How to choose a Phuket Sandbox SHA+ approved hotel you'll love!

Over the past year, I have stayed at over 50 hotels and resorts in Phuket. Read on for my advice gleaned on finding the best hotels and resorts that Phuket can offer. (updated 9 Jan 2022)

If you are looking to come to Thailand via the #PhuketSandbox you need to enter via the Phuket Sandbox and AQ quarantine schemes. The entry scheme required will determine the safety certificate of the hotel required (SHA, SHA+ or SHA Extra Plus)

To check the SHA status of hotels click here.

Choosing your Phuket SHA+ Hotel

Table of Contents

What is the Phuket Sandbox?

Thailand reopened for fully vaccinated international travellers without quarantine requirements with the launch of the Phuket Sandbox from 1 July, Samui Plus from 15 July, and Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension (Krabi, Phang-Nga, and Surat Thani) from 16 August. On November 1st the Test & Go scheme further opened up Thailand.

The latest Omnicron variant has affected travel across the globe, Thailand’s response has been to suspend its Test and Go arrivals. For the latest on how you can enter Thailand see the TAT Newsroom’s Information on Phuket Sandbox.

Twin Palms MontAzure, Phuket

Tips for choosing your Phuket Sandbox SHA+ hotel

Do your research – look at recent Trip Advisor, Google, and hotel booking site reviews. Remember reviews from before March 2020 are irrelevant, too much has changed.

What are your holiday requirements? Be really clear about what you want from your Thailand holiday or Sandbox return. Phuket is not how you remember it. For a lot of us, this island is now showing its natural beauty after years of over-tourism, it is golden. Nightlife is, how shall I put it, subdued. Many restaurants remain closed, and many rental cars were taken off the island, things have changed and it will take time to gear up for full-on tourism again. However, the Thais are the masters of regeneration.

Choose your location carefully to fit your holiday dreams! If you are after an ‘away from it all’ experience and to see amazing Phuket as it hasn’t been seen for over thirty years, stay up north close to the airport. Or come down to Kata and Karon beaches, just be aware much is closed. Or are you looking for more life, and a choice of restaurants, spas, and activities, choose areas popular with Expats such as Rawai, Nai Harn, Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala.

Book directly with the hotel. More flexible and easier, cheaper and better if refund required.

Check out the hotel’s social media and see what content has recently been posted. Interact and ask the questions that are important to you – can we swim at your beach, what watersports are available at the moment, does your beach have lifeguards? What restaurants do you have open, or available nearby? What is open within easy walking distance? How far is the nearest Family Mart convenience store!

For those looking to stay on beyond their initial Sandbox reservation – find the best deals advertised for Phuket residents via the hotel’s Facebook pages, as these offers are often fleeting they rarely make it onto their websites.

Finally, where ever you choose, you support Phuket and Thailand as it reopens its doors. Phuketians will be very grateful to you. You come as pioneers and we hope you will come with your spirit of adventure.

Arriving at Phuket International Airport

North Phuket (close to the airport)

Nai Yang Beach – The Slate,

SHA Plus + Approved

You win the award for the most fun, artsy, luxurious, and romantic resort with wow upon wow. We loved all the features Bill Bensley designed for your resort, based on Phuket’s old tin mine industry. Our dinner at your Michelin Plate awarded Black Ginger restaurant and stunning setting will linger with us forever.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: The Slate

Nai Yang Beach – Dewa Resort

SHA Plus + Approved

You win the prize for having the best and lushest gardens. We were so happy to make this one of our WFB working from the Beach home away from home staycations. Your apartment overlooking the pool gave us everything we needed. In your brilliantly run resort of apartments, villas, and suites nothing was too much trouble.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Dewa

The beautiful gardens of the Dewa Resort.

Thalang – Trisara

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win my praise for being of the utmost elegance with your own private jetty and beach and Michelin Star restaurant PRU. Your pool and beachside area are absolutely stunners.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Trisara

Sunset at Trisara

Naithon Beach – Pullman Arcadia

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win my gratitude for the incredible view over the beach, wonderful food, and fantastic staff. Your hotel is effortlessly managed by your exceptional guest-orientated staff who love to go all out to give them the best experience.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Pullman Arcadia

Pullman Arcadia

Mai Khao Beach – Anantara Mai Khao Villas

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win my highest praise for the best tropical hideaway designer villa ever! I could go on and on about how great this stay was more below! We have just returned for our second stay and loved it just as much on our return.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Video tour of Sala Pool Villa and IG post: Anantara Mai Khao Villas

Hotel Review: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket blog post and YouTube feature vlog

