This Beach Resort Is Featured on 'The White Lotus' Tonight—and It Has a Stunning Private Beach and 10 Restaurants and Bars

• The resort features a pristine white-sand beach with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay.
• It boasts 10 restaurants and bars, including Panwa House, a Thai restaurant located in a centuries-old Sino-Portuguese mansion.
• The property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with a low-rise architectural design that beautifully complements the natural beauty of the Cape and Bay area.
• Cape Panwa Hotel offers a variety of sea-facing suites and villas, equipped with five-star amenities and spacious balconies.

HBO's Season 3 of The White Lotus has arrived! If you’re already hooked after the first episode, you're likely eager to see how the drama unfolds across Thailand's stunning islands and beaches. Tonight, the Cape Panwa Hotel, a beachside resort on Phuket's east coast, will be featured in the third episode of The White Lotus Season 3.

"There’s a palpable excitement surrounding the new season of The White Lotus,” said Khun Waew Taechaubol, owner and group project development manager of Cape Panwa Hotel. “This show captures a sense of place beautifully, and we know its impact on Thai businesses and communities will be significant.”

Established in the early 1980s, Cape Panwa is one of Phuket's first luxury hotels, quickly becoming a sanctuary for celebrities seeking privacy. It attracted stars like Elizabeth Taylor in 1989 and has since hosted A-listers such as Pierce Brosnan and Leonardo DiCaprio. Nestled in a former coconut grove, the resort offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and direct access to a secluded beach. With 205 elegantly designed rooms and suites, the hotel includes nine diverse dining venues, featuring the iconic Sino-Portuguese Panwa House.

For those seeking a more exclusive island-hopping experience, the hotel offers a world-class spa and yacht charters. Cape Panwa is the perfect launch pad for exploring nearby islands, including the famous Koh Phi Phi islands. According to the hotel’s concierge, the resort’s charters provide a more intimate experience compared to the tourist-packed boats that sail by daily.

The tranquil charm of Cape Panwa extends beyond the hotel’s gates. With views across Chalong Bay and Lone Island, the area is lined with luxury villas and condos that take advantage of the breathtaking landscape. Many guests return repeatedly, often staying for weeks to fully embrace the slower pace of life on this less-explored side of Phuket.

"Cape Panwa is located on Phuket's east coast; it’s quiet and secluded, which adds to its magic and uniqueness," Taechaubol noted. "We aimed to provide a luxurious retreat with one of Phuket’s only private beaches, allowing guests to truly unwind and enjoy the intimacy and privacy of the hotel."

Upon check-in, I wasted no time. I enjoyed the fresh coconut water waiting for me in my suite, slipped into the in-room flip-flops, grabbed a towel, and dashed for the cable car that transports guests to the beach. My sole mission was to soak up the sun, and the secluded beach did not disappoint. Sunbathing and swimming quickly became my daily routine, followed by stops at the hotel's fruit cart for fresh mango and pineapple slices—a ritual I’ll be dreaming about until my next visit.

Here’s a detailed review of Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

The Rooms

What I love about the resort is its incredible variety of accommodations. It has 205 rooms, most of which offer full or partial sea views. The superior rooms provide simplicity and comfort, along with views of Cape Panwa. For more space, consider a junior suite, which is about 570 square feet, complete with a private balcony and large sunbed, or opt for a two-bedroom family suite, boasting 1,226 square feet and an outdoor whirlpool.

The cape suites measure around 839 square feet and feature modern bathrooms and stylish living areas. I booked a cape signature corner suite—a sprawling 1,365-square-foot haven with a large balcony and sunbed, offering breathtaking sea views. I already miss my morning routine of waking up, making an espresso, and basking in the sun with a book before starting each day (and yes, I spent a lot of time in my Jacuzzi). While I adored the beach, my private deck provided the most stunning elevated views of the water.

For the ultimate tropical retreat, the two-bedroom pool villas offer approximately 1,485 square feet of space with a private pool. The crowning jewel is the cape absolute suite: a luxurious penthouse of 5,703 square feet spread over two glass-encased floors, featuring two bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a private spa facility, solid wooden sundecks, and a full-sized infinity pool—all just steps from the palm-fringed beach.

Food and Drink

The hotel features 10 restaurants and bars, each with its own unique vibe and signature cocktails, thanks to the creative flair of food and beverage executive assistant manager Jakub Goduš, ensuring even long-stay guests never tire of the menus. My personal favorite is Panwa House—a stunning Sino-Portuguese mansion that once served as a coconut plantation and now dazzles with a blend of Malay Peninsula and Southern Thai design. The chef’s prix fixe southern platter is a must-try, with fiery spices perfectly balanced by local wines (yes, Thailand produces wine) and a crab curry that’s simply to die for.

