Let’s face it, Phuket isn’t short on fabulous luxury hotels. You know the drill: quintessential Thai décor, chofa-style villas, swaying palms, and that postcard-perfect sea view. But these days, the island’s hospitality scene is evolving with some diverse new offerings. Imagine an African safari-style camp nestled around a peaceful lagoon, along with five-star service that Thailand does so effortlessly well. Welcome to Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket.
While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket review
Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket snapshot
Hotel: Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket
Location: Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Address: 202/88, Bang Tao Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Rooms: 29 luxury tented suites (one- and two-bedroom configurations)
Brand: Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts, Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Opened: Launched in December 2024
Style: Adults-only luxury glamping retreat blending “Out of Africa” safari aesthetics with tropical Thai landscape, biophilic design with canvas-walled tents, four-poster beds swathed in mosquito netting, and neutral-toned interiors accented with leather and rattan.
Family amenities: Adults-only property
Wellness facilities: Spa Tent offering Thai healing therapies and contemporary treatments, new fitness studio with German NOHrD equipment, outdoor cool-down zone with ice bath, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub
Price range: Approximately $350-$880USD+ per night, depending on tent category and season
Setting the scene: remote vibes, central location
The property’s luxury tented suites are clustered around a tranquil lagoon
Tucked away on Bang Tao Beach, this adults-only glamping retreat launched in December 2024, and it’s the first of its kind on the island. Designed by Argentine landscape architect Martin Palleros of Tierra Design, the place has an elegant “Out of Africa” aesthetic that feels surprisingly at home among the region’s tropical foliage. With just 29 luxury tented suites clustered around a lagoon (and a few perched right on the sand), it’s intimate, exclusive, and decadently different.
You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s in the middle of nowhere, but the location is surprisingly central. It sits on a prime strip of beach, right next to buzzy beach clubs in the heart of bustling Bang Tao. The real magic is how cleverly and thoughtfully the property is designed to feel like a world away, while still having everything on your doorstep.
The tents: glamping, but make it luxe
My room had a glorious four-poster king bed swathed in netting
My home for the stay was one of the Lagoon Tents, overlooking a lily-dotted waterway and lush gardens. Spacious doesn’t quite cover it. These tents range from 50 to 150 square metres, depending on the configuration, so there’s no shortage of room to breathe.
Inside, it’s all about the details: a glorious four-poster king bed swathed in mosquito netting (which adds to the romance, honestly), air conditioning (a non-negotiable in this climate), a rain shower, a Nespresso machine, and a private terrace with a hammock that I spent far too much time swaying in. And if you’re after something even closer to the water, the Beach Tents sit directly on the sand, some with their own plunge pools.
Food and dining: a beach club affair
The vibe here is wonderfully laid-back, but don’t for a second think that means scrimping on the five-star perks. There isn’t a full restaurant inside the camp itself, but the nearby options more than make up for it.
Breakfast is served at Catch Beach Club, a three-minute stroll away. Going from your tent to a lavish beach club brekkie in mere moments is far more exciting than your standard hotel buffet. Instead, it felt like a mini-event every morning. As someone who typically skips hotel breakfasts, this was one I simply couldn’t pass up.
Breakfast at Catch is unmissable
And speaking of events, Catch’s Friday Night Barbecue was an absolute highlight of my trip. This is no mere barbecue – it’s one of the most extravagant spreads I’ve seen in Phuket. We’re talking an extensive grill station, plus everything from pizza and salad stations to curries and pastas. It’s not one of those tacky, mass-produced buffets either. Honestly, it’s the closest thing I’ve experienced to a famous Dubai brunch, just without the free-flowing booze. Though I ate so much I could barely finish the champagne in front of me.
The Lazy Coconut serves delicious Mediterranean tapas and seafood
My personal favourite, though, was The Lazy Coconut, a relaxed, beachfront spot right next door, serving up Mediterranean tapas and seafood. There’s also ARTIS, a charming new coffee spot a stone’s throw away, which is the owner’s aromatic new passion project. All of these are reachable on foot or by buggy, though I always walked. The distances are so short that I felt a bit cringe calling for a ride.
Property highlights: little luxuries
After checking in, I started my stay with a drink in the Tented Lounge, an airy indoor-outdoor space overlooking the lagoon, perfect for sundowners. Add a fire pit, a couple of cocktails, and I had to remind myself I was in Phuket, not the Serengeti.
The wellness offerings are equally thoughtful. There’s a central outdoor pool open 24/7, a fitness pavilion with beautiful handcrafted wooden equipment, and a Spa Tent offering proper Thai healing therapies. Alternatively, you can opt for your treatment in the comfort of your own tent, which is exactly what I did. I was once again reminded that I was in Thailand after an hour of an intense but healing traditional Thai massage.
Guests can cool off in the hotel’s revitalising ice bath
Wandering the pathways one afternoon, I even stumbled upon a boulder-carved ice bath, an open-air hot tub, and a wooden sauna. Did I use them? I did not. Sometimes just knowing they’re there is enough. Even if I did, it would’ve been a fast and brief Instagram moment and a total waste of good ice cubes.
Beach access: Bang Tao’s finest
The beach here deserves its own mention. Bang Tao stretches a glorious eight kilometres, making it one of Phuket’s longest shores. It’s wonderfully quiet and pristine compared to the hustle of Patong, and hotel guests get direct access plus the use of deck chairs and umbrellas at Lazy Coconut Beach Club.
Taking a stroll along the sand, you’ll find rustic beach bars, restaurants, and other clubs dotted along the coast. Because the beach is so long, it all feels spread out and never overcrowded. And the sunset? Absolutely breathtaking, especially with the added charm of horses trotting along the water’s edge. My late afternoon stroll unexpectedly blossomed into a scene so serene and magnificent that I truly don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
Frequently asked questions: Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket
Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket is a luxury, adults-only “glamping” resort on Bangtao Beach, offering safari-style tented suites with hotel-level amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private plunge pools in select units.
The resort is located on Bangtao Beach on Phuket’s west coast, around 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport, with easy access to beach clubs, restaurants, and local markets.
Yes, the resort is designed as an adults-only retreat, making it particularly popular with couples and honeymooners seeking a peaceful, boutique atmosphere.
Accommodation consists of luxury canvas tents (around 50–60 sqm) with stylish interiors, four-poster beds, air conditioning, rain showers, and, in some cases, private pools. Beachfront and lagoon-side options are available.
Yes, the camp features a central pool and a wellness area with spa treatments, sauna, ice bath, hot tub, and fitness pavilion. In-room massages are also available.
Yes, the property is either directly on the beach or a short walk away, with access to Bangtao Beach and affiliated beach clubs.
Guests can dine at nearby beach clubs such as Catch Beach Club, with breakfast and meals often served there. The resort also provides shuttle transport to other Twinpalms restaurants.
Yes, it’s particularly well-suited to couples thanks to its adults-only policy, private tented accommodation, romantic setting, and tranquil atmosphere.
We found the hospitality friendly, attentive, and professional.
It offers a unique luxury glamping experience with strong design, beachfront access, and boutique appeal. It’s best suited to travellers who prioritise style, privacy, and a distinctive stay over traditional resort layouts.
Final thoughts: a taste of home
As a native South African who’s been lucky enough to experience some of Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges, stepping into Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket felt like coming home. The thoughtful design, the luxurious setup, and the beautiful location place it firmly among the best camps I’ve ever visited. There’s something truly special about waking up in a plush bed, in an airy tent, beside a lagoon; it’s a type of peace and serenity you just don’t find in mega hotels.
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