Sometimes all we need is a little light to find our way... I came, I saw, I made a candle, and I said, “One day, I’m back here for longer!”
My interest in Amatara Welleisure Resort was initially piqued when I joined as a day guest to take part in mindfulness and breathwork activities offered during World Wellness Weekend. What I found was an impressive wellness facility, an excellent breathwork class, wellness-focused culinary delights, and a visit that exceeded expectations, even given how stunning the resort was on social media. I mean, oh my giddy Aunt, those views out to the Andaman Sea over the main swimming pool, it is soooooo gorgeous.
With all the hallmarks I look for when booking a wellness stay, I defy anyone not to take a deep breath and start to unwind here. Amatara softly oozes wellness at every turn. You can stop the scroll now! So when the invitation came to join them for four days and three nights, it was a resounding, yes please.
The Ultimate Guide and Review
Read on as I share everything I discovered during my stay. From my stunning pool villa and the resort’s spectacular beachside sunrises, to the myriad of thoughtfully designed fitness classes. My days included a highly personalised wellness programme designed to support longevity, prevent future health concerns, and optimise overall wellbeing. We’ll explore the dining experiences from healthy breakfasts to Chef Mit’s extraordinary Longevity Table.
Let’s start behind the scenes of Amatara’s distinctive Welleisure™ philosophy. We’ll discuss and reveal why this unique blend of luxury, wellbeing, and leisure makes Amatara one of Phuket’s, Thailand’s, and even the world’s most compelling resort escapes.
Why choose Amatara Welleisure Resort?
Why Thailand?
For those seeking healing as the new luxury experience, Thailand has you covered.
For me, Thailand is always an excellent choice for a holiday, particularly when wellness is high on the agenda. We’ve previously written about the growth of Thailand’s Health Excellence sector; the country has established itself as a leading destination for health, wellness, and medical tourism.
What I find especially interesting is how Thailand’s Health and Wellness Sector continues to grow from a destination known for its luxury spas and health retreats into a world-leading hub for wellness, longevity, and preventive healthcare. Hotels and hospitals have become unlikely bed partners! Stay with me, folks, I’ll explain more!
Why Amatara Welleisure?
The Resort That Challenged the Conversation
Amatara Welleisure Resort fascinates me. It has been awarded Best Luxury Wellness Retreat in Phuket, Thailand (Source: Luxury Lifestyle Awards) for three consecutive years. However, back in the day, it chose to challenge the traditional wellness model by creating its trademarked “Welleisure” concept — a philosophy that blends serious wellness with the pleasures of a luxury holiday.
It’s a jolly good idea, I mean, I can’t be the only one whose other half rolls their eyes at any mention of the words Wellness Retreat? But offer a stay in a beautiful resort where both parties have access to what they enjoy, in this case, me as a Zen Wren and for Mr Wren, eight golf courses on the island, well, now we’re talking!
Who is Amatara for?
I loved mixing with guests from across the globe – it’s a right United Nations here!
Amatara has a pretty wide appeal. I meet solo travellers, couples and honeymooners, groups, and even a small number of families with children.
I also found the resort to have a broad international mix of guests. It varies with the holiday season; you’ll likely find guests from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Middle East forming the biggest part of the guest list.
Introducing the Welleisure Concept
Established in 2012 as Amatara Welleisure™ Resort, it was a bold commercial move to enter the Welleisure space at a time when hotels and resorts were offering either, or not both! Amatara recognised that a growing number of travellers wanted something more balanced: the opportunity to pursue their wellbeing without sacrificing the joys of a traditional luxury escape.
Nowadays, the market is changing as the convergence of luxury hospitality, medical expertise, and evidence-based wellness transforms the sector. Amatara Welleisure is once again positioning itself at the forefront of that evolution.
What began as an innovative concept has become a blueprint for the future of wellness travel across the industry. It’s one that recognises that today’s travellers want enjoyment and enrichment, relaxation and results.
