Western life seemingly despises Zen. We chase deadlines, success, and productivity, all at the cost of peace and presence. This growth-first mindset, that writer Edward Abbey called “the ideology of the cancer cell”, paradoxically leads to our own collapse. More and more, we turn our gaze eastward, to Asia, searching for places that teach the lost art of switching off the stress and the noise. Right off Thailand‘s western coast, Phuket Island is home to one such detox oasis – Hilltop Wellness Resort.
Nestled above the hustle and bustle of the largest Thai island, this is not a hotel you accidentally wander into. Hilltop Wellness Resort is a destination you discover with an intention, when you decide to nourish your body and mind.
Worth 40 billion dollars, the wellness economy is one of Thailand’s key soft powers
In 2025 (data until August 17th), Thailand saw a 7.04 % drop in foreign arrivals year-over-year. Now, the country is betting big on the wellness industry to reverse the trend. At Osaka Expo, Thailand is presenting itself as Phoumi Vimana (Land of Immunity), showcasing everything from medicinal herbs to Thai massage and cuisine. Worth 40 billion dollars, the wellness economy is one of Thailand’s key soft powers, and almost half of the wellness-focused properties are located in the country’s southern provinces – Phang Nga, Krabi, and Phuket.
On the serene hills of Ratsada, the northeastern fringe of Phuket Town, better known for Rassada Pier, the jumping-off point for southern island-hopping adventures, Hilltop Wellness Resort isn’t just gazing down on the growing wellness tourism sector. It is spearheading and shaping it.
If you’re looking for a Thai retreat that binds together yoga, wellness, and cultural immersion, this hotel is a great spot to put balance back in check.
Is this the rejuvenation sanctuary you’ve been looking for? Dive into our in-depth Hilltop Wellness Resort review, unpacking everything from facilities and programs to dining and service, and decide for yourself!
If you want to see what regular guests think of Hilltop Wellness Resort, read their reviews on Tripadvisor.
First impressions – A modern escape in the Phuket hills
“My name is Boy“, said the driver as he pulled up to collect me in the center of Phuket Town.
Fifteen minutes later, we were entering the quieter subdistrict of Ratsada. While one could technically reach Hilltop Wellness Resort via public transport, this private transfer is the first step in peeling layers of stress off your vacation.
If you’d have to go from Phuket Airport to Hilltop Wellness Resort, the airport bus 8411 stops at the By Pass Highway (right by the BMW Showroom). From there, it’s just a matter of crossing the street (a leap-of-faith challenge) and hiking uphill. This ride takes 1.5 hours and costs 100 baht (3 USD).
But if you opt for the resort’s transfer (1,000 baht per car, 1,200-1,500 baht for a van), you can slice the travel time in half and, due to door-to-door service, immediately start trading jetlag for relaxation time.
Elevated above the frenetic pace of the urban jungle, the modern, minimalist architecture of the Hilltop Wellness Resort seemed like a safe nest in a real one. In a cascading layout seamlessly integrated with the slope of the hill, and surrounded by lush greenery, the hotel’s sleek, glass-heavy design, maximizing natural light, was promising more than mere panoramic views and a tranquil neighborhood.
Wellness-forward ethos was hinted by the lemongrass scent lingering in the lobby, one of my favorite Asian fragrances I can hardly say ‘no’ to when offered at the massage table.
A chilled coconut adorned with a delicate frangipani flower, an efficient check-in with friendly staff, as well as a clean and modern vibe of the peaceful reception area, all instilled a sense of calmness, making the arrival experience at Hilltop Wellness Resort a smooth start to recharging.
This secluded luxury resort in Phuket was making it easy to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with oneself.
Ready to unwind above the treetops? Check availability and prices at Hilltop Wellness Resort.
Room experience – zen with a pool view
The 4-star Hilltop Wellness Resort offers a mix of rooms, suites, and studios. I had the pleasure of settling into a bright suite with a pool view, a spacious 54-square-meter cocoon on the fourth floor.
Split into two distinct areas (living and sleeping), with a kitchenette and bathroom tucked in, it struck that sweet spot between cozy apartment and boutique retreat.
The walls’ color scheme combined turquoise and white, softened by ribbed textures, giving a fresh vibe with a hint of retro chic.
