i went to Bangkok & Phuket about 15 yrs ago with a friend. ironically met my wife to be over email on the same trip on match (10yrs later sadly she is now my x), ever since i have sd Phuket is where i will retire & i too think about it frequently.
this was about 1 yr after the big tsunami i believe and our hotel had a new housing development portion that was built during the renovation of the island. we were fortunate enough to be in one and had an amazing 2 story, 4 bedroom house with infinity pool, on a golf course…it was inexpensive and almost too ridiculous for just the two of us (most of the time) for 2 weeks.

phuket has something for everyone and coming from a larger, lively, tourist destination city in the us, with tons to do, i was surprised by the opposite extremes within the same 10 mile radius. as in, Phuket is as crazy as you want, and as relaxing and tame as you want, at any time, in the same area.

sure, plenty of places are relaxing, and you can have a good time out if you want, but few offer these experiences to these levels, in my opinion. combine that with the fact that it is also located in an amazing city/country with wonderful people, great food, tons of culture, plenty to do and see, safe if not involved in things you should not be, affordable, beautiful…i could go on and on…and you have my favorite place and where i will retire, whatever and whenever that means…phuket rocks!