Phuket is high on many travelers lists when exploring Thailand. And rightfully so! This island is home to great restaurants, awesome nightlife and downright incredible resorts. The beaches and islands off the coast boast gem colored water and have been the backdrop to many Hollywood films. It’s no wonder that Phuket is a hot destination and a must on any global trekker’s list. From Patong beach to day trips to Koh Phi Phi, Phuket is a top 10 travel destination!
My time in Phuket was magical for so many reasons and Paresa is a main one. Hands down, one of the most breathtaking resorts I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in, this cliffside resort offers spectacular views with equally spectacular accommodations, service and amenities. Every villa has a cliffside view and its own, private infinity pool! Yeah, each villa is gorgeous, chic and spacious and includes your pool, deck with comfy furniture to relax on, a terrific tub and 2 fabulous showers (1 inside and 1 by the pool). And that’s just your room! They also have amazing 2, 3 and even 4 bedroom villas that will blow your mind!
The Paresa offers a number of wonderful services from Thai cooking classes to adventure guides. No matter what your fancy is in Phuket, the staff at Paresa is happy to accommodate. I had a blast with my guide who took me all over the island. We visited the big buddha, several beautiful view points and beaches, the lovely Portuguese inspired Old Town and of course, vegan restaurants!
At Phuket Vegan Naiharn Beach, you’ll find dishes like raw pasta, vegan burger, pancakes, chia seed breakfast, house-made kombucha, coconut kefir and yoghurt. Perfect for a light meal in the sweltering heat!
Only open until 5pm, Hong Sun is located at Chao Fah Tawan Tok in Chalong but worth getting there on time. Delicious vegan thai and even yummy pizza, be sure to check it out!
If you want Thai but your travel buddy wants western dishes, check out King Liew at 49 Ong Sim Phai. A “jay” vegan restaurant, serves all sorts of thai dishes as well as salads, sandwiches and take away treats.
You can pretty much throw a stone un Phuket and hit a veggie restaurant! In fact, you will see tons of veggie restaurants all over the island and many are “jay vegan/vegetarian” meaning they are vegan and also do not use onion or garlic.
The Paresa Resort has 2 restaurants, Diavolo which serves Italian food and Talung Thai which, of course, serves Thai food. Both are connected and no matter where you sit, you’re treated to lovely views as well as top notch food and cocktails. Vegan, gluten free and any other special diet is easy at the Paresa restaurants, no matter if it’s breakfast or dessert! They also offer poolside and beach dining, perfect for a romantic meal!
And be sure to take advantage of the cooking classes offered at Paresa as it’s hands on from the start! I started my class by going to the local market in Patong with the chef where I saw a gigantic selection of beautifully fresh produce, handmade curries and all sorts of local delicacies. Back at the resort, we made a soup, an appetizer, and entree and a dessert and each dish was fabulous!
Thailand is a place for extreme relaxation. It’s beautiful beaches and warm weather are the perfect recipe for relaxing and Paresa has a fantastic spa to help get you in the mood. Offering all natural services from pedis to scrubs and everything in between, after your treatment, you get to relax with tea and snacks on one of their signature decks. Ahhhhh!
Last but not least, if you’re looking for nightlife, Patong Beach is where it’s at. Tons of bars, clubs and restaurants, it feels a lot like the Thai version of South Beach! And if you’re looking for some island adventures, be sure book day trips to Koh Phi Phi.
Hopefully I’ve confirmed your wishes to visit Phuket and next time, we’ll be in the mountains!
