The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort

Guests arrive via boat at The Village Coconut Island, then make their way up a wooden path to the two-story lobby. Grounds are well-maintained with green lawns, trimmed bushes, and planted palm trees, but they lack the over-the-top reflection pools and Sino-Portuguese architecture usually found at this price point. Hand-painted murals of animal deities, wrought-iron chandeliers, and a water fountain add interest. The semi-open-air lobby has wooden beams overhead and wooden and wicker daybeds topped with light-blue cushions; some of them look worn. Potted green plants brighten up the space. Couples and families happily co-exist, as the villas are private and there's plenty of space at the three pools and on the long beach. 

There are only two ways to get to The Village Coconut Island: helicopter or boat. The majority of guests catch a speed boat from Royal Phuket Marina, which is about a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Expect a 10- to 30-minute boat ride to get to the island itself; it's inhabited by Thais who make their living off coconut farming and fishing. There are markets, restaurants, beaches, and cultural activities within a short walk, bike ride, or taxi ride from the hotel. The water taxi operates 24-hours a day, so you won't get that stranded Gilligan's Island feeling, though there is a small fee for the service (but it's free on initial arrival and final departure). 

There are 236 Suites and Villas at The Village Coconut Island. The Jacuzzi Suite is a spacious option for honeymooners. It includes a king-size bed and small seating area set with a love seat and flat-screen TV. Interesting architectural details include a vaulted ceiling and private wooden deck. Trimmed hedges make the whirlpool and cushioned sun loungers private places to hang out. Back inside, there's a kitchenette with two electric burners, a mini-fridge, and enough silverware and kitchen gear to prepare and eat a meal. The bathroom/dressing room area includes a vanity counter, wardrobe, and double sinks. It's around the corner from the kitchenette area and there isn't a door. A soaking bathtub is directly next to the rainfall shower, which drains into the floor. If beach views and a private pool are must-haves, book the Grand Beachfront Pool Villa; it's more like a luxe private home than a hotel room. This option has two levels and three bedrooms, a huge living room with a sectional sofa, full kitchen and dining room seating for eight. Hardwood floors and furniture show the occasional scratch, though high-end statues, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces keep the luxury alive. There's a second-floor balcony and a first-floor outdoor terrace set with patio furniture. The piéce de résistance is the infinity-edge private pool just a few feet from the sandy beach. Expect to pay for Wi-Fi. 

Because the island is reachable only by boat and it's not built up with the kind of infrastructure you'd find in Phuket Town, The Village Coconut Island ensures that guests have everything they need to keep them comfortable and entertained on the property. Villa refrigerators can be stocked with groceries and water purchased at the on-site Coco Mart. For an extra fee, staff will do the shopping and schlepping of groceries for you. There's a cute and casual clothing store, Banana Boutique, for beach gear and souvenirs. The kids' club is cute and convenient, but geared towards kids under six. An enclosed balcony with artificial grass is the only outdoor play place. Private babysitting services can be arranged for a fee. The Village Spa is centered around a small outdoor pool with garden landscaping, and it has a sauna/steam room along with 10 treatment rooms. Treatments include a head massage with coconut oil and an herbal compress massage. The fitness center has cardio equipment and strength-training machines, and staff organizes yoga classes. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas. There's a dedicated concierge team to assist with arranging tours and excursions. 

All-inclusive packages are available at The Village Coconut Island's variety of restaurants. Kabang Restaurant & Bar serves Thai and Asian food in a setting that mimics the Florida Keys: covered outdoor seating, a beach shack vibe, and wooden chairs. Dance and theater performances are occasionally presented after dinner. The Deli serves Western fare to a jazz soundtrack, and switches to an emphasis on Italian for dinner. The Beach Bar is a fun spot for live music, views of Phang Nga Bay, and hand-crafted cocktails. Koko (open seasonally) does fancy cocktails and Asian fusion for dinner. Guests can order room service as well.There's an on-site cooking school where guests can learn to create a variety of traditional Thai dishes -- then nosh on the benefits of their hard work.

The private beach at The Village Coconut Island is the main reason so many guests are willing to get on a boat to travel here. The sand is fine and powdery, the water is clean, calm, and clear. Plus, there aren't obnoxious crowds of partiers or aggressive vendors selling their wares. The sheltered bay is ideal for water sports like sailing (there's a sailing school on-site), kayaking, and inflatable ringo rides. Non-motorized water sports are free to use. Those who want to relax can chill out on cushioned wicker day beds under wide umbrellas. Leaning palm trees and a long wooden pier add to the tropical aesthetic. 

Two central infinity swimming pools are located just behind the beach. Each is large with a rectangular shape, and surrounded by sand or grass. Beautiful, lush tropical landscaping surrounds the two wide waterslides that plunge into a series of small splash pools. One slide is faster than the other, and adults are welcome to act like kids and join in on the fun. For a quieter vibe, trek up the hill to a third swimming pool. The views of the bay are only interrupted by palm trees. Sun loungers are provided, and though kids are welcome in this pool, most stay down by the beach and waterslides.