Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Layan Beach is one of Phuket's last genuinely quiet stretches, and Anantara has planted itself directly on it. This luxury resort on the northwestern coast keeps the day-trippers out by sheer geography, leaving the white sand mostly to guests. Villas come with private pools and beach access; even the entry-level rooms have vaulted ceilings and terrazzo tubs. A spa, a Japanese restaurant, and a rooftop bar round things out, along with an observatory deck for stargazing.