Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa

Thavorn Beach Village & Spa was built on Nakalay Bay, and many of its buildings are devoted to views of the sandy beach and lush tropical grounds, which include a large orchid garden planted with enormous Black Ebony trees and bird houses with doves. Small ponds and thick foliage create a cool, ancient vibe. Guests are greeted in the massive pavilion-style lobby with a welcome drink and cool towel. Decor in the lobby, and in most of the hotel, looks a little dated, but nonetheless classic and elegant -- with Thai details like a sculpture of two Thai figures, carved wood, and curved back armchairs topped with chick white cushions. Large oil paintings of chickens hang on the walls. Guests are a mix of families and couples, who are drawn to the enormous outdoor pool and overall laid-back ambiance.

The hotel is built on a private beach overlooking Nakalay Bay. There isn't much to see or do within walking distance, though Patong Beach is only a seven-minute drive from the hotel and Kalim Beach is about eight minutes away. Plan on 35 minutes to get to Phuket International Airport. There's a thrice-daily shuttle that takes guests to Patong for free. Parking at Thavorn Beach Village & Spa is free and ample. 

Rooms, suites, and cottages are divided into three distinct zones at Thavorn Beach: Beach Zone, Pool Zone, and Hillside Ocean View Zone. Rooms on the hillside are accessible by climbing several flights of stairs, or taking a cable car up the hill -- which can be fun or time consuming, depending on your view. Some of these rooms also include views of a neighboring garbage dump, along with the ocean. Pool Zone rooms have private access to the hotel's swimming pool, which all guests can use. Beach Zone rooms are located right on the beach, though some of them are built behind a row of neighboring cottages. Cottages are bright and airy with white linens and floral fabrics. Elephant-figurine lamps, pink floral paintings, and white furniture look like they belong in a cottage in New England, and give off a charming vibe. The semi-outdoor bathrooms, however, have a much more more tropical vibe with enormous rainhead showers and bowl sinks. Free bottled water, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and tea- and coffee-making facilities come standard, as do terraces. Not all rooms have Wi-Fi access and past guests have complained about maintenance issues and dated furniture. 

The most popular feature at Thavorn Beach is probably the enormous (the hotel claims it's the largest in Phuket) freeform pool landscaped with manicured islands planted with palm trees and thick plants, which create pockets of private spaces to swim. Kids love the statue of a baby elephant crossing the shallow water. Some guest rooms have private access to the pool; everyone else has to fight for free sun loungers and chairs that line the deck. The nearby beach looks beautiful, but the sand is filled with tiny sharp rocks and low tide is dangerous for swimming. Relaxing on a day bed or ordering a private beach barbecue are better uses of the private sand. Nakalay Spa includes couples' treatment rooms, a bathtub for two, and an outdoor massage area. Thai massages are popular here. The fitness center doesn't have a lot of equipment, but cardio machines are new and the facility is bright and airy. Yoga and fitness classes are available as well. Staff can also arrange cultural activities such as Thai cooking, vegetable carving, soccer on the beach, and language classes. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and restaurants. 

Marisa Terrace serves an extensive breakfast buffet (that's not included in the room price) in a garden setting next to the pool. Old Siam Authentic Thai Restaurant serves gourmet Thai food indoors in an elegant dining room in a quiet courtyard overlooking the sea. Thai Sala is accessed over a charming foot bridge that leads to a peaceful pagoda. Guests can buy freshly made pastries, cold drinks, and specialty coffees there. Crocodile Pool Bar has a patio and sunset views along with cocktails and beer. Happy Hour is a popular event. In-villa dining and barbecues on the beach can also be arranged for a fee.