Mai Khao Beach – Renaissance

SHA Plus+ Approved

We love how popular your resort is and we’re not surprised, as your sales and marketing team are super responsive. Your lagoon rooms are lovely, your breakfast memorable and your activities program from Yogalates to bike riding around the lake wonderful.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Renaissance

Renaissance

Mai Khao Beach – Anantara Vacation Club

SHA Plus+ Approved

No one seems to mind this is not beachfront, you come here for the water park swimming area, the Kid’s Club, and teenage activities. We (as a couple) loved our spacious two-bedroom new pool apartment, activities (yoga), and the food – the Seafood Buffet dinner at under 1000 THB was fab. This once predominately timeshare vacation club is offering good deals at present.

Mai Khao Beach – Blue Canyon Country Club

SHA Plus+ Approved PHUKET SANDBOX STAY

We love how your rooms pale into the background compared with not one but two amazing golf courses here. With restaurants on-site and good value spa treatments on offer, this is perfect for golf enthusiasts wanting a great golf package.

For more on our stay coming soon!

Phuket City

Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel

SHA Plus+ Pending

You are a winner for the best owners’ passion project brought to life! You are loved for lovingly restoring your historic storefront building and your Woo Gallery museum. You are fantastically located tight at the heart of old Phuket town.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Woo Gallery

Woo Galley and Boutique Hotel

Casa Blanca

SHA Plus+ Approved

You are a standout in the best for the solo female market. You have a great Phuket city location, new modern-styled rooms. Here’s looking at you kid!

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Casa Blanca

Casa Blanca

Memory on On On

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win the award for the steeped in history stay, go for this if you love history, you won’t get a better location.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Memory on On On

Blu Monkey Boutique Hotel

SHA Plus+ Pending

You win for the best elegant room with a fantastic bath, above a coffee shop. Your stylish, slightly out-of-the-way location is worth finding, you are good value.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Blu Monkey Boutique Hotel

West Coast

Bang Tao Beach – Dusit Thani Laguna

SHA Plus + Approved

You triumphed at providing the best beachfront two-bed family pool villa as slap bang beachfront on the white sands of Bang Tao beach as you can possibly get. We loved the Dusit Thai styling, your lush gardens all overlooking the glittering Andaman Ocean.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Dusit Thani Laguna + Video here

Banyan Tree

SHA Plus+ Approved

You deserve the everyone is happy here award. This all-pool villa luxury resort with spa, 40m swimming pool, lagoon access, close to Bang Tao beach, and with an award-winning golf course – a perfect staycation for a golfer and his happy to be left, alone wife!

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Phuket

SAII Laguna

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win the operating with heart award. Everyone of all ages from the smallest of kids (at the Kids’ Club) through to families with teenagers, solo female travellers, and the ‘I’ve fled Bangkok’ brigade are all mixed together with a beaming smile on their faces here. I love your price and you offer the best activities program I’ve seen. You are superbly run and your beach is one of the best on the island.

Nr Layan Beach – The Pavilions

SHA Plus+ Approved

We loved the feeling of privacy and seclusion here on our hilltop stay. Our luxury Ocean View Pool Villa had a private infinity swimming pool and panoramic views. You win our highest praise for your staff who go out of their way to get to know what you want and then go all out to deliver you the very best experience – including a private meditation class!

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Pansea Beach – The Surin

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win the everyone will love staying here award, you suit discerning travelers, families, and couples seeking relaxation and indulgence in the utterly gorgeous serene beachfront setting of Pansea beach. Returning after recent renovations on July 1st, 2021 with a brand new update.

For more on our stay visit our YouTubeTHE SURIN and IG post & photos and the wonderful secluded Pansea beach.

The Surin

Surin Beach – The Chava Resort

SHA Plus+ Pending

You win the best two-bedroom apartment accolade. Your magnificent pool area opposite the lovely Surin Beach is always appreciated, as is your great coffee!

For more on our stay visit our IG page: The Chava Resort

The Chava Resort

Surin Beach – Twin Palms Phuket

SHA PLUS+ Approved

You win the magical, water garden landscape award, we literally jump right in the water from our room! We loved your connection and free transport to Palm Seaside, The Lazy Coconut, and Catch Beach Club.

For more on our stay visit our YouTube here IG page: coming soon!

Twin Palms Phuket

Kamala Beach – Twin Palms MontAzure

SHA Plus+ Pending

You win the ‘Life does not get any better than this’ award’ for the Azure Seaview Penthouse pool. We loved your unique stunning rooms offering both the mountain and beach views.

