Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa

The Karon Sea Sands is generally popular with vacationing couples and families. Opened in 2003 on a site which was previously marshland, the resort then survived the 2004 earthquake and tsunami with minimal damage. Guests check in at a spacious reception area complete with traditional Thai carvings, wicker furnishings, and teak wood paneling before being proffered a welcome drink and refreshing cold towel. While paths and hallways are well-maintained and tidy, spaces are starting to feel slightly dated and give little in the way of “wow” aesthetics. A murky fish pond and less-than-immaculate lawns detract a bit more from the experience, though an abundance of palm trees and exotic plants give the resort a pleasantly tropical ambiance. 

The hotel is set a little back from the main beachfront road that runs the length of the Phuket's popular Karon Beach resort. Beautiful white sands and turquoise sea are just a minute from the hotel by foot and there are abundant bars, shops, and restaurants within short walking distance. The neighboring resorts of Patong to the north and Kata Beach to the south are both quick drives away while the area's capital, Phuket City, is about 25 minutes northeast by car. Phuket International Airport is about 50 minutes north while flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport take an hour and 15 minutes, in addition to boarding time.

The Karon Sea Sands has 89 rooms, all of which follow the standard styling of the area with terracotta tile floors, teak furnishings, and Thai touches like carved wood art and traditional patterned fabrics. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (for a fee), and minibars (though only stocked with water). All rooms have sliding doors that open onto furnished balconies overlooking the pool or gardens, while some top floor and street-facing rooms have sea views. Bathrooms are spacious with walk-in showers and granite countertops, while some also include tubs. Suites are particularly roomy and include kitchenettes and separate lounge areas, though the cookware looks a little dated.

The hotel has a particularly long pool that stretches the length of the property and is lined with plenty of loungers and parasols, though the space is sandwiched between two buildings. There’s also a small separate pool for kids. Although the hotel claims to have two restaurants, it's more like the property has two kitchens that offer two different types of cuisine -- pizza and particularly delicious Indian dishes. Health facilities include a fitness room and spa offering a range of massage treatments and what might be the world’s smallest sauna. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby and requires an additional fee when used elsewhere on the property.