First mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, Phuket was a regular port of call for Arab and Chinese ships. Portuguese and Chinese settlements began to appear in the 18th century, and until the middle of the 19th century, tigers and elephants wandered freely in local jungles. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and located off the country?s southern coast. It is largely mountainous with a range in the west running from north to south. The mountains of Phuket form the southern end of the Phuket mountain range which extends for 440km from the Kra Isthmus. Phuket is 50km long and 21km at its widest point. Connected to Thailand?s Phang Nga province by bridge, the island is surrounded by the azure Andaman Sea, which joins the Indian Ocean to the south. Well over half of the island is covered by forest; the northern Khao Phra Thaeo National Park protects more than 20 square kilometres of rainforest.

Phuket is served by numerous domestic and regional flights. Bangkok is 1½ hours flying time away and has connections to major international destinations.

Complimentary private limousine transfers to and from Phuket airport are offered to guests and the 17km drive to Amanpuri takes 25 minutes.