Don’t let its location near the airport turn you off – noise from planes is minimal, and wonderfully deserted Mai Khao beach on its doorstep is one of the island's prettiest. There are a handful of balcony suites, but the pool villas are the ones to book. Each is a white-washed sanctuary accentuated by shades of taupe, grey and Portuguese-tiled, open-air bathrooms that reference the island’s trade history. The SALA Spa has a great reputation, as does the restaurant – order the fragrant beef-cheek curry with mushrooms and betel leaves. Address: Sala Phuket, 333 Moo 3 Mai Khao Beach, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand