The Global Expat Hub
Thailand
Base yourself where you might actually live: for Thailand that means Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket — and the smaller towns in between. Every stay below was picked by our editors and links to the property's own website. Book two to four weeks if you can: long enough to test commutes, groceries and weekday noise.
Amanpuri
Amanpuri opened in 1988 as the very first Aman resort, and its name means “place of peace” in Sanskrit. It stands on a headland above Pansea Beach on Phuket's west coast, in what was once a coconut plantation, and its Thai-temple-inspired roofs and dark-wood pavilions were designed by architect Ed Tuttle.
Accommodation is split between Pavilions, reached by elevated walkways through the palms, and Villas with private pools. The 40 Pavilions each have an outdoor sala and terrace, while the Villas add larger living space and, in the residences, private pools and staff. Interiors use teak, native woods and muted textiles, kept deliberately calm and low-key.
Dining runs from Arva, the Italian restaurant, and Nama, serving Japanese washoku, to The Beach Terrace down by the sand and The Sunset Terrace above it, with The Pool Terrace beside the main pool. Afternoon tea is served daily, and private beach barbecues can be arranged on the shore below the resort.
The main black-tiled pool sits at the centre of the resort, with a second pool at the Spa House, and steps lead down through the grove to the beach. As a scouting base it suits the west coast well: the expat neighbourhoods of Cherng Talay, Bang Tao and Kamala are close by, Surin Beach is the next bay south, and Phuket International Airport is under an hour away.
- Aman — Amanpuri opened in 1988 as the first Aman resort
- Pansea Beach, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
- 40 Pavilions plus Villas with private pools, per Aman's own site
- Dining: Arva (Italian), Nama (Japanese) and The Beach Terrace
- Main pool, Spa House and steps down to a private stretch of Pansea Beach
Visit the property — Amanpuri aman.com
This featured showcase is an editorial selection by our editors. We have not stayed at this property and it is not a paid placement; no rating is implied. Paid placements never influence the Thailand liveability score, safety rating or warnings.
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- Stay in at least two neighbourhoods.
- Choose somewhere with a kitchen: it reveals daily costs.
- Visit a supermarket, a clinic and a school during the stay.
- Ask the manager where they would and wouldn't rent.
Every listing links to the property's own website. Listings are editorial picks; a Partner tag marks a paid placement, and a Long-stay tag marks places set up for longer stays.