How to Spend One Week in Phuket with Calm Beaches and Gentle Exploration

Among the best places to visit in Thailand, Phuket, on its Southwestern side, stands out as a fantastic location with all the goodness of the country packed into one location. Phuket has a gentle way of making its visitors feel at home, especially with the warm salt breeze, slow rustle of palm leaves, fresh seafood, orange skies at sunset as well as the distant temple bells in the background. Travelling to Phuket is not only about sightseeing, but also about the culture, experiences and relaxation you can enjoy. Wellness travel has grown steadily all across the world and it is the same in Phuket. Wellness retreats in Phuket have also adapted to the trends around the world and strive to provide the best to their customers.

Phase One: Arrival and Cultural Grounding

After you arrive in Phuket, you can begin your journey of exploration for the next 7 days with experiences that create a sense of place. The Wat Chalong temple, for example, is an excellent place for quiet meditation, with incense, soft colours and chants that offer the perfect introduction to Phuket’s spiritual side. The Big Buddha, seated high above the island, shows off the breathtaking coastal views of the island. The air feels still and bright here, and many travellers describe it as a calming of one’s mood as they stand before the great figure.

Phase Two: Choosing the Right Place to Stay

While choosing an accommodation option may seem like a mundane task, it is pretty important when it comes to the rest of your trip. Accommodation in proximity to nature helps visitors start each day with quiet mornings and end each day with gentle evenings. If you are staying near Layan Beach, the landscape consists of wide-open beach space, forest edges and gentle sea air. Layan Life is also in the same area and provides both accommodation as well as holistic wellness treatment options for anyone interested in it.

Phase Three: Nature Experiences and Gentle Exploration

Once you’ve settled into your resort and are ready for experiences, ease into nature-based activities first. The Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is a great place to go on a guided visit to places where elephants live freely and engage in natural behaviour. Watching these animals move calmly across open land reminds everyone about the amazing animal kingdom that most take for granted. The next activity you can try could also be something that is outdoors but slow, like walking along a shaded forest trail with a beachy area, for example. The beaches of Bang Tao, Nai Thon and Kamala all have enough and more space to unwind. Mornings are remarkably peaceful here, with swimming and playing in the sea being one of the highlights.

Phase Four: Island Food Culture and Eating Mindfully

The next part of the journey you should be focusing on is your food, mainly because Phuket has a lot to offer in that regard. Markets and small family kitchens sell dishes that are quite fresh and have balanced tastes. Green papaya salad, for example, provides a bright, fragrant combination of lime, chilli and shredded vegetables. Light coconut-based soups carry warmth while being light and airy. Freshly grilled seafood has natural sweetness, especially when paired with a healthy serving of citrus and herbs. Mindful eating can become an essential part of your wellness experience. Rather than choosing meals quickly, take a moment to notice what your body is asking for.

Phase Five: Island Exploration, Community and Farewell

Towards the end of your stay, exploring local life and learning more about the culture of Phuket can be something you can try. Night markets are pretty popular in Thailand and they offer textiles, spices, handmade crafts and warm conversation to go along with it. Moving slowly through these markets lets you meet vendors and locals of all walks of life, and you may find yourself swapping stories with them.