First Impressions of Phuket: Heat, Haze & Hospitality

I could feel and hear the plane give that telltale tropical rumble—a low vibration caused by thermal waves rising into the sky. Despite taking an early morning flight from Singapore, the heat that greeted us in Phuket was intense. A thick, humid swelter unlike anything I’d experienced before.

After 24 hours of travel—including layovers in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore—we were finally in Thailand. Although those cities will get their own stories soon, Phuket was the highlight: a gathering of amazing people for a destination wedding on one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world.

Island Roads & Left-Side Confidence

With just carry-on luggage in tow (yes, almost three weeks packed into a single bag), we breezed through Phuket International Airport and waited for the van to take us to the rental car pick-up. The car rental location was hidden down an alley, complete with wandering chickens and sleepy street cats—a charming welcome to Thailand.

Once we had the car, my husband fearlessly took the wheel and adapted to driving on the left like a seasoned expat. We zipped away, bypassing Patong and Kata’s touristy buzz, heading north to the quieter edge of Phuket Island.

Boutique Bliss at Aleenta Resort

Tucked away along Natai Beach, the Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa was our home for the next few days. With its gated entrance and high-end security, it felt exclusive without being pretentious.

The open-air reception led us to a jaw-dropping view: palms swaying in the sea breeze, bougainvillea draping over balconies, and an infinity pool that seemed to spill into the Andaman Sea. Our private beachfront villa came with its own plunge pool and ocean access just steps away—pure bliss.

Improvised Outfits & Sunset Cocktails

The weekend began with a casual beach party at sunset. After scorching my outfit with an overly ambitious hotel iron (packing light has its risks), I quickly pivoted: I styled a linen tunic as a dress, added some sandals, and made my way out to the beach for a fabulous night.

Island-Hopping in Phuket: Private Yachts & Barefoot Feasts

The following day, seventy-five of us boarded two private yachts bound for a secluded island off the coast. When we arrived, some guests dove straight from the second deck into the warm sea, others paddled in by kayak, and a few of us opted for the gentler dinghy ride to shore.

A Beach Feast to Remember

Lunch was prepared beachfront by a local family, right on the sand. Chickens pecked at the chef’s feet as freshly caught fish and shrimp sizzled over coals. Two young kids dusted off the plates while pots of green curry and steamed rice simmered nearby. It felt like a scene from Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown—raw, authentic, and utterly delicious.

Somehow, there was a mechanical bull on the beach. Yes, it happened. Yes, it was hilarious.

Ao Phang Nga National Park: Sacred, Serene & Surreal

After lunch, we cruised toward Ao Phang Nga National Park, one of Phuket’s most iconic destinations. Towering limestone karsts rose dramatically from the sea. The light haze over the water made the entire scene feel ethereal, like something out of a dream. It was a spiritual experience. Conversations quieted as we glided past towering limestone cliffs, their silhouettes softened by the heat and humidity. The scene was mysterious, moody, and utterly mesmerizing—an otherworldly place that felt sacred.

A post shared by Eva Marie (@epicurean_eva) on Mar 24, 2017 at 1:12am PDT

 

Should You Take the Trip? Always Say Yes to Adventure

This was a trip we almost didn’t take. The distance, logistics, and long-haul flights felt like a lot. We asked ourselves: Is there any real reason we can’t do this? When we couldn’t find a good excuse not to go, we booked the flights.

And thank goodness we did.

This journey ended up being one of our most exceptional travel experiences. We were out of our comfort zone—navigating unfamiliar terrain, customs, and cultures—but it all unfolded with ease once it was planned. We connected with amazing people, shared unforgettable moments, and had the kind of adventure that simply can’t happen close to home.

So, if you’re hesitating about that next big leap, wondering if it’s too far, too complicated, or too different from your usual path—go anyway. Go for the adventure. It just might become one of your favorite stories.

🌴 Top Things to Do in Phuket, Thailand

If you’re planning a visit to Phuket, don’t miss these must-do experiences:

• 🛥️ Island-Hopping in Phang Nga Bay – Cruise past limestone cliffs and discover secret lagoons.
• 🛶 Cave Kayaking Tours – Paddle through sea caves and mangrove forests.
• 🍲 Take a Thai Cooking Class – Learn to make authentic green curry, pad Thai, and more.
• 🧘 Enjoy a Beachfront Thai Massage – Relax with a traditional massage right by the sea.
• 🐘 Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary – Get up close with rescued elephants—no riding involved.
• 🛍️ Explore Old Phuket Town – Discover colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and local street food.
• 🐠 Snorkel or Dive in the Similan Islands – Some of the best underwater scenery in Southeast Asia.
• 🌅 Watch Sunset at Promthep Cape – Unbeatable views and photo ops at golden hour.
• 🍢 Eat Local Street Food – Don’t miss grilled satay, roti, and mango sticky rice at the night markets.
• 🏖️ Stay in a Boutique Beach Resort – Splurge on private villas with sea views and infinity pools.

Where to Stay in Phuket: Our Favorite Boutique Beach Resort

We stayed at Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa, and we can’t recommend it enough. Located on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea, right on the pristine Natai Beach, this 5-star boutique beach resort was the perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and relaxed tropical beauty.

Just 25 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, Aleenta is close to Phang Nga Bay and several world-class golf courses—yet it feels blissfully secluded. The resort’s “All Suites, All Private” design follows their signature Outside Living In philosophy, and it shows: each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools or swim-up access, and spacious layouts starting at 80 sqm and going all the way up to 500 sqm beachfront villas.

Our villa was a dream—modern, serene, and just steps from the sea. If you’re looking for a luxury stay that still feels intimate and tucked away from Phuket’s crowds, Aleenta is the place.

Click here for the Green Curry recipe.