed me out in a one-hour blissful mix of pressure, release and pure agony, just like I requested.

Checking out

When you have everything you could possibly need on the property to satisfy an entire royal family, with the lush Kamala Beach always nearby and in view, it can feel both wonderfully close and unexpectedly distant—especially when you’re lounging in absolute luxury from your penthouse pool. On my checkout day, we left our bags with the concierge and finally made our way down to the stunning beach, where we made the most of one of Phuket’s most stunning beaches, all while still admiring Andara’s hilltop dominance from afar.

Funny enough, when I returned to collect my luggage, I spotted the hotel’s famous owner, Allan Zeman, in the lobby. Having lived in Hong Kong, I was always fascinated by his legacy, success and loyalty that has placed him in the same room and conversation as China’s biggest leaders. Despite being covered in sand and sunburn, I had to tell him how much I loved his property.

“Did you enjoy your stay?” the legendary businessman asked me. And just like that, I found myself casually chatting away with one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Asia – a rather appropriate ending to an unforgettable stay at the Millionaire Mile’s Andara Resort & Villas.

Discover more about Andara Resort & Villas or Book through Booking.com

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