In partnership with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center
Amatara Welleisure Resort has joined this evolution by partnering with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre, a subsidiary of Thailand’s renowned Bumrungrad International Hospital. This enables clinical health evaluations during the stay to elevate guests’ health and vitality.
Having easy holiday access to certain aspects of the medical world within the resort is a game-changer. Advanced health assessments include sleep analysis. On offer are hormone screening, micronutrient testing, food intolerance testing, toxic heavy-metal analysis, Spot-MAS cancer screening, NK-cell inflammatory marker testing, and genetic profiling.
A dedicated Medical Wellness Centre also features an IV Therapy Room, where guests can receive tailored vitamin and hydration infusions, alongside personalised supplement recommendations based on their individual results.
Amatara Welleisure and Longevity – optimise your health span as well as your lifespan.
There is a growing emphasis on longevity. No matter your age, you are never too young to consider a healthy lifestyle. Amatara is positioning itself at the forefront of this new era in which luxury hospitality, wellness, and medical science work hand in hand with traditional healing and nature-based wellness.
My Amatara Wellness Journey: Rebalance, Recharge, Reconnect and Renew
I have been fortunate to stay at some of the world’s loveliest wellness escapes, each at a different stage of my own wellness journey. I’m not gonna lie, 2026 has been a challenging year. Whilst I am on a high from having combated my own autoimmune hurdles, I’ve been dealing with sickness and ill health in both the older and younger generations of my family. This takes its toll and inevitably pushes my own health and wellness to the bottom of the pile. Having seen our senior years up close, it makes me take longevity seriously.
It’s not until I walk out at the end of my visit that I recognise how much I need my Amatara downtime. Having space and time to rebalance, recharge, reconnect and renew is such a precious thing. In my busy, jet-setting life with family spread across two continents. This stay was a welcome and precious delight.
Visbody Body Composition Analysis – a key step in a personalised wellness journey.
My days at Amatara began with a body composition and posture analysis, which I’ve done many times before, but this was different. The Visbody scanner is the most advanced body composition analysis I’ve ever had. It’s amazing what can be determined with two twizzles on a superduper set of scales. What was impressive was not so much what Dr Harshana, Senior Wellness Consultant, identified, but the real, practical, actionable solutions that were suggested.
My Wellness consultation – because living well starts with self-awareness.
Body composition analysis
So, without giving you a complete list of all my ailments, my body composition results identify water retention. Dr Harshana recommends drinking fresh celery and cucumber juice as a natural way to stay hydrated and reduce fluid retention. Both vegetables have a high water content, helping to flush excess fluid from the body. They also contain naturally occurring electrolytes, including potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and supports healthy hydration. Another suggestion was to try a manual lymphatic drainage massage. Both easy to action whilst staying at Amantara.
Posture Analysis
My posture analysis shows several things, one of which is that my head is 0.5 cm forward. Again, I leave with a notepad full of great ideas and practical solutions which I can implement. I have already made changes to my workspace to ensure my PC is at eye level and that my neck is aligned. I welcomed the suggestion to use a timer to ensure I’m not a slave to my desk and to move frequently.
For other postural issues that required correction, such as opening up my hips, the Pigeon and Lizard yoga poses were recommended. What was absolutely brilliant was that at yoga the following morning, both poses had been incorporated into the class. Impressive, or what?
I’d not experienced such a personalised and dynamic ability to adapt the classes to suit attendees’ needs anywhere.
For those with more pressing body alignment concerns, Amatara can arrange additional appointments with their on-site physiotherapist for a supplementary fee. Every guest in the hotel is entitled to a complimentary physical analysis by their licensed physiotherapist.
Holistic Treatments & Spa
For those seeking a structured wellness experience, Amatara offers immersive 3, 5, and 7-day programmes tailored to individual health and wellbeing goals. You can pre-choose your area of interest. Choices include Stress Management, Sleep Enhancement, Detox, and Weight Management. All designed to help guests support the body’s natural healing processes, restore balance, and establish healthier lifestyle habits.