Living room
The living room, in a Scandinavian-inspired design and clean layout, had an open plan, flowing from the hallway to a wide, sunlit window wall. The natural light flooding from the floor-to-ceiling glass made the space feel open and airy.
The compact kitchenette had a black Hitachi fridge, a single-bowl sink, and a little granite countertop with a microwave and a kettle. If you were not committed to full cooking (which you shouldn’t be when the resort’s restaurant exists), the kitchenette was a functional add-on to the room, in my case, used mainly to have a cold bottle of water or a quick cup of tea at hand.
Beside it, a petite dining corner stood ready with two blue-terracotta chairs and an in-room food menu displayed on the table, next to a vase of artificial flowers bravely pretending to be real.
The seating area leaned into soft tones of teal and orange, with two armchairs and a three-seater sofa gathered around twin round coffee tables. Beneath it all, a geometric rug cut the chill of the white tiled floor and tied the lounge together.
One design detail stood out: instead of leaving the flat-screen TV to glare awkwardly as a black rectangle on the wall, it had been framed with a minimalist mirror into a clever double-purpose panel with curved corners. It was a softened design choice, consistent with the resort’s tendency to replace hard edges with calm curves.
Besides the TV, a rolled yoga mat and yoga blocks on a floating shelf were mounted on the wall. A thoughtful touch for wellness-focused guests.
Bedroom
The bedroom carried the same calming DNA as the living area; soft pastel tones, geometric throw pillows, and another stylish rug that gave the space both personality and poise.
At its heart was a king-size bed that practically begged you to sprawl out after a day of poolside lounging (or maybe a jungle hike?). Facing the bed, another wide-screen TV.
A lounge chair sat invitingly in the corner, ideal for leafing through the provided Vipassana Meditation book.
Massive windows opened up to views of the pool deck, but also of an elevated walkway. Privacy-minded guests might want to keep the sheer curtains drawn. At dawn, the heavier blackout drapes will block out the light of the rising sun.
Soft-glow lamps on the bedside tables kept the mood gentle, while another artificial plant by the window was softening the modern design, bringing the illusion of nature indoors.
Bathroom
The bathroom continued the resort’s theme of clean, streamlined design. A glass-enclosed walk-in shower dominated the space, fitted with both a rain showerhead and a handheld option. Water pressure? Solid enough to make you linger longer than you should.
A built-in ledge kept things practical, stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body soap in refillable dispensers, a small nod to sustainability. A towel rack, installed inside the shower area, was convenient for drying off right after usage.
The toilet was a standard Western-style fixture, elevated by a folded towel at its base shaped into a seashell fan, signaling hospitality care.
Balancing the light walls and tiles, a dark brown vessel sink morphed into the countertop, giving the space just enough contrast to feel modern without trying too hard.
It wasn’t an over-the-top, marble-and-gold kind of bathroom, but it didn’t need to be. Its calm, spa-like atmosphere made the daily rituals of showering and freshening up feel like small acts of self-care.
Expedia visitors especially value Hilltop Wellness Resort's amenities, rating it 9.4 out of 10. Check out what else they have to say!
Wellness facilities & programs
As inviting as the suites are, the Hilltop Wellness Resort is far more than a stylish place to sleep. It’s a destination designed to help you reconnect with yourself. The core of this Thai wellness retreat is its commitment to a holistic journey, where wellness programs can cater and customize to various needs. The resort’s wellness focus centers on movement, breath, and mindful eating.
Hill Club – yoga, meditation & fitness
For those who crave an active recharge, the Hill Club offers a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring a full range of cardio and weight-training equipment, lined in front of the panoramic views of Phuket City.
Next to the gym, a cozy studio hosts classes of Vinyasa / Yin / Hatha yoga every morning and afternoon. The room was of a perfect size for typically three or four participants at a time. The mirrored wall reflected the outdoor greenery, but also allowed even beginners to follow along with ease. The instructors – Heini, Yine, and Bamboo – guided us with patience, making practice approachable whether you were a seasoned yogi or a stiff first-timer.
