Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is one of the most exclusive villa resorts in Phuket. During our third stay, we rediscover why this luxury resort on Mai Khao Beach is so beloved by travelers seeking privacy, tranquility, and high-quality service. Our previous visit was in 2019, and it immediately feels familiar to return here. The resort is located far from Patong, which we consider a major advantage. You can find peace here and seek out the hustle and bustle if you wish. Although the resort is close to the airport, there is no disturbance from overhead planes.
Anantara Mai Khao is one of the resorts where White Lotus III was filmed. With its understated luxury, tropical tranquility, and villa layout, the hotel evokes the atmosphere of the White Lotus series—a place where exclusivity, privacy, and slow living take center stage.
Arrival
Upon arrival, we are greeted by a small delegation consisting of the General Manager, our assigned butler, and a few reception staff. The welcome is warm and sincere. After a brief conversation with the manager – who thanks us for choosing this resort again – the paperwork follows, but not before we are offered a glass of delicious iced tea and fresh pineapple. A lovely and refreshing start to the stay.
Our butler takes us to the villa by buggy. Thanks to our GHA Titanium membership, we receive a double upgrade to a Sala Pool Villa. At the villa, we are asked to take a seat on a sunbed, after which our hands are ceremonially cleansed. A beautiful and soothing welcome ritual that immediately sets the tone.
Villa #58
We are staying in a Sala Pool Villa, and as far as we are concerned, these villas are among the best you can book in Thailand. The layout is exceptionally well thought out, and we find the combination of privacy, space, and aesthetics even better than at the Phulay Bay villas.
The swimming pool with bathtub is centrally located in the garden. Because the villa is situated directly on the lagoon, the rear of the garden offers views of the water through large windows and sliding doors. The characteristic sala is located in the lagoon and is accessible under cover. The windows and doors facing the garden can be fully closed, guaranteeing optimal privacy.
Upon entering, you step into a spacious bedroom with a very comfortable bed, a desk, and a generous sofa. The sofa, furnished with soft and richly filled cushions, is a lovely place to relax.
This is followed by a large walk-in closet with a dressing table, and then an oversized bathroom with a toilet, shower, and double sinks. A sliding door provides access to the outdoor bath, and a separate door near the shower leads to the outdoor shower. We continue to find this a fantastic addition.
The room also features a wardrobe with a minibar and extensive coffee and tea making facilities.
Upon arrival, we receive a bottle of champagne, fresh fruit, and various sweets. We immediately feel at home here and look forward to the coming days.
Restaurants & Bar
Sea, Fire and Salt opened recently and is located directly on the beach, next to the infinity pool. The menu is entirely European-oriented, which we personally find a pity. After all, we are in Thailand and would have liked to see more local dishes on the menu.
Unfortunately, our dinner at Sea, Fire and Salt was disappointing. We were not impressed and have eaten better here in the past. A few points for attention: the fish is extremely salty because it is prepared on a salt stone, and the tuna, ordered as rare, arrives well done at the table because it continues to cook on the hot stone. The wait staff is aware of this and immediately asks if they may cut the tuna open to check. On the positive side, the dish is replaced without discussion. The way they handle the situation is correct, but ultimately, you come here for the food.
The Thai restaurant La Sala, on the other hand, is clearly better. You sit here in a charming setting by the pond and can enjoy authentic and spicy Thai food. The service here is good and relaxed. The food is, as you would expect in a five-star hotel, of very high quality. We love spicy food, and we don’t have to be told twice. The service is also top-notch. In addition to a menu with Thai dishes, there is a second menu with Indian dishes.
The Bua bar is very pleasant. Outside, there are only two seats by the pond, which is limited, but those who arrive on time can enjoy a comfortable sunbed and excellent cocktails. Inside, the bar has a very pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
Gym
There are two gyms at the resort. We prefer the gym in the active zone. It is spacious, equipped with brand-new Technogym equipment, and has plenty of free weights and machines. This active zone features both an indoor and an outdoor gym. Towel and water service are excellently arranged here. The second gym is considerably smaller and is located in the second part of the resort. The equipment here is also new.
Swimming pool
The infinity pool is beautifully designed, with sunbeds in the water and a view of the beach. Parasols provide ample shade.
The service at the pool could be better. The towel service is excellent: upon arrival, the sunbed is made up immediately. The complimentary water service, on the other hand, is inconsistent; it seems as if it is decided randomly who gets water and who doesn’t.
The pool itself is wonderfully refreshing and the view of the beach is truly breathtaking.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet is exactly what you would expect from a five-star resort: extensive and of high quality. There is a wide selection of European and Asian dishes. Eggs are prepared à la minute and the coffee is very good.
What makes breakfast extra special is the view of the pond, with fish curiously begging for bread, while birds also show themselves among the aquatic plants. A soothing and almost meditative start to the day.
Overall
We find this to be a pleasant hotel, but since our last stay, clear changes have been implemented, including the opening of a new section. Unfortunately, this expansion does not fully benefit the experience. The resort is becoming more massive. We prefer a small-scale, personal resort.
The villas in the older part near the beach are excellent and offer plenty of privacy. The newer section features high-rise buildings, which attract a different clientèle and detract from the exclusive character. At full occupancy, we expect it to be considerably busier at the pool and in the restaurants.
We would absolutely return for the villas – we find them better than the beach villas at Phulay Bay. However, for service, we prefer Phulay Bay. So, it is mainly a matter of personal priorities.
Scores
Scores
- Ambiance: 9.0
- Room: 10.0
- Price: 9.8
- Service: 9.0
- Cleaning: 10.0
- Overall: 9.6
Impression
Anantara, a chain that can and may compete with the world’s top hotel chains. This resort still has enough elements to deliver luxury, service, and privacy; however, it must be careful not to become too massive.