Spa Treatments to calm the senses
The Spa at Amatara Welleisure Resort blends traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques. As expected, there is an extensive menu of treatments, including Thai massage, Ayurvedic therapies, body scrubs, facials, hydrotherapy experiences, and Amatara’s signature massages, which is what I will experience.
The Spa is at the heart of the resort, immediately signifying to me how central it is to their whole essence here at Amarata Welleisure. From the moment I arrived, the welcome was warm and professional. A Lifestyle Assessment form was handed to me to complete.
Amatara Signature massage
My first sips of the accompanying welcome drink continue the tone. I’m enjoying a vibrant Butterfly Pea drink with lime juice, not the rather sickly-sweet options often on offer at lesser establishments. Next, the divine smells of the massage oils, and a rather hard decision. Am I up for energising, refreshing or balancing? In the end, I opt for their signature oil. It’s an interesting blend of safflower, jasmine, grapefruit, and rosewood.
I’m already feeling that wonderful mix of emotions where you start to feel calm while also feeling the elation and jubilation of the treat of a wonderful spa day.
The Spa suite is large with a separate changing room, shower and toilet. There are gorgeous views from every window – I can’t help but think what a shame I will have my eyes shut! It feels beautifully unhurried, and I try to savour every moment…
Somewhere, as Khun Bee’s treatment progresses, the combination of just the right massage pressure and the floral-citrus fragrance loses me to oblivion. I re-emerge into the world with both skin and senses, refreshed and awakened. My treatment ends with a healthy wellness snack, Miang Kham, to promote healthier digestion.
It’s a beautifully considered post-spa snack. This surprise combo of roasted coconut, dried prawns & Betel leaf ensures that my body is nourished both inside and out. This Signature massage bliss is perfect. I don’t often say this lightly, as you will see in my post: How to have a great massage in Thailand.
Amatara’s Thai Hammam
Among the spa’s most impressive facilities is Amatara’s luxurious world’s first Thai Hammam Suite. I was interested to see this, as in the world of luxury spas, it’s a tad different.
Inspired by traditional Turkish and Moroccan bathing rituals, it’s certainly swish. The Hammam is often booked in its entirety by guests seeking the ultimate spa escape for its detoxifying, energising, circulatory-stimulating, and immune-boosting benefits.
I loved the look of the gently glowing salt bricks in the Himalayan salt cave. I have tried this in other locations, and it’s reportedly brilliant for promoting relaxation, supporting restful sleep, and reducing stress.
Wellness Classes and Activities – Movement is essential for a wellness lifestyle
There is a dedicated team of professional fitness trainers ready to support you in the gym, in private sessions, and in group classes. Alongside this, Amatara also offers expert instruction in Muay Thai boxing, pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, personal training, water exercise, and beach sports.
Synergy Studio
Synergy has an impressive two fitness studios and a Pilates room. So there is always plenty of space for both those attending specialised private group retreats and those simply wishing to join the resort’s daily programme of complimentary classes.
Each morning began with a choice of two awakening yoga classes; it was such a lovely start to my day. Being me, I couldn’t resist signing up for back-to-back classes. I half-expected to feel exhausted, but the opposite happened.
The combination of movement, mindful exercise, and time outdoors left me feeling energised rather than drained. By the end of each day, I felt refreshed, balanced, and sleeping more soundly than I had in weeks. It was a wonderful reminder that wellness isn’t about pushing yourself harder, but finding the right rhythm for your body.
Awaken Flow Yoga
By the third morning, after three days of yoga and stretching, my body did something I have not attempted for a good number of years: I did a shoulder stand! Woo hoo, I was elated.
By the time you get to my age, you begin to think that, physically, there are things that are now beyond you. What is exciting is that Amatara showed me that with the right care and classes, your mobility can return and really quite quickly! I also did my first deep squat in three years, and I didn’t even need help standing up from this afterwards!
