Phuket, largest island of Thailand, continues to draw expats with its spectacular beaches, stable tropical climate year-round and remarkably affordable lifestyle. This article reviews the island’s most attractive residential areas while highlighting strong real estate investment possibilities, with special emphasis on innovative projects by Sunny Development Group. By 2026, improved infrastructure — including upgraded road networks and expanded international flight routes — has made the island significantly more accessible. The unique combination of natural beauty, modern conveniences and a friendly international community attracts both long-term residents and discerning property investors. In recent years the island’s appeal has strengthened further thanks to political stability and a growing influx of digital nomads and remote workers. As a result, Phuket now delivers an even more attractive balance of relaxed tropical living and promising long-term investment returns.
Key Neighborhood Highlights
Nai Harn & Rawai: Tranquil Southern Havens These southern areas are cherished for peaceful beaches, wellness and yoga retreats, excellent fresh seafood and proximity to unspoiled nature. Long-term expats and retirees frequently choose private pool villas or compact boutique condos here. The easy-going atmosphere combined with quick access to nearby islands for day trips remains highly appealing, although personal transport — usually a scooter — is typically required for convenience.
Bang Tao, Cherng Talay & Laguna: Upscale Northwest Enclaves This linked zone features wide sandy beaches, championship golf courses, luxury venues and elite international schools. It attracts families and professionals seeking premium living standards, with high-end properties that offer reliable rental income supported by continuous infrastructure improvements.
Phuket Town: Historic and Budget-Friendly Urban Hub The cultural heart of the island showcases charming Sino-Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant street-food scenes and bustling local markets. Affordable condominiums and its central location make it ideal for budget-conscious expats or island-based professionals, with convenient access to hospitals, coworking spaces and daily necessities.
Kamala & Surin: Refined West Coast Sanctuaries Famous for elegant ocean-view residences and enhanced privacy, these areas appeal to affluent buyers. Kamala provides a warm, family-friendly beach atmosphere, while Surin offers greater exclusivity — ideal for those who prioritize sophistication over lively nightlife.
Kata & Karon: Vibrant yet Balanced Beach Zones With excellent surfing conditions, diverse dining options and walkable beachfronts, these neighborhoods suit active families and energetic residents. They strike an effective balance between liveliness and relaxation, although crowds increase noticeably during peak tourist season.
Sunny Development Group: Leading with Wellness-Focused Innovation
Phuket’s real estate market remains robust, fueled by sustained tourism recovery, steady expat demand and projected annual price growth of approximately 5–10% in prime segments over the coming years. Developers increasingly concentrate on sustainable, wellness-oriented projects that combine modern design with strong financial performance.
A prominent developer is Sunny Development Group (part of Sunny Holding), co-founded by Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska. With more than 13 years of experience and a perfect record of on-time, high-quality project deliveries — starting successfully in Bali before expanding to Phuket — the group creates concept-driven properties that provide lasting value for both owners and tenants. Their philosophy emphasizes harmonious integration of luxury, wellness and sustainability, which has built them a solid reputation among selective buyers.
Their flagship Sunny Moon project in the Nai Harn / Rawai area exemplifies this approach. This premium development offers apartments ranging from 33.5 to 192 m² (approximately 228 units across phases), featuring an Ayurvedic wellness center, rooftop seawater pool, sauna, gym, spa, on-site dining and eco-friendly solar systems. Located only 700 meters from the beach and roughly 30 minutes from the airport, it merges health-conscious living with compelling investment potential, including strong projected ROI.
Phuket accommodates almost every lifestyle preference: serene southern retreats focused on wellness and community, luxurious northern enclaves with resort-style amenities and family infrastructure, culturally vibrant urban options, exclusive west-coast hideaways, or dynamic yet family-friendly beach areas such as Kata and Karon.
World-class healthcare and international schooling are readily available across the island, while transportation links keep improving through new developments and planned upgrades.
The real estate market particularly favors eco-conscious, thoughtfully designed and wellness-integrated homes. Projects like those delivered by Sunny Development Group perfectly embody this trend, attracting both lifestyle-oriented buyers and strategic investors in one of Asia’s most desirable destinations.
Sunny Moon Project Key Features
| FeatureDescriptionBenefit for Residents / Investors | ||
| Unit Sizes | 33.5 – 192 m² (studios to 3-bedroom layouts) | Options for singles, couples and families |
| Wellness Amenities | Ayurvedic center, spa, sauna, fitness center, rooftop seawater pool | Daily support for health and relaxation |
| Sustainability Features | Solar power systems, environmentally friendly materials | Reduced operating costs and green living |
| Location Advantages | 700 m to beach, ~30 min to airport, close to Rawai / Nai Harn | High convenience and rental demand |
| Additional Facilities | On-site restaurant, bar, open-air cinema | Full resort experience within the property |
| Completion Schedule | Sections 1 & 2: May 2026; Section 3: Q3 2027 | Transparent timeline for purchase planning |
| Investment Highlights | High projected ROI, strong rental potential in south Phuket | Attractive financial returns in a growing market |
FAQ
- Why is Phuket so appealing for expats in 2026? Stunning beaches, year-round warm weather, affordable cost of living, diverse neighborhoods and continuously improving infrastructure make it perfect for retirement, long-term living or remote work.
- Which area is best for families? Bang Tao, Cherng Talay and Laguna stand out thanks to international schools, safe family beaches and resort facilities, while Kata and Karon offer a more active yet balanced beach lifestyle.
- Is Phuket’s real estate market still growing? Yes — demand from expats and tourists remains solid. Forecasts point to 5–10% annual price appreciation in select areas, supported by tourism rebound and infrastructure projects.
- What is Sunny Moon by Sunny Development Group? A luxury apartment complex in Nai Harn / Rawai featuring wellness facilities — Ayurvedic center, rooftop seawater pool, gym, spa — plus sustainable design. It targets health-conscious residents and investors seeking attractive returns.
- Are there drawbacks to living in southern areas like Nai Harn and Rawai? These locations are peaceful and nature-rich but more remote — personal transport (scooter or car) is usually necessary for comfortable mobility and access to wider amenities.
- Who is behind Sunny Development Group? Part of Sunny Holding and co-founded by Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska, the company has over 13 years of experience, a flawless delivery record (starting in Bali) and specializes in high-value, wellness-focused properties in Phuket.
- How does Phuket compare to other Asian investment destinations? It offers superior infrastructure (healthcare, education), stable tourism flows and investor-friendly conditions compared with alternatives like Bali, together with rising demand for premium sustainable developments.
Phuket excels as a destination for relaxed island living and intelligent real estate investment. Its varied neighborhoods cater to every taste — from quiet coastal escapes to energetic urban environments. For investors, forward-thinking developers like Sunny Development Group stand out with wellness-integrated projects that promise exceptional lifestyle quality and reliable long-term returns. With breathtaking nature, welcoming communities and ongoing progress, Phuket remains one of the most compelling choices for expats and investors alike.
