As an "Amanjunkie", I trusted that Amanpuri was the best option for Phuket. Unfortunately, this resort has seen better days. Our "Ocean Front" Villa was overgrown and felt more like a jungle view. The concierge had a difficult time with english and dropped the ball on most our non-beach requests. As for the beach, very nice but shared with another resort. Overall, an OK stay but not one to go out of your way for.

Aman Resorts enjoy a fine reputation.
After having stayed at other Aman resorts we decided to have a beach
holiday at the Amanpuri. Wrong choice. We stayed there in May 2005.
Obviously the previous manager had left some time earlier to run the
newly opened Trisara. And indeed, we definitely didn't get the impression
that the hotel was well managed. Compared to other hotels in Thailand,
like the wonderful Four Seasons in Chiang Mai, the Amanpuri's service
level is inferior.
Take the beach for example: Even though there is plenty of staff at
the beach, we never really got any fresh water or fresh towels. Even
worse, there was plenty of litter at the beach, during our stay none of
the staff ever picked up a piece of rubbish.
Take the restaurant for example: service is very slow, orders keep
getting mixed up, food is ok but not more, prices are stellar.
If someone from the management showed up, they would usually
spend their time with each other chatting in the restaurant.
Pick some other place on Phuket, the Amanpuri doesn't live up to Aman
standards. The Banyan Tree and the Trisara among others are
excellent choices.
at all.

I've never written a review before, but I was inspired by both my wonderful trip to the Amanpuri (and other Aman hotels, including the beautiful Amangani in Jackson Hole), but also by the very negative review right here.

The hotel was beautiful. The attention to detail is amazing. The staff were more than helpful. They are not overbearing, which is what I prefer on a trip. Yet, every whim that I had was met. If I left my room for only an hour in the morning, to get a cup of coffee and read my book, I'd reenter to find that it was already cleaned. No other hotel in the world has done that. The Aman property is stunning, and the amenities are definitely top of the line.

When I read reviews by people who are angry that the staff didn't go out of their way to explain every single last detail, it makes me laugh. I know different people have varying standards, and I accept that. I'm pretty laid back. I prefer the beauty of the rooms and the surroundings to overbearing service. I do bristle if the service is rude, however. I found NOTHING lacking at this hotel. If I was unsure of something, I just read the information left in the hotel room or asked the concierge or front desk. Every question was met with a smile and a very helpful answer.

When I read negative reviews like the one that inspired this response, I have to wonder what some people are looking for in a hotel. I was very happy here, and I would happily put my vacation into the hands of the Aman people.

If you are into glitz and flash, they are not for you. If you are into quiet, some personal space surrounded by top of the line decor, service, and amenities? Then this is the place!

This place is amazing...we have traveled all over thailand for 2 wks on our honeymoon and nothing could have been better than ending it at amanpuri...i don't know what they have in the water in LA but they were not at the same resort i was...everywhere we went we were attented to...at the beach our water was filled and chilled...the restaurant was great and our food was excellent...and we live in nyc and go out for meals alot! all in all a great experience and one i highly recommend!!!