Afterwards, when I thanked the teacher, she told me that she had observed throughout the class that my lower back was stiff and suggested some further postures. I was blown away, given there were ten in the class; the personal attention was impressive.
Core Flow and Alignment with Max
This class had only three participants, and I was probably twice the age of the other two guests, although I had the advantage of the earlier warm-up class. I enjoyed the class and was pleased to be given modifications and to see that the range of fitness levels was well covered.
Midday Reset Classes
Then at lunch time, there was a midday reset, either a stretch class, ‘Spine Reset for Travel Bodies‘ had my name written all over it, along with ‘Fascia Ease‘ or ‘Mobility for Longevity‘.
Strength and Conditioning Classes
After lunch, the energetic amongst us could participate in a complimentary Strength and Conditioning class or attend one of the various creative wellness classes (for an additional fee)
Evening Specialised Classes
Evening classes were specialised classes such as TRX, Pilates, and core intelligence training, available for an additional fee, THB 1,000++ per class.
I must give a special mention to their top-notch Pilates equipment. Their Pilates studio, BASI Pilates Phuket, offers Pilates equipment and reformers as good as I’ve seen anywhere.
Wellness Talk – Digestive Health
Each week, Wellness Talks are on offer, and I attended a class with Dr Harshana on Gut Health. Again, I left with my notebook full of some interesting ideas and scribbled notes. I was introduced to the benefits of Ochra Water and given the recipe to make my own at home.
Fitness & Gym
There is a well-equipped gym, which I enjoyed using to keep my step count up. The resort is built on a hillside, and with Phuket’s tropical heat, I was more than happy to make use of the efficient buggy service to get around. The downside? My daily steps took a bit of a hit! Thankfully, the gym was the perfect place to give them a welcome boost.
Whilst there, I found and enjoyed the Infrared Sauna and Steam Room in the women’s changing room. There is literally something to do at every turn here. No wonder I slept so well, hey?
Creative Wellness Classes
The wellness classes are all about being present in the moment and enjoying your own creativity. Having made candles on a previous occasion, I opted for soap-making this time!
You have to concentrate as you craft your own glycerin-based soap with heated wax, using natural ingredients such as coconut and essential oils, ground oats or coffee beans. It is a fun way to meet and chat with other guests, and of course, you leave with your own creations.
The beauty of the activities is that they are suitable for all ages, even kids over 4 can join with an accompanying parent.
Beach and swimming pools
I had the choice of three swimming pools, including my own private villa pool.
Amatara’s spectacular 55m infinity pool is one of the resort’s many wows, and time doing nothing but admiring the views here is never wasted! It’s a central feature of the resort; cleverly designed so that its waters disappear into the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea beyond (or is this a ‘should have gone to Specsavers‘ moment?!)
It’s one of those idyllic settings, surrounded by palm trees and lined with comfortable loungers, that encourages you to while away the hours with a great book and linger far longer than you intended.
What I particularly appreciated was the atmosphere. I was interested to see how the Welleisure concept might play out around the pool. Unlike many luxury resorts, where pools can become lively social hubs with swim-up bars and happy hours. Amatara’s wellness focus leads to a noticeably calmer environment. Guests drift between yoga classes, spa treatments, wellness consultations and leisurely lunches, creating a peaceful, unhurried vibe that perfectly complements the resort’s philosophy of balance and wellbeing.
POOL TERRACE
The Pool Terrace serves light Western and Asian snacks directly to your sun lounger, throughout the day.
Senses Swimming Pool
There is a second, smaller, more secluded, but equally impressive swimming pool at Senses, with the same charming infinity design overlooking the sea. It’s a tough choice working out which pool to choose, I can tell you!
Beachfront
A natural cove, this shoreline offers a peaceful atmosphere rather than a traditional swimming beach
The hotel’s beach is on the smaller side, but honestly, who needs more? It’s nice and tranquil with sufficient shade and with a wonderful swing – I love a good beach swing, do you?
