HE sprawling JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa runs along scenic Mai Khao Beach in the secluded north of the island, an area as yet unhurried by the development so much in evidence elsewhere. The pace here is languid, the ambience pampering. It is a versatile green escape for honeymooners, weddings, conferences, and small meetings, but its true charm lies in its award-winning acclaim as one of the best Phuket spa resorts around, and with very good reason.

The Mandara Spa serves up an endless menu of wraps, scrubs, oils, unguents, and exotic potions to treat all manner of ache or affliction. The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has earned kudos for its conservation work with marine turtles and other green initiatives. The emphasis is on relaxation with exposure to local culture. At Ginja Cook, the cooking school, bone up on traditional Thai, or opt for Indian or Japanese. You’ll soon give Jamie Oliver a run for his money.

The 265 spacious seafront rooms and suites come with balconies and indoor salas with massage mats. Pour on the oil. Expect polished wooden floors, Internet access, satellite TV, DVD, and richly textured Thai silk furnishings.

This is certainly one of the best Phuket luxury resorts but it’s not all muscle-sagging lazing around here. Burn calories at three swimming pools, jog, rent a bicycle and pedal off into the countryside exploring nearby villages and beaches, try a sedate elephant safari, learn Thai boxing, or opt for tennis, snorkelling, yoga or sailing. Tiny tykes will find a well-equipped children’s pavilion with PlayStation and more.

The JW is a family friendly affair with rooms equally welcoming of children as of cooing romantics. Gourmets will be spoiled for choice with 10 restaurants and bars to pick from, if you haven’t already cooked your own lunch. Big blue diving and other distractions are right at your doorstep but, at the end of the day, you will remember this as one of the best Phuket spa resorts up and down the coast.