We headed to our hotel at Nai Yang Beach, a peaceful bay close to the airport. My father and sister had stayed earlier in the livelier Kata Beach in the south, but for me, the journey started here, in total calm. No crowded beaches or packed schedules, just palm trees, the sea in the background, and time to slow down. Before I had even unpacked my suitcase, I grabbed a fresh coconut. In Thailand, it always tastes just that little bit better.

I spent hours there with a book, a large bottle of water, and some small snacks. Later in the day, I often treated myself to a pancake with condensed milk, mango, and coconut. April turned out to be an ideal time to visit: lively enough to feel the atmosphere, yet without the crowds of peak season.

In the evenings, you dine almost literally in the sand. Small restaurants set up tables near the waves and serve fresh fish caught that very day. Practical tip: buy your mosquito spray at a local 7/11. It works far better than what you bring from home. Thai mosquitoes are persistent.

Although this trip was mainly about relaxation, Phuket remains an island where there is always something to discover. I found myself thinking back to earlier moments here: kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, slowly gliding through narrow limestone caves and suddenly emerging into hidden lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs. Or the speedboat trip to James Bond Island and Ko Panyi, the village built entirely on wooden stilts above the water. Houses, restaurants, even a football field seem to float on the sea. Daily life quite literally takes place above the water, which makes it such a unique place to wander around. And then there is the Big Buddha, high on a hilltop. From there, you overlook bays, beaches, and green hills. The view alone makes the climb worthwhile.

There are many other places that stay with you: the Karon Viewpoint, where you can see three bays meet in a single glance; Promthep Cape, where the sun slowly sinks into the sea; the small Ya Nui Beach, perfect for snorkeling in clear water; and Freedom Beach, accessible only by boat or via a steep walk, which helps preserve its quiet, almost hidden character.

Whenever I’m in Phuket, I always return to Old Town. The atmosphere there is completely different from the coast. The colorful Sino-Portuguese facades, street art, small boutiques, and coffee bars give the area a creative and vibrant feel. It is a place where you can wander slowly and discover something new at every turn.

Amid the busy streets, temples and shrines immediately slow the pace. Wat Mongkhon Nimit stands out with its golden details and serene atmosphere, while Jui Tui Shrine is colorful and lively, with locals burning incense and making offerings. The contrast between outside and inside is remarkable. As soon as you step into a temple, the city noise seems to fade away. A light long pair of trousers and something to cover my shoulders have become standard in my bag, out of respect, but also because it is simply part of the experience.

That evening was all about my parents. For their thirtieth wedding anniversary, my sister and I had reserved a table at Blue Elephant Phuket, located in a beautiful former governor’s mansion. The atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed, with attentive service that immediately felt right. The dishes were refined and true to Thai cuisine, beautifully balanced in flavor and detail, from the different rice varieties to dessert and tea. On one of the walls hung a photo of Queen Mathilde, taken during her visit to the Blue Elephant in Bangkok, an unexpected detail that made us smile.