Though I regularly found myself the only man in the room, the atmosphere during the yoga sessions was welcoming and inclusive. Hilltop Wellness Resort tends to attract solo female travelers on wellness journeys from across the globe. I had the privilege of meeting inspiring women like Marjie from the USA and Julia from Germany. Between shared stretches and shared breakfasts, conversations flowed naturally – stories of life, growth, and adventure adding depth to the retreat experience.
Besides daily yoga trainings in the studio (equally pleasurable when the sun shines over a yellow-flowered tree dominating the view, as well as when raindrops glide down the window wall), we powered up our experience with a sunrise yoga session. Staged on the resort’s rooftop every Tuesday and Friday, this early wellness ritual would start during the dark hours and culminate as the first sun rays break over the horizon. What a way to start a day! Yoga was truly the cornerstone of the Hilltop Wellness Resort’s ethos.
Thermal Zone – heat, detox & city views
A separate flight of stairs led to a small Thermal Zone. Open daily from 1:00 to 7:00 pm (the door was a sliding one, in case it would confuse you into believing it’s locked when it isn’t, like in my brain-switched-off case), this tucked-away corner of the hotel, with sweeping views of Phuket cityscape through a curved glass wall, offered an elevated wellness experience.
Besides small boxes for valuables, there are no lockers here, so I recommend arriving at the Thermal Zone already dressed in quite nice kimono robes or spa sarongs provided in each room.
Once inside, you can switch between cool rinses in the shower cubicle and 15-minute sessions in the herbal steam room, where old healing techniques meet modern technology, and the full-spectrum infrared sauna, the first of its kind in Phuket. Unlike a standard sauna, this one penetrates deeper into muscles, aiding recovery but also promoting skin rejuvenation.
The experience doesn’t have to end there. Finish your detox ritual with one of the signature wellness smoothies at the bar, or serve yourself a cup of antioxidant matcha, locally sourced pandan tea, and even some popcorn at the nearby Plearn Lounge, a blend between a boutique hotel library and a modern co-working space.
A motivational poster on the wall read, “Think positive, feel positive, live positive”, adding a friendly, if a bit Instagram-influencer-esque, energy to the space. This chill lounge was an ideal common zone for reading a book, pretending to write a novel, playing a board game, or investing in other forms of casual socializing under a wrought-iron chandelier.
Cave Spa – ancient comfort in modern form
The spa is the star of any wellness retreat. Hilltop Wellness Resort operates the Cave Spa. While not located in an actual cave, it somehow does drag you into the original home of humanity: warm, embracing, and deeply secure. Rather than a flashy pampering session, the experience felt more intimate.
I already exposed myself as weak in front of the notes of lemongrass. Among the three signature aromatherapy rituals offered, my pick was an easy one: the one entitled Sense of Belonging, described as a grounding and sleep-inducing remedy.
An experienced Thai masseuse started the treatment with a traditional foot washing ceremony, cleansing of feet, yes, but also of daily stress, travel dust, and to-do lists.
In the massage room, a calm touch was replaced with a tea-leaf body scrub, after which I was offered a cup of tea and a soak in a freestanding tub where white, yellow, and orange petals floated in a milky bath.
The massage itself lasted about two hours; lemongrass and lavender showcased their ability to replace anxiety with comfort. It was a professional experience of a skill tested and improved through centuries of Thai healing tradition, now offered to everyone seeking an authentic path to vitality.
Infinity pool – the liquid heart
At the heart of the Hilltop wellness offerings was a showstopper – an infinity pool. With an eye-catching resort logo embedded in the center (stylized as a yin-yang leaf), this rectangular pool on an elevated deck was a standout feature, spilling straight into the horizon and offering panoramic views of the area.
Surrounded by the sets of sun loungers and umbrellas, mirroring the same two colors dominating the hotel rooms (the blue of the pool, and the orange of the parasols), hotel’s centerpiece was an extension of the overall brand identity, but also a functional focal point, whether you were looking for a kiddy pool with a waterfall spout fountain (rain curtain for a quick neck massage), or a deeper main section, perfect for morning laps or tranquil floating at sunset.
Whenever I visited it during my three-day stay, the pool never felt crowded. In fact, I often had the entire space to myself – a luxury in itself.
