Hi David, The Merlin Beach Resort is a beautiful resort but there is very little infrastructure in the immediate vacinity of it. ( I think the resort likes it that way). We stayed there a few years ago and thought it was a nice place to lounge around but got bored of it very quickly and hired a jeep so we could get into Patong /Karon and Kata at every available opportunity.
There was a small bar across the road and a family owned restaraunt at a nice little beach within walking distance of the front lobby, but that was it. (This was 3 years ago so it may have changed)
The beach that fronts the resort was picturesque and had beautiful sand but was not suitable for swimming due to the rocky/shallow coral reef that runs the entire length of it.
I would recommend it for someone who wanted a quality resort with magnificent pools but I dont think we would stay there again due to its isolation.
Kata Beach is fairly quiet but at least you have a choice of restaraunts bars and shops within walking distance and as long as you dont visit during the peak of monsoon season , it is a fantastic swimming beach. On my next trip to Phuket we will definately go back there. The Kata Thani would be the best beach front property there and I guarantee you would love it.( a bit expensive for us these days but I think On par with the Merlin Beach)

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