A-list celebrities and elite travellers wanting a beach life infused with glitz and glamor have long flocked to Phuket. It’s easy to see why. Surrounded by a sea that glistens from azure to ultramarine and covered by densely green forest landscapes, which at parts drop dramatically into the sea, Phuket is an oyster shell-shaped island dangling into the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s southwest coast. It impresses all comers.

Far from being “done” there are some experiences still to be tried for the first time visitors and returnees. From private helicopter airport transfers to boat charters and exclusive waterfront dining, the opportunities are endless for those who know where to find them.

A glamorous arrival

Travelers who want the most dramatic of entrances can drop into Phuket from above with a private helicopter transfer from the airport with Skydance, a journey that gives an aerial introduction to the radiance of this tropical paradise.

This bird’s eye arrival flies over the lush colors of the seas and the greenness of the forests, and above local fishing boats out at sea seeking their daily catch. As the helicopter lowers for the drop-off, passengers take a moment to wave to bystanders and enjoy a moment of exclusive attention. After arrival visitors can continue to survey the kingdom from above with HeliThai where the journey traces the golden coastline of Phuket and visits the deserted beaches of many islands including Phang Nga Bay, which is famed for its majestic setting of secluded inlets and enchantingly white sandy beaches for private use.

A setting in which to sail

Water is an important element of the Thai culture, and being surrounded by the ocean, Thais’ kinship to the sea is especially deep. Perhaps nothing sets the entire island and its international guests in motion more than The King’s Cup Regatta, Asia’s largest and most prestigious regatta. The event dates back to 1987 when the inaugural race celebrated the Thai King’s sixtieth birthday and continues to be held every December.

With such a long-running boating legacy, Phuket offers some of Asia’s most glamorous yachting experiences for the visitor. Phuket’s pristine coastline is dotted with secluded beaches, ideal to visit for a luxurious picnic by private yacht, helicopter charters or via a cruise through turquoise waters aboard one of the fine vessels from Phuket Charters or Five Star Cruises’ fleet. An experienced captain sails smoothly along Phuket’s spectacular coastline past mangrove pockets and limestone cliff face towards the distant horizon while those aboard relax on the sun-kissed deck and enjoy the service of a private butler.

For an exclusive day outing, luxury-loving guests ask the captain to sail to some of the most secluded regions around Phuket. A selection includes the remote and picturesque Koh Yao Noi, Pho Lipe, Racha, Pho Rok and the Similans where unspoilt, crystal white sand beaches await. The journey can be custom-designed to fit as much or as little action as desired including options such as savoring champagne and exquisite canapés while discovering the overlooked and fascinating ecology of Phuket Island, privately led snorkelling tours of the marine world or a three-course fine dining service at anchor.

Sunset dining

There is an innate attraction to waterfront dining, whether it’s sipping a locally inspired cocktail while watching the sun settle gently below the silky surface of the sea; or the seduction of private cliff top dining, served by an attentive waiter as the twinkling lights of local fishing boats appear out at sea as they return from a day’s work.

The ideal sunset dining should combine fine wine and good food to the backdrop of beautiful scenery. It’s this setting of ocean side viewpoints looking over to the horizon is that has also drawn many talented, international chefs to set up camp in Phuket.

This includes Esenzi, the latest addition to Phuket’s luxury dining scene, from the same team behind the former and much loved Aziamendi restaurant. Esenzi is a multi sensual seafood restaurant anticipated to open in November.

On a private, secluded peninsula of Cape Yamu, Breeze is a French-style fine dining establishment led by a team of international chefs and claims to have the best view in town. Perched right on land’s edge overlooking the sparkling sea, Breeze’s wonderful seasonal menu matches the glamorous setting. Diners enjoy courses of plump, juicy oysters dashed with coriander and lemongrass vinaigrette and grilled local fish, whilst savoring the cinematic scene of this exclusive bayside retreat, accompanied by the soundtracks of the sea.

Like everywhere else, fine dining is continuously associated with experimental and concept dining, where the chefs take on the role of an artist to create the dining experience that woos and wows with exceptional flavours coupled with presentation that pleases the senses. It is no wonder that Acqua, in Patong Kalim has stirred a sensation in the Phuket dining scene.

The stylish modern décor of Acqua perfectly blends in with the surrounding natural environment and ocean views, an ideal setting for a sunset aperitif before tucking into the delicate yet eclectic menu created by chef Alessandro Frau, who weaves his innovative magic into fine contemporary Italian cuisine. The seasonal menu features the best ingredients sourced both locally and internationally and exudes Alessandro’s Sardinian roots in both flavor and design, which can all be paired with the extensive wine list of exclusively selected fine Italian wine.

Rosewood Phuket opens first quarter 2017.