Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

The Katathani Phuket's lobby makes a stately first impression, with walls clad in panels of
warm teak wood and soaring ceilings accented in gold flowers dotted around a huge brass
chandelier. Backlit statues add to the decorative drama. Guests can rest in the multiple armchairs and couches or meet
with staff members at service desks to arrange excursions, learn
about the resort's facilities, or get oriented on the large property.

Winding concrete pathways bordered by palm trees and green manicured
lawns lead guests toward one of the resort's two wings: the Andaman
Sea area (the Thani Wing) or the green garden area (the Bhari Wing).
There are six pools arranged throughout the property, meaning every cluster of rooms has its own pool. But the lagoon-style oceanfront pools are the most popular,
with rows of lounge chairs facing the sea and bars and restaurants within easy reach.

While the resort attracts a variety of guests, it's
especially popular with families that make full use of the colorful Kids' Club, kiddy pools, and recreational activities.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is located on the Southwest
coast of Phuket Island in secluded Kata Noi Bay, directly facing the lovely Kata Noi Beach and a
60-minute drive to the Phuket International Airport.

• 20-minute drive to Patong Beach
• 20-minute drive to Wat Chalong Temple
• 20-minute drive to Elephant Trekking Phuket
• 25-minute drive to Big Buddha
• 30-minute drive to Phuket
• 60-minute drive to Phuket International Airport

The resort's rooms are split between its two distinct wings. The Bhuri Wing, located farther back in the garden section of the resort, encompasses the smallest
and most affordable Superior and Deluxe Rooms. Ranging in size from 390 to 430
square feet, they feature private balconies, one king or two queen-size beds,
and views of the gardens or pool. While the rooms vary in style and layout, many lack the polished look of the hotel's Thani Wing rooms. The muted colors and outdated furnishings (granite-topped tables, fussy throw pillows) can make them feel a touch drab. Also the bathrooms in this wing are showers only (no tubs).

By contrast, the Thani Wing is pricier, but closer to the beach and more recently renovated. Its one- and two-bedroom
suites range in size from 538 to 1184 square feet. Decor varies suite to suite, with most adorned in wood-paneled accent walls, slat-wood benches, gleaming hardwood floors, and preppy striped upholstery. All balconies are outfitted with two armchairs
and a small table facing partial or full-on ocean views. Suite bathrooms have single vanities, walk-in or glass-enclosed
showers, and separate soaking tubs. All of the rooms are equipped with amenities such as in-room coffee and tea stations, mini-fridges,
and closets complete with robes, slippers, and safes.

As a family-focused resort, Katathani has a stunning amount of kids' activities. The Kids' Club hosts supervised classes in beading, cooking, and Thai-kite making, among others; and it provides a ball-pit, playground, and a small mountain of toys. There are also four shallow kiddy pools and on-site games for all-ages, like billiards, table tennis, a putting green, and pentaque.

For adults, a sunny, well-equipped fitness center with
modern cardio machines and free weights provides another way to break a sweat. But guests looking to ease their tired muscles can book at treatment in the Tew Son Spa. (The resort's signature wrap incorporates crushed needles
from local Casuarina trees.) Book the rooftop massage tables to get ocean views (and sounds) during treatments.

Six on-site restaurants serve a variety of cuisine, from authentic Phuket-style dishes to Italian to grilled seafood and Mediterranean fare. And drinks are available at the resort's six bars, most of which have happy hour drink specials.

Daily shuttles deliver guests to Patong or Phuket for shopping and exploring, but most people seem to stay put, either pursuing the on-site activities or settling into lounge chairs near their pool of choice.

Free from the clutter of beach-club cabanas and lounge chairs, this beach offers pure white sand, rolling blue waves, and little else. That peaceful view can be seen from the resort's Thani Wing rooms, the spa's rooftop, beachfront pools, some restaurants, and several other areas.

Aside from the beach, the resort's main attraction is the six pools dotting the grounds. Blue-bottomed, free-form pools bordered by palm trees, lounge chairs, and beige patio umbrellas invite guests to loll the day away. The most popular pools run right up to the beachfront, letting guests float in calmer waters while gazing at ocean waves. The kids' pools give families a chance to splash around in shallower waters.