Boomerang Village Resort

The outdoor spaces at this mid-range resort are a huge selling point, with sprawling tropical gardens to explore. Within these landscaped gardens, an attractive outdoor pool is set among clusters of palm trees, terra-cotta planters, golden statues and colorful flowers. The hillside location means the hotel is relatively isolated, but the relaxing setting and tranquil pool area are a bigger draw for most of the previous guests who've stayed here. This small bungalow-style hotel is a favorite with couples of all ages, who value the hotel's romantic and secluded setting. Interiors also have their charms, including an open plan lounge area that's decorated with the same Thai-style wooden furniture found throughout the resort. It provides a quiet spot to enjoy a drink away from the mid-day heat. All in all, this is a secluded retreat away from busy Kata Beach, and most use the hotel as a base to explore the nearby temples, beaches, and Phuket Town. 

Located on Karon Hill, this small hotel is within a 15-minute walk of central Kata, which has plenty of international restaurants and beach bars. From the hotel, it's a six-minute drive to Kata Beach with its clean, soft sands, jet skis and parasailing. Guests who like to explore on foot will find a small child-friendly mini golf course 15-minutes walk away. However, the hotel's hillside location means that visitors often rent a car or motorcycle to explore the surrounding area (the walk back up from the beach is particularly long and steep). The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the Big Buddha statue that offers 360-degree views of southern Phuket, and it's a 15-minute drive from wild Patong Beach. Phuket Town itself is a 30-minute drive away and is the largest nearby city. For a spot of culture, the 19th-century Chalong Temple is a 10- to 15-minute drive away and is dedicated to two monks who treated injured soldiers using herbal medicine during the Chinese rebellion in 1876. Traffic is notoriously tricky in Thailand, so plan at least an hour for your journey between the hotel and Phuket International Airport.

These traditionally decorated chalet-style rooms have white linens and dark wooden four-poster bed frames draped with mosquito nets. While it's a typical style for the area, the effect is still undeniably romantic. Red soft furnishings, pagoda lanterns and tiled floors complement golden Buddha artwork found around the room. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and a private balcony, with some larger suites offering beautiful views overlooking the pool area. Most rooms have outside steps leading up to them, which adds a feeling of privacy, but might discourage guests with limited mobility. All rooms are relatively spacious, with even standard rooms spanning 26 square meters (280 square feet). Fully-tiled en-suite bathrooms have stall showers, basic toiletries, and plenty of towels. Higher-category rooms, like the Suite we visited, add rainfall showerheads and marble sinks. Standard features include DVD players and cable television, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and kettles. If staying in a Suite, extras like colorful silk bathrobes are a nice touch.

This tropical garden hotel is a relaxing base with a decent selection of facilities, including its outdoor pool. Throughout the day, there are great views from the pool's deck, and light snacks are served poolside from the hotel's lounge. Thai and Western meals are served in the evening in the restaurant, where wooden tables surround a dramatic golden Buddha statue and red drapes line the timber ceiling overhead. Guests can also dine outside on a small terrace lit with lanterns that overlooks the pool and bay area below. The free breakfast typically includes cooked eggs and a self-serve buffet selection of yogurts, bread, croissants, fruit, and juices. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and a free shuttle bus takes guests to and from Kata Beach, but the timetable is limited, so plan your day accordingly. Most guests take advantage of the car and motorcycle rentals available on-site. Hotel parking is free, but some guests might prefer to pay for an airport transfer to and from the resort.