One hundred years ago, Phuket was a lush, largely uninhabited island rich in natural resources such as tin, rubber and copra. Elephants and tigers roamed freely through its tropical jungles. Cut to the present and this nearly urban destination is home to more designer finds than tin mines. Many of the island's richest residents reside in the hills surrounding Surin Beach, which also attracts some of its most recognisable visitors. Try to act nonchalant if you run into an A-lister while browsing at the addresses below.
The colour pink pervades the boudoir interior at Ginger (The Plaza Surin, 5/50 unit G5, Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Thalang, tel: 66 76 271 617), where hot pink embroidered handbags with rattan handles (2,500 baht/HK$610) sit just beside the entrance for those who need an immediate fix of the happy hue. Flower-print skirts (from 2,490 baht) line the better part of one wall. Also worth a look is a small but highly desirable selection of men's button-down shirts embroidered with glorious geishas or prancing peacocks (from 2,690 baht). Even backpackers can afford to walk away with wonders, such as the lotus enamel picture frames (from 250 baht), that beg to be collected.
Next door at Lola (tel: 66 76 271 618), wake up your toes with a pair of sparkly sandals festooned with neon pink fluffy balls (650 baht) then add to the vibrant look with a floor-sweeping cherry sundress stitched with roses over each breast (2,000 baht). The signature tank top is sleek and sexy in the softest cotton (550 baht) and is available in white, black and everything in between.
Dodge the scooters and duck into Lemongrass House (below; 106/14 Thanon Srisoonthorn, Moo 3, Haad Surin, Thalang, tel: 66 76 325 022). This treasure trove of organic scented wonders may be hidden but it's no secret to Asia's top resorts, which develop their toiletries here. The latest product to fly off these unfinished wood shelves is rosemary-vanilla conditioning hair oil (200 baht), enhanced with vitamin E to untangle sun-damaged locks. The classic mosquito spray smells like lemongrass but works far more effectively than toxic alternatives.
Don't overlook the kitschy U & I (50/4 Thanon Srisoonthorn, Moo 3, Haad Surin, tel: 66 84 625 047), where coconut wood bangles (200 baht) can be grabbed by the handful and mixed with woven leather bracelets (150 baht).
Even if you are not a guest at The Chedi (118 Moo 3, Choeng Talay, Talang, tel: 66 76 324 017) its reputation for stylish design makes the short uphill trek off the main road worth it. One of the hotel's two shops offers antiques from around the region, from intricately painted Myanmese lacquered betel boxes and offering bowls (from 4,000 baht), to museum-quality wooden Buddhas (28,500 baht). Across the hall, well-cut T-shirts printed with a happy baby graphic (550 baht) raise money for tsunami victims in neighbouring Khao Lak. Profits have already helped build five international schools.