Sadly, even the swim-up Sabai Bar, which was adding a tropical vacation vibe, had no server in sight during those visits. While it seemed to be a cool place to order a poolside smoothie or a cocktail from, I always had to fetch mine from the restaurant instead.
📌 Quick Booking Tip ➡️ Check Hilltop Wellness Resort on Booking.com ➡️ Compare deals on Agoda ➡️ See more reviews on Trip.com ➡️ Book with Expedia 💡 Pro tip: Prices can vary depending on season and platform, so it’s worth checking at least two sites before reserving.
Thai Heritage Activities
Hilltop Wellness Resort had a strong offer of local trips (both active and relaxed) and Thai heritage activities available to guests throughout the week.
With dedicated resort guides, you could go temple hopping, browse vibrant night markets, stand-up paddle through mangrove forests, hike to Black Rock Viewpoint, or explore the rainforest at Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary.
For a deeper cultural immersion, the resort designed a rotating schedule of hands-on Thai heritage workshops. You could try your hand at preparing local specialty dishes, desserts, and cocktails, handcrafting herbal soaps, playing traditional instruments, dyeing fabrics in a Thai Batik Painting class, or even stepping into the ring for an introduction to Muay Thai martial arts.
During my stay, I joined a one-on-one flower garland workshop (Phuang Malai). My teacher was Nam, the Hilltop Wellness Resort’s housekeeper, doubling as a floral decoration artisan. She showed me how to thread, weave, and layer jasmine, rose, and dahlia blossoms on a string, in intricate patterns.
Thanks to my teacher’s patience and her openness to taking things less seriously, the 2-hour fun workshop went by in a flash. It resulted in not one, but two lovely flower garlands. It also brought a special memory of connecting with a hotel employee whose discreet room-prepping job usually stays behind the scenes, taken for granted.
In keeping with the tradition of Thai flower garlands as religious offerings or gifts, Nam and I went down to the hotel entrance and, after a short prayer, left one garland at a small shrine. I gifted the other one to a local friend.
Dining at Plearn Restaurant – Wellness on a Plate
Hilltop Wellness Resort excels at the Plearn Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant on its fifth floor, delivering elegant design, attentive service, and a wow-factor view.
Panoramic glass walls stretched the full length of the restaurant, making the most of Phuket’s cityscape, rolling hills, and lush surroundings.
The interior decor looked chic, with plush leather seating, and tables spaced with intention, enabling both privacy and view appreciation. The attention to detail, visible in golden cutlery, glass straws, and lotus-folded napkins, hinted a refined gastronomy.
At breakfast, a boutique buffet experience mixed Western staples with Thai flair. More resembling a curated café than a traditional hotel sprawl, marble-top tables offered a mix of fruit, cereals, pastries, and make-your-own-smoothie-bowl ingredients. For more local flavor, hot dishes such as pad Thai or massaman curry were available to order. The highlight was a Thai dessert section on a rustic bamboo stand, presenting trays with khanom (traditional Thai sweets) such as rainbow-layered jelly-like sweets (khanom chan), coconut-coated bites (khanom tom), and miniatures shaped like fruits and veggies (look choop).
The award-winning Plearn Restaurant, however, defended its title of one of the top Thai restaurants in Phuket during lunch and dinner hours.
Chef’s set menus took guests on a culinary tour across four distinctive regions (Northern, North-Eastern, Central, and Southern Thailand), and could be paired with terroir-inspired cocktails, or even signature mixtures that, for instance, reflected tom yum soup flavors. Good to know: happy hour is from 4 to 7 pm, when you can get 2-for-1 cocktails and beers.
In a true “travel global, drink local” philosophy, even classic cocktails at Plearn were based on Phuket-produced rum. In the drink menu, specialty coffees were also worth exploring (fruit espressos introduced coconut, orange, or passionfruit into your favorite hot/cold drink), while simpler herbal juices such as matoom provided an easy post-work recovery.
The extensive food menu, accessible on restaurant tablets (a modern and practical solution that lets you visualise a dish), was filled with traditional meat and plant-based specialties, elevated with modern presentation. The most famous Thai soups, such as kaeng som or tom yum goong, were finished at the table in a siphon, delivering the kitchen’s lab-like experimentation as a theater in front of your hungry eyes.