Technically, there is no such thing as a private beach in Phuket, as all beaches are public. However, when your beach is, in practice, easily accessible only to your guests, it is as good as private, so it has this wonderfully exclusive feel!
Amatara’s beachfront area offers sun loungers, or, for the more active, complimentary kayaks to explore nearby beaches. When I was there, red flags were raised, temporarily suspending water sports due to rough seas.
The Beach Table
For those who want to stay by the beach all day, refreshing drinks and light snacks are available here as well.
Bay View Pool Villa – an exceptional stay
Guests have the choice of 48 Suites and 57 Villas, all with private balconies offering sea views.
My private pool villa stay was one for the Phuket memory books. I absolutely loved my Ocean View Villa from the moment I stepped inside. It’s humongous at 150 sqm. There is more than enough room for those who love to have their own private retreat within a retreat. In fact, it was so gorgeous, it was hard to leave!
The luxurious layout offers a separate bathing wing with a statement circular bath (yes, and bath salts) overlooking your private swimming pool, a separate shower, and spectacular sea views from every window.
The bedroom has a king-sized bed that is oh so comfortable, with the finest bed linen and blackout drapes (you’ll have fun playing around trying to work out the electric blinds – thanks goodness for the lovely turn down service!) It ticks all the right boxes for guests who check in, especially to improve the quality of their sleep.
Adjoining the bedroom is a spacious living area, with a sofa, armchairs, and a writing desk—perfect for catching up on emails or simply relaxing with a book. Floor-to-ceiling doors open onto a generous sea-facing balcony, where uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea steal the show.
Thoughtful touches throughout the villa make me smile. There’s a coffee machine, and I’m impressed to find a teapot for those early-morning cuppas, along with complimentary snacks and a soft-drinks minibar that is replenished daily. Behind the bedroom is a generous dressing area with ample wardrobe space. It all feels super luxurious.
Outside is where the villa truly comes into its own. Your private plunge pool, complete with soothing Jacuzzi jets, sits alongside a second terrace with comfortable seating. It’s an idyllic spot to unwind in complete privacy. One of my favourite moments of the entire stay was slipping into the warm water after dark and floating beneath a sky full of stars. It was peaceful, magical, and one of those travel memories that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
There are honestly not enough hours in the day when you are at Amatara!
Where to eat at Amatara
Longevity Table
Food at Amatara Welleisure Resort is definitely a highlight, with plenty of choices of dining options. The resort prides itself on crafting food to ‘nourish your body and awaken your senses’.
I can’t dispute this, having had the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Nimit Kaewpoung (Iron Chef Thailand 2022) at an exclusive Longevity Table event hosted in collaboration with Tatler Thailand.
This epic and exclusive dinner showcased the very best at Amatara Welleisure Resort, and do you want to know the very best thing? The resort crafts seasonal menus that connect local culture and flavour. Every guest also has the opportunity, whilst staying, to enjoy and savour the freshest local ingredients and to eat well.
During your stay, do take the opportunity to eat around; you will be amazed by the variety of dining options. I hope you will be as impressed as I was!
Siri Restaurant – Phuket and Local Thai Cuisine
The first thing I noticed when I arrived for my welcome dinner had nothing to do with the food. Instead, it was the fresh flowers adorning every table. A small detail, which says a great deal about a restaurant. Dinner celebrated the authentic flavours of Phuket and the island’s Peranakan heritage, beginning with a generous sharing platter.
Crispy deep-fried prawns wrapped in delicate noodles made a wonderfully dramatic first impression, accompanied by lightly spiced fish cakes, golden spring rolls, and delicious crab cakes. A beautifully prepared Pad Thai Goong followed, packed with succulent prawns and topped with crisp, fresh bean sprouts that added just the right amount of crunch.
Then came the finale. I’m happy it’s Thailand’s most iconic dessert. Sweet, perfectly ripe mango paired with warm sticky rice, creamy coconut sauce, coconut ice cream, and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. Beautifully presented and utterly delicious, it was the perfect ending to my first evening at Amatara.