Café Andaman serves as your all-day casual dining spot with a mix of Thai and international fare. Bamboo Bar became my go-to for lunch, as it’s right on the beach. The Pad Thai there was my favorite, along with delicious coconut water harvested from a tree on the property.

There’s also a buffet spread with a large salad bar and other options for those looking for a quicker lunch experience. Top of The Reef serves continental cuisine with a French twist, while Uncle Nan's Restaurant is the perfect spot for Italian dishes al fresco—think pasta, a proper Negroni, and panoramic views of the bay for a taste of la dolce vita. I switched up my nightcaps between Dolphin Bar, conveniently located next to Uncle Nan's, and Otter's Bar, where a chic piano lounge sets the mood.

For seafood lovers, Laem Panwa Restaurant offers barbecued seafood and local specialties that showcase the island’s abundance of fresh fish and sea delicacies. Café Kantary keeps it light with premium coffee, homemade pastries, and gelato throughout the day.

One evening, I opted for the romantic beach dining experience outside Panwa House, right on the beach. I must admit it would be even more enjoyable with a friend or partner, but I had a fantastic time and felt like I had my own personal chef. I sunk my toes into the sand and savored a gorgeous Thai dinner. The Tod Mun Pla (Thai fish cakes) and Yam Neua (spicy beef salad) were highlights, along with mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream.

Activities and Experiences

Guests at Cape Panwa Hotel can indulge in top-notch amenities, including two swimming pools and a fitness center. For a more scenic workout, start your day paddling around the cape. I kayaked one morning and spotted tropical fish; it was the best wake-up call.

Explore Phuket's coastline through snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (the first hour is complimentary), windsurfing, or kayaking. For some friendly competition, join a game of beach volleyball, petanque, or badminton. If cultural experiences are more your style, try Thai cooking classes or get creative with Batik painting workshops. Fitness enthusiasts can step into the ring for Muay Thai boxing or stretch it out with private yoga sessions.

For an elevated adventure, Cape Yacht Charters offers luxury yacht and speedboat experiences. Their newest yacht, the Panwa Princess, features a whirlpool, snorkeling gear, and first-class service—perfect for island-hopping around Phang-Nga or Krabi. The yacht accommodates up to 35 guests and offers full catering, ensuring a memorable day on the water.

The Spa

Located separately from the main reception area, the spa is a private oasis, draped in lush greenery. I chose the Cape Panwa Blossoming Spa Treatment—a luxurious 120-minute escape that begins with an herbal foot bath and culminates in a comforting warm herbal compress. In between, I enjoyed an invigorating body scrub and a blissful oil massage—opting for geranium oil for its uplifting aroma—to leave me feeling refreshed for a day of beach lounging ahead. After your treatment, unwind in the serene resting areas by the water on chic triangle cushions while savoring a delicate cup of post-treatment tea.

Family-Friendly Offerings

The family suite at Cape Panwa is ideal for those needing extra space, offering separate balconies and bathrooms for some much-needed privacy. Kids over five can enjoy the Monkeys' Club for free, featuring a packed schedule of activities such as nature walks, kids yoga, face painting, mini Thai cultural classes, and healthy cooking workshops. It’s the perfect setup for parents to sip cocktails beachside while the little ones stay entertained and engaged in fun, educational experiences.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Cape Panwa Hotel features wheelchair-accessible entrances, restaurants, and lounge areas, along with stair-free paths leading to the main entrance. Most rooms are wheelchair accessible, though some limitations may apply based on individual needs.

The resort has adopted cruelty-free practices in its kitchen, such as not using shark fin, bird's nest, or foie gras.

Location

Cape Panwa Hotel is nestled on the quiet southern tip of Phuket's east coast—perfect for those seeking a more laid-back, secluded vibe. Phuket Island (Ko Phuket), Thailand's largest island, is situated in the Andaman Sea. Getting there from Phuket International Airport (HKT) is a breeze. You can book a Grab ride (the equivalent of Uber in Thailand) or let the hotel handle your transportation—it’s about an hour's drive, depending on traffic.

Renting a car isn't necessary since Grab rides are affordable and easy to arrange, even for longer trips like heading to Old Town. If you need anything else, the hotel can help arrange transportation. Keep in mind that, by law, all beaches in Thailand are public, but Cape Panwa's beach is secluded and remains uncrowded.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Cape Panwa Hotel is part of Cape & Kantary Hotels' loyalty program, the Cape and Kantary Privilege Card, a three-tier membership program that offers discounts and access to special amenities and services. If you don’t mind a few sporadic rain showers, the rainy season (mid-May through mid-October) offers lower rates and fewer crowds.