Should you stay at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa in Mai Khao?

If you’re looking for a luxury getaway in Northern Phuket that combines peace, nature, and five-star comfort, the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa at Mai Khao Beach might just be what you’re after. With beachfront access, five on-site restaurants and bars, a stunning pool, spa facilities, and daily activities, this Marriott property promises a full resort experience.

But is the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa really worth the money? After my stay, here’s my honest review.

Location – Where is Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa?

The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is located on the northern tip of Phuket, right along Mai Khao Beach and facing the Andaman Sea. Compared to the busier tourist hubs like Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach, this area is far more tranquil.

This is the kind of place where the resort is self-contained, meaning you don’t need to leave the property if you don’t want to. There are only a handful of restaurants nearby, either along the beach or at the small Turtle Village Shopping Mall.

That means Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is:

Perfect for: Travelers seeking peace, nature, and relaxation.
Not ideal for: Partygoers, nightlife seekers, or foodies wanting endless restaurant options.

Map of Phuket — Phuket airport (lower heart pin) vs the hotel (upper heart pin)

How to Get to Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

The easiest way to get there is by Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber). From Phuket International Airport there’s a designated Grab pick-up station. The ride to Mai Khao costs around 600 THB (~15 CHF), with prices regulated by the airport.

If you’re traveling from another part of Phuket, it may take longer to get a Grab confirmation, but it usually worked out for us with a little bit of patience. Alternatively, tuk-tuks are an option, but always negotiate and agree on the price first.

The hotel can also arrange private airport transfers. We used this service for our return trip and it was smooth and reliable, though you’ll need cash to pay the driver directly.

Rooms at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

We stayed in the Deluxe Garden View Room, which is the most affordable category. Even the cheapest room was still very beautiful and it felt super luxurious.

Our personal room highlights:

Spacious layout with a balcony overlooking lush gardens
Super quiet (away from the pool area)
Signature Marriott comfort bed (I slept like a baby!)
Stylish, modern interiors with natural tones
Large bathroom with both a rainfall shower and a bathtub

Of course, the hotel also offers pool-view rooms, lagoon-view rooms, and even private villas with ocean views for those wanting to splurge.

Hotel Room at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa — Our hotel room ft. the comfiest bed!

Dining at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Food is always a big part of a resort experience, and Renaissance Phuket doesn’t disappoint:

Takieng – Upscale Thai cuisine with sea views
Sand Box Beachfront Bar & Eatery – Casual dining with your toes in the sand
Loca Vore – The breakfast restaurant
Doppio – Coffee shop with Starbucks and snacks (e.g. soft-serve ice-cream)

They also host special events. For example, during our stay there was a beachfront barbecue buffet under twinkle lights, which looked like such a fun experience!

Insider tip: If you want a more budget-friendly option, check out Micky Monkey Beach Bar & Restaurant located right next to the hotel on the same beach. Don’t let the funny name fool you, the food was actually really good! Despite the not so elegant plastic chairs, you still have perfectly unobstructed views of the sea. We really enjoyed that the tables were extremely spread out, making it feel like a private dinner on the beach 🙂 I’m not 100% sure anymore but I believe it was cash only!

Lunch at Sand Box — Lunch at the Sand Box

Price – What Does a Stay Cost?

Like most luxury resorts, the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa isn’t cheap, even in Thailand!

High season: 450–800 CHF per night.
Low season: As low as 200 CHF per night.

We booked last-minute (literally the night before) and scored a fantastic deal of about 250 CHF per night, even during the end of high season.

Restaurants and spa treatments are also priced much higher than Phuket standards. As a budget-conscious couple, we saw the hotel stay itself as our big splurge and stuck with cheaper food options nearby when we wanted to balance things out.

Activities & Amenities

This resort has plenty to keep you entertained:

Direct beachfront access to Mai Khao Beach (honestly, this was enough for me!).
Complimentary paddle boards to use in the ocean.
Stunning swimming pool with loungers.
Gym & spa with the option to book luxury treatments.
Free bike rentals to explore the area.
A weekly activities schedule including yoga, fitness sessions, and kids’ activities.

After seeing how many things there are to do we were sad we only booked one night here!

The Pool at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa — The pool

My Overall Experience at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Simply put: the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa exceeded all of my expectations!

The location is peaceful, the beach is pristine, the service is warm and professional, and the facilities are top-notch. Even though we only stayed for one night, I could have easily spent several days unwinding here at the end of our 2 week trip through Thailand!

If you need some inspiration on how to plan your Thailand holiday, check out my 2 weeks in Thailand for first timers itinerary!

FAQ: Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

1. Does Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa have a beach?
Yes! The resort is located directly on Mai Khao Beach, which is quiet, clean, and perfect for swimming or relaxing. Beware though, the waves were pretty big and there was some current!

2. How far is Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa from Phuket Airport?
It’s about a 30-minute drive (approx. 600 THB by Grab). The hotel can also arrange private airport transfers.

3. Is the Renaissance Phuket family-friendly?
Absolutely. They offer kids’ activities, a spacious pool, and family-friendly rooms, making it suitable for both couples and families.

4. What room types are available at the resort?
Options include Deluxe Garden View, Lagoon and Pool View rooms, and private villas with ocean views.

5. Are meals included in the room rate?
Standard rates do not include meals, but the resort offers several on-site restaurants. There are also nearby local restaurants which provide more affordable dining options (e.g. Micky Monkey Beach Bar & Restaurant)

6. When is the best time to visit Mai Khao and this resort?
November to April is the dry season in Southern Thailand, with sunny skies and calm seas. The rainy season (May to October) brings heavier showers, but prices can be lower.