Sam & Drew’s 3 Must-Stay Picks
Phuket is one of those destinations that works on multiple levels. Beaches, food, spa days, sunsets that deserve their own Instagram post. But when you’re booking a luxury gay-friendly hotel in Phuket, the details matter. You want design, service, privacy, and that easy feeling of being welcome, without having to think about it.
Enter Sam McDougall (@sammcdougall), a luxury travel creator with over 100k followers, traveling with his close friend Drew Elphick (@drewelphick). Both Australians now based in New York, they spent six nights in Phuket exploring three very different luxury stays across the island, each offering its own take on what a great Phuket escape looks like.
Along the way, Sam captured exclusive photos and videos from each stay, giving you a real look at what these hotels are like once you’ve checked in. From Patong’s energy to Mai Khao’s calm and a private island finale, these are some of the strongest luxury gay-friendly hotels Phuket has to offer.
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Patong, Phuket’s Party Town
Patong: Where Beach Life Meets Nightlife
Patong is Phuket’s most energetic area and the island’s nightlife hub. It’s busy, bold, and ideal if you want beach days followed by late nights. You’ll also find some of Phuket’s most accessible gay nightlife here, along with great shopping and restaurants.
M Social Hotel Phuket
Vibe: Modern, social, central
M Social Hotel Phuket is all about location. You’re steps from Patong Beach, close to Bangla Road, and surrounded by shops and restaurants, yet the hotel itself feels like a calm reset once you’re inside.
Sam’s take:
“We arrived late and were immediately made to feel welcome. The team upgraded us to a pool-access room, which was such a great start. The pool and bar were a daily hangout, the gym was solid, and breakfast was a real highlight. By the end of our stay, the staff knew us by name and were giving us local tips and dinner recommendations.”
Why it works: a strong choice if you want a luxury-leaning stay right in the middle of Patong, without sacrificing comfort or feeling overwhelmed.
Best for: first-time Phuket visitors, social travelers, and anyone who wants nightlife within walking distance.
Peaceful Lux at Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach: Quiet Luxury & Reset Mode
Mai Khao sits on Phuket’s northwest coast and feels worlds away from Patong. This stretch of beach is long, undeveloped, and peaceful, perfect if your idea of luxury is space, calm, and doing very little.
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Vibe: Peaceful, polished, wellness-forward
Renaissance Phuket is the kind of hotel where time slows down. Set right on the beach, the property blends modern design with nature, and it’s easy to spend entire days moving between pool, spa, and long breakfasts.
Sam’s take:
“From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how beautiful and calm it felt. We spent our days doing nothing, in the best way. Afternoon drinks by the pool were a ritual, breakfast was incredible, and being upgraded to a private pool villa took it to another level. The spa is a must, and we loved the daily activities like Thai boxing and paddle boarding.”
Why it works: this is one of the most relaxing luxury gay-friendly hotels in Phuket, ideal if you want to switch off completely.
Best for: couples, spa lovers, and travelers who want privacy, space, and five-star service without distractions.
Honeymoon Vibes at Naka Yai Island
Naka Yai Island: Honeymoon-Level Luxury
Just ten minutes by boat from Phuket, Naka Yai Island feels like you’ve slipped into a different version of Thailand. No traffic, no crowds, no noise. Just sea, jungle, and one ultra-exclusive resort that knows exactly what it’s doing.
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
Vibe: Ultra-luxe, private, full fantasy escape
From the moment you arrive by boat, The Naka Island sets the tone. You’re welcomed on the jetty with a traditional gong ceremony before being driven around the island to get a feel for the space. It already feels special, but nothing prepares you for opening the door to your villa for the first time.
Sam’s take:
“I’ve stayed in some beautiful hotels, but this was on another level. When we walked into our villa, my mouth literally dropped. It completely changed the trip. What started as a holiday instantly felt like a honeymoon. We loved it so much that we extended our stay because we just didn’t want to leave.”
Villas here are designed for privacy and indulgence, with generous outdoor space, your own pool, and views that make you forget the mainland exists. Mornings started with runs around the island, passing jungle paths, quiet beaches, and a small local village before heading back for one of the best breakfasts of the trip. Pro tip: get the pancakes.
One morning, the team surprised Sam and Drew with a floating champagne breakfast served right in their villa pool, the kind of moment that feels wildly indulgent and completely unforgettable. The rest of the days flowed easily between lounging by the private pool, wandering down to the main pool, and signing up for activities without ever feeling rushed.
Sam’s take:
“The experiences really made this stay. Canoeing through the mangroves was a must, and we loved how many activities were included, from Thai boxing and gym sessions to language classes. The staff also arranged a private boat trip to nearby islands, including James Bond Island, timed perfectly just before sunset. It felt effortless.”
Service at The Naka Island is what quietly elevates the entire experience. Everything is handled with warmth and precision, without ever feeling formal or intrusive. As gay travelers, it was easy to relax fully, knowing the environment was inclusive, discreet, and genuinely welcoming.
By the end of the stay, it was clear this wasn’t just another luxury hotel. It was the kind of place you mentally bookmark for future celebrations.
Why it works: this is one of the most exclusive luxury gay-friendly hotels in Phuket, delivering privacy, romance, and true escape in equal measure.
Best for: honeymoons, birthdays, proposals, and anyone who wants their Phuket trip to feel unforgettable.
Read the full The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa review
Why These Hotels Work So Well for Gay Travelers
What connects these three hotels isn’t a label, it’s quality. They’re places that deliver on design, service, food, and atmosphere first, while also being environments where gay travelers feel completely at ease.
Across all three stays, Sam and Drew experienced:
- staff who were genuinely warm and attentive
- spaces that balanced privacy with social energy
- thoughtful design and strong food programs
- hotels that made them feel welcome without making a point of it
Being gay-friendly is the baseline. Being a great hotel is what turns a trip into a holiday you actually remember.
FAQ: Luxury Gay-Friendly Hotels Phuket
Is Phuket a good destination for gay travelers?
Yes. Phuket is popular with gay travelers for the same reasons it’s popular with everyone else: beaches, resorts, food, and value. While it’s more relaxed than Bangkok, you’ll still find a welcoming atmosphere across most of the island.
Where is the gay nightlife in Phuket?
Most gay nightlife in Phuket is centered in Patong, particularly around Paradise Complex. It’s smaller than Bangkok’s scene but still fun, social, and easy to access if you stay nearby.
Are luxury hotels in Phuket gay-friendly?
In general, yes. Most luxury resorts and international hotel brands in Phuket are comfortable hosting gay couples and LGBTQ+ travelers. The hotels featured here stood out not just for being gay-friendly, but for their overall quality, service, and attention to detail.