Breakfast
Over the course of my stay, Siri became the restaurant I knew best, as it was also home to Amatara’s daily breakfast. By the time I arrived after a sunrise wander at the beach and two yoga classes, I was ready for a feast. Amantara delivered.
You have the choice of buffet items featuring fresh tropical fruit, pastries, cereals, and local favourites, complemented by an extensive à la carte menu cooked to order.
True to the resort’s wellness philosophy, there was no shortage of nourishing choices. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful menu descriptions, which went beyond simply listing ingredients. Dishes such as the tempeh & grain bowl were highlighted as being naturally fermented, gut-friendly, and allergen-conscious, making it easy for guests to choose meals that aligned with their individual health goals.
Even the calorie content was clearly displayed, a small but helpful detail for those following a specific nutrition plan or simply wanting to make more informed choices.
Scene Restaurant
The stunning setting of the aptly named Scene restaurant, with its wonderful sea views, was the backdrop for our already-mentioned Longevity Table evening. This restaurant serves the freshest seafood and the best cuts of meat in a variety of local and international styles. This was my favourite restaurant for its elegant dining and delicious, healthy food. You have the option of both indoor and outdoor dining.
Senses Restaurant
Senses Healthy Cuisine is the easily overlooked, tucked-away restaurant overlooking a swimming pool. It’s a great choice, offering nutritious, delicious dishes for lunch and dinner for all guests craving healthy meals. Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and mindful flavours designed to support your journey of living well by the ocean. From the local market to the ocean-inspired table, do enjoy at least one meal here.
SUN & MOON
Sun & Moon is a romantic rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. It was the perfect setting for arrivals and aperitifs before the Longevity Table. It also works as a chill spot with ocean breezes for Happy Hour sundowner drinks.
With my handcrafted Moihito in hand, listening to the chug of the long tail boats returning after their day at sea, and the squaw of the birds, it’s a beautiful end to a lovely day.
Service
The team at Amatara deserve a special shout-out. The Land of Smiles is renowned for its top-class hospitality, and Anatara Staff are well-trained and committed to providing each guest with an exceptional experience. The staff were all super friendly and helpful.
Accessibility
Be warned: the resort is on a hillside. Accessibility may be challenging for older people and/or those with mobility issues due to the steep hills (in places) and the steps. However, the Buggy transport service seemed responsive and quick to arrive. The staff were always available to assist whenever needed.
Final Thoughts
Amatara Wellness is all about the art of living well, and it’s fabulous. The resort is celebrated for its oceanfront setting in Cape Panwa. Its holistic wellness retreats and tailored Welleisure™ programs are designed to balance rest, mindfulness, and healthy living, as well as the pleasure of living well.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this stunning resort. I left feeling rejuvenated and with a new zest for life. This is your place, whether you travel alone, as a couple or with family and friends and are looking for serenity and wellness. Thank you for reading!
A special thank you to Amatara Welleisure Resort, Phuket, for the outstanding hospitality and exceptional service throughout my stay.
The Details
Location
Amatara is located on the peaceful Cape Panwa peninsula, away from Phuket’s busy tourist areas. This area of the island is celebrated for its quietness, making it perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
It’s a 45-minute drive from the Airport and a 30-minute taxi ride to Phuket Old Town, offering cultural charm and vibrant experiences for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Address: 84, Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Disclaimer: Little Wandering Wren was an invited guest of Amatara Welleisure Resort; all opinions are my own.
ABOUT ME: Jenny from Little Wandering Wren is an Aussie Brit who loves to find lovely places to stay. Having spent most of her life as an Expat, she has previously lived in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Known as Thailand’s Staycation Queen, she has stayed at over 200 of Thailand’s best Hotels and Resorts and has a particular interest in health and wellbeing for the over-60’s.
You might also enjoy: Why your next trip should be a Wellness Retreat and How to find a great massage in Thailand, Kamalaya Wellness
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