Just when you thought Phuket was all overpriced mega-resorts and beaches teeming with tourists comes The Sarojin, the sophisticated answer to Thailand’s most notorious tourist trap. Located 80 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, this 56-room boutique sanctuary delivers what seems impossible: serenity, exceptional design, and rates that won’t force you to sell a kidney. With rooms starting around $180 in low season, you’re getting five-star quality at three-star prices – practically criminal in today’s luxury travel landscape.

The Sarojin’s modern aesthetic is a refreshing departure from typical Thai kitsch, focusing instead on thoughtful design that would make architecture nerds weep with joy. Two restaurants serve Mediterranean and authentic Thai cuisine (scoring a solid 9/10), while the à la carte breakfast (no buffet fatigue here!) elevates mornings from mundane to memorable. The facilities include a great pool with perfect-temperature water, a jungle-nestled spa where birdsong provides the soundtrack to your massage, a well-equipped gym, and direct access to an expansive, uncrowded beach that stretches farther than your morning jog ever will.

Perfect for design-conscious travelers seeking tranquility without emptying their savings account, The Sarojin caters equally to couples on romantic getaways and small groups wanting upscale accommodations without pretension. The resort’s beach bar serves as front-row seating to spectacular Andaman Sea sunsets, while the activities center offers everything from snorkeling to booze cruises for when horizontal lounging loses its appeal. Just be warned – dinner reservations at their exceptional Thai restaurant are hotly contested by non-hotel guests too, so book early or risk being relegated to the back tables.

Small criticisms aside, The Sarojin sets a high bar for value luxury that few Phuket resorts can match.