The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket

The Westin Siray Bay is built on a cliff overlooking Siray Bay (not surprisingly). Some of the villas are built on top of a hill, which makes for great views -- but a long and steep trek; some guests require the assistance of a golf cart to get down to the restaurants, pools, and public areas. The grounds are nicely maintained and accented with wooden pathways surrounded by rolling hills covered in grass, flowers, and manicured privacy hedges. A large wooden deck is set with sun loungers overlooking the water. Inside, the lobby has a contemporary, somewhat corporate (albeit luxe) feel. Wicker chairs and wooden couches are topped with maroon cushions. Abstractly shaped chairs are placed in a row in the center of the lobby, near the tour and concierge desks. Wooden ceilings and day beds near a semi-open wall add a taste of Thailand, but the overall vibe definitely smacks of a Westin property. Many of the guests are business travelers or tourists who don't mind staying a bit off the beaten path to use their SPG award points. 

The Westin Siray Bay is located off the beaten path on the east coast of Phuket. It's about a 40-minute drive northwest to Phuket International Airport and 40 minutes west of Patong Beach. Past guests have complained the location is a little isolated and that they're charged extra for pick-ups from tour drivers. Parking at the property is free and there's a small charge for a shuttle that takes guests to Phuket Town or a nearby shopping center, on alternate days. There isn't much of interest within safe walking distance. 

The 257 contemporary guest rooms, suites, and villas with private pools were built to maximize views of Siray Bay from outdoor balconies. Each accommodation comes standard with Westin's signature products like the Heavenly Bed and White Tea by Westin bath amenities. Each bathroom includes a rainfall shower and soaking bathtub. Minibars, free bottled water, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, and Wi-Fi access (for a fee) also come standard. 

The Superior Sea View room has a peek-a-boo bathroom with a retractable shade for privacy. Like the public areas of the hotel, the decor is neutral and a little dull. Think: white walls with textured brown border, white tile floors, a beige love seat, and wooden furniture with clean lines in each. A large balcony set with upscale wicker furniture is a highlight. 

Upgrade to the One-Bedroom Sala Pool Villa for more space, including a living room set with a sectional sofa, small dining room table, and a kitchenette. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of light and make the Villa feel airy. The glass encased shower with a rainfall showerhead also has a full window that's obscured by green plants for privacy. A beach tote is provided for carrying towels to the beach.

The features at Westin Siray Bay are typical of what's usually found at an upscale resort. The Heavenly Spa by Westin provides facials, massages, and beauty services. Treatment rooms focus on couples with double beds and a whirlpool tub for two. A 24-hour fitness center offers the brand's workout gear rental program, and Technogym cardio equipment is lined up in front of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Siray Bay. 

The kids' club is monitored by staff inside a colorful classroom filled with art supplies, board games, and computers -- though it'll probably appeal more to little ones than older kids. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee.

This property is popular with business travelers for a reason. It has a business center with four Mac computers, a printer, and ample space for conferences and meetings. Five meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment are available to rent. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas. 

On top of several dining and bar outlets on-site, The Westin Siray Bay hosts monthly promotions like happy hours, buffets, live music, and all-you-can-eat pizza. EEST serves Pan-Asian cuisine for a la carte dinner both indoors and out, with a raw bar and wok cooking. Mix Lounge is located right off the lobby, overlooking the bay. This is the spot for cocktails until late and coffee drinks throughout the day. Prego by the Beach does casual Italian food (to great reviews) for lunch and dinner next to Prego Pool. Seasonal Tastes is built around an interactive open kitchen and serves international buffets with a healthy angle for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Splash serves light snacks and margaritas by Splash Pool. 

Guests spend a lot of time in and around the three main pools at The Westin Siray Bay. The Horizon Pool has an infinity edge that seemingly blends in the crystal blue water's of Siray Bay. Submerged jets and a two-tiered deck set with sun loungers give this spot a sophisticated and quiet vibe. Splash Pool is located at the top of a hill; it's the highest pool at the resort, so it has the best views of the Andaman Sea. This pool is long and narrow, better for a plunge than a full swim. White columns add a Roman look to the pool deck. Prego Pool, next to Prego restaurant, has a very cool circular island that's an epic spot for selfies, as the background features the infinity-edge pool and uninterrupted panoramic views of Siray Bay. Shallow bubble pools are a relaxing spot to stay cool while enjoying the pool.

This property isn't known for its beach but there is a stretch of sand at the foot of a hillside. A beach hut provides sun loungers, towels, free water, and umbrellas for guests to use. Beach volleyball, beach soccer, and windsurfing lessons are available.