Chef’s set menu number 3, an umami-forward journey, was among my favorites. Fishcake with cucumber salsa, apple and mango sauce, followed by pork melting in the mouth with hung lae curry and crisp tortillas, and rounded up with khao kati (coconut-milk rice) with grilled chicken and sweet-and-sour papaya salad, was a combination that didn’t leave much room for a dessert.
But do make some! Plearn’s interpretation of Thailand’s classic mango sticky rice, accompanied by a fried sticky rice spring roll and a refreshing ice cream, was a delight for both eyes and palate.
Whether you chose the upscale interior of Hilltop Wellness Resort’s restaurant, or the breezy terrace, with a soundtrack of modern pop ballads (from Lewis Capaldi‘s “Someone You Loved” and Maroon 5‘s “Girls Like You” to Sia‘s “Chandelier” or “Unstoppable”), dining/drinking experience here felt like a modern extension of the resort’s wellness focus, aiming to restore you from within.
The guests who booked Hilltop Wellness Resort through Agoda especially value its service, rating it 8,9 out of 10. Read what they think here.
Who Hilltop Wellness Resort is (and isn’t) for
Hilltop Wellness Resort knows its audience, and it isn’t trying to be everything to everyone.
It’s a natural fit for:
- Couples seeking a romantic spa escape or honeymoon
- Solo travelers on a wellness journey (female yogis, meditation enthusiasts, and even yoga teachers will feel instantly at home)
- Remote workers needing peace in nature
Hilltop Wellness Resort is sadly not suitable for:
- Guests with mobility issues (accessibility may be challenging due to the number of stairs between facilities)
- Families with young children
- Travelers craving nightlife or beach access (if you are a partygoer, you’ll be better off staying in Patong)
Hilltop Wellness Resort Review – Final Verdict
Overall, my 3-day stay at Hilltop Wellness Resort was a pleasant experience, and I would gladly return.
As Thailand’s leading wellness resort, Hilltop strikes an elegant balance between calm and contemporary.
If you’re searching for a stylish hideaway with wellness at its core, it’s one of the best value-for-money choices in Phuket.
Pros:
✔️ A generous yoga program (2-3 sessions per day should satisfy even the most obsessed)
✔️ Thai heritage activities (securing genuine, memorable interactions with the staff)
✔️ Chic and spacious rooms
✔️ Friendly, intuitive, and graceful restaurant service
✔️ Panoramic views (while the resort cannot influence the state of infrastructure surrounding it, it still provides an opportunity to see Phuket from above)
Cons:
❌ No direct beach access (but that’s part of the charm)
❌ Limited nightlife or bar scene
❌ Attentiveness for the poolside bar service could be improved
❌ A reliance on plastic plants in décor (with flower garland workshop and lush natural surroundings, the fake flower choice feels out of place)
Hilltop Wellness Resort won’t be only a destination for those looking to flee urban jungles. They plan to embrace wellness leaders who embody a lifestyle many of us aspire to
With sunrise-to-sunset yoga, exceptional spa offerings, and upcoming mindfulness and meditation retreats in the jungle, Hilltop Wellness Resort and its care for their guests’ bodies, souls, and minds have a bright future ahead.
It won’t be only a destination for us, westerners, looking to flee our urban jungles. Hilltop Wellness Resort plans to embrace yoga teachers, monks, and wellness leaders who embody a lifestyle many of us aspire to.
Because in truth, even when our lives may look like Zen from the outside, we all need intentional breaks. Perched above Phuket’s sweeping vistas, Hilltop Wellness Resort is perfectly positioned to become a unique hideaway to design and execute our recovery.
How to book Hilltop Wellness Resort
While you can use Hilltop Wellness Resort with a day pass (a drop-in visit includes a yoga session, access to the pool, gym, and sauna for 600 baht, 16 euros, or 18.50 dollars), for the most fulfilling experience, aim at staying for at least several nights.
To read other guests’ reviews, see more photos of Hilltop Wellness Resort, and compare prices for your dates, check Hilltop Wellness Resort on Booking, Agoda, Trip, or Expedia.
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Disclosure: My stay at the Hilltop Wellness Resort was complimentary, but all opinions are my own. Also, this post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!
