Trisara

Guests are greeted near immigration at the Phuket International Airport, then driven in an SUV to the truly luxurious Trisara Phuket. Beautiful pagoda-like lobbies have enormous windows with ocean views, and are partially surrounded by tiered reflection pools with waterfalls. Contemporary furniture -- like a marble-topped coffee table and plush sofa piled high with white and blue pillows -- looks fresh. White orchids and vaulted wood ceilings add a touch of tropical decor, without coming off as too over-the-top (although they certainly add to the uber-luxe vibe). A large white day bed with a triangular cushions and purple throw pillows has a spa-like look. Outside, the grounds are perfectly manicured and planted with tall palm trees and thick groves of ferns. Overall, the vibe is relaxing and luxurious, and it comes with Thailand's famous hospitable service. Honeymooners and families are regular guests. Wedding and events are popular here, too. 

Trisara Phuket's location is more about ocean views and a private beach than fast access to shopping, restaurants, or entertainment. Many guests choose this property because they're seeking quiet and access to everything they need on-site. Expect a 20-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and 30 minutes to reach the nightlife scene in Patong Beach. Golfing at Blue Canyon Country Club is accessible after a 20-minute drive. Guests are given free transportation in an SUV to and from the airport. Parking at the hotel is free as well.

Each accommodation, from the least expensive room to the Six-Bedroom Villa to the over-the-top Boathouse, has a view of the ocean and a private pool. (Pools vary in size depending on room category.) Ocean View Pool rooms are set up as single rooms with a king-size bed in the center, a spacious bathroom in the back, and a balcony with a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean in the front in each. Recessed wooden ceilings, white walls, and wood laminate floors look fresh. A flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, stocked minibar, air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and robes and slippers are standard in each as well, and the bathrooms are almost as big as the bedrooms. Each of these rooms is set with a huge soaking bathtub, semi-outdoor shower, and large vanity with double sinks. There's a built-in closet with a safe for storing valuables.

Upgrade to a Two-Bedroom Villa for more of a luxury apartment experience. These units include full kitchens with stainless steel appliances (like six-burner stoves and ovens), huge living rooms, and gorgeous outdoor patio spaces with pools big enough for the whole family. There are outdoor and indoor teak dining room tables as well. The Boathouse is shaped like a luxury yacht and outfitted with teak wood and two full bedrooms. 

Since each room has a private pool, the long beachfront infinity-edge pool at Trisara doesn't get very crowded. Thick foliage around the pool gives it a private feel and huge cement urns add artistic interest. There are ample cushy sun loungers and day beds set on a second level patio and in front of the pool, facing the beach. Food and drink service is available here. 

For workout addicts, there's a modern gym with LifeFitness equipment and individual television screens. Stability balls, free weights, and pulley machines are also on offer. Tennis courts are available outside. Personal trainers and Thai boxing lessons are available for a fee. The on-site spa has a contemporary style and makes use of large windows overlooking garden grounds, but it doesn't offer a pool or hot tub. One treatment room is designed for couples, and the six-hand (that's three masseuses) massage is popular.

A supervised kids' club includes toys, activities, and a Wii gaming system for kids ages four to 16. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's ample space for weddings and events. 

Food and booze at Trisara Phuket get high marks for quality and quantity -- but prices are high, with the exception of a free and substantial breakfast buffet that includes freshly baked pastries and tropical juices. Trisara Seafood serves lunch, dinner, and dessert overlooking the ocean. The menus here focus on seasonal and fresh ingredients: lobster risotto, a raw bar selection, and jack fruit sorbet are popular choices. The Deck is more casual; guests sit on a teak patio near the beach for Western-style lunch, dinner, and dessert, plus a pre-set family-style dinner menu of Thai food. The Bar serves tapas and cocktails, and is one of the best spots for watching the sunset. Sunday Jazz Brunch includes a live jazz performance along with cooking stations, seafood, and desserts. Guests can order room service or have a private barbecue set up on the beach, or next to their villa pools. 

Trisara Phuket has one of the few private beaches in Phuket, and it's scenic year round, with white sand and crystal blue water. The bay is fringed by a coral reef and at low tide, it isn't fit for swimming. Between December and April, staff puts out a floating jetty and teak pontoon, so water sports and swimming are safe no matter what the tide conditions are. Kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats are free to borrow. However, during the remainder of the year, swimming can be dangerous and is discouraged, and the water toys are put away.