For more on our stay visit our YouTube channel here. IG page: TwinPalms MontAzure

Penthouse Pool Villa Twin palms MontAzure

Intercontinental Phuket Resort

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win the vibrancy award for being slap bang in the middle of the most lively night-time action outside Phuket Town at Kamala beach. Your beachside rooms, your catering team and brilliant Sunday brunch, and your activities program offered us a memorable stay.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Intercontinental

Kamala Beach from Intercontinental, Phuket

Karon Noi: Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

SHA PLUS+ Approved

Hands down the best choice for the tranquility award for those that want a secluded beach cove which resort users have all to themselves, plus, the biggest swimming pool area ever!

For more on our stay visit our YouTube channel Le Meridien and IG page: Le Meridien

Kata Beach – The Boathouse Phuket

SHA PLUS+ Approved

You win my affections for the best food with a view. Your hotel is a firm favourite right on Kata Beach, with our best-loved Executive Chef.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: The Boathouse Phuket

The Boathouse Phuket

Kata Beach – Kata Rocks

SHA Plus+ Pending

You win the award for the ‘pinch me is my life for real?’ Staycation life doesn’t get any better than a stay at Kata Rocks, fun, exclusive, and forever in my heart.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Kata Rocks

For a full blog post see: Kata Rocks stay in style and brunch

Kata Beach – The SIS Kata Resort

SHA Plus+ Approved

You are a brilliant choice for the dynamic young and trendy crowd who want good value and an excellently run resort, minutes from the fabulous Kata beach.

More on our stay: SIS Kata Resort and our SIS Kata Beach video reel.

Southern Phuket

Nai Harn Beach – The Nai Harn Phuket

SHA Plus+ Approved

You have our highest praise for the best value in a stunning location. Beautiful rooms overlooking this favourite beach.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Nai Harn

Love the Nai Harn and the fabulous beach

Rawai Beach – Mangosteen Ayurvedic Resort & Spa

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win hands-down for your wonderful yoga retreat. Love your fabulous bungalow in pretty gardens with a choice of wellness programs.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Mangosteen

Mangosteen Resort and Ayurvedic Spa

Cape Panwa – Cape Panwa Hotel

SHA Plus+ Approved

You gain our praise for your stylish, away from it all location in southern Phuket, two lovely pool areas, and serene small but exclusive beachfront.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Cape Panwa

Ao Yon Beach – The Cove

SHA Plus+ Pending

Winning the tiny hotel award, you take the boutique to the extreme with only three rooms. You are quiet and remote, an absolute beachfront with a great bar and restaurant.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: The Cove

Coconut Island

Coconut Island – Island Escape by Burasari

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win the award for the easiest island escape from Phuket. You are exquisitely secluded amongst nature. We loved your 3-bed pool oceanview villa and pool table which would be perfect for a family stay.

For more on our stay visit our IG page: Island Escape by Burasari and video here

Naka Island

The Naka Island

SHA Plus+ Approved

You win our hearts for the most exclusive romantic resort within easy speedboat access of Phuket. Your pool villa and bath in the garden are simply beautiful, pure luxury.

For more on our stay visit our YouTube channel here. IG post: coming soon!

The Naka Island

THE RACHA – Racha Yai Island

SHA Plus+ Approved

Certainly last but not least, we loved your beautiful resort with your powdery white sand beach & those turquoise waters. You will always be remembered for the night we were your only guests and how you treated us as if your resort was full down to every last cushion going out at sunset. Your attention to detail and your staff service support one of the most beautiful island resorts I have ever stayed at. I didn’t want to leave.

The Racha is hidden on the most beautiful beach.

SHA EXTRA PLUS+ APPROVAL

You will note not all hotels listed above have received their SHA Plus+ approval status at present. You can check for updates here

Please check carefully, hotels are constantly being added to the SHA Plus+ Sandbox list and also being taken off! We have known of Sandboxers having to move hotels when their resort has lost its SHA Plus+ status.

How to get the best deals?

Everyone loves a good deal right? We have found the best deals often come up as Flash Sales via the Hotel’s own Facebook page or via Thailand’s popular messenger App Line.

Some hotels offer the best available rates to book direct, but others won’t price match with Agoda or Hotel.com, Booking.com.

Megatix is offering some good deals at the moment too.

(There are no affiliate links on this website!)

Final Thoughts

We hope that this has helped as you decide on which hotel to book for your arrival in Phuket.

Please, share the love and like, save and comment for future reference.

If you would like to recommend any Phuket hotels you have enjoyed, please do so in the comments and likewise ask away if you have any other questions.

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Thank you for reading and looking forward to seeing you in Phuket soon!