Thanks Geri. We usually try for something a bit more central to so we can more easily do different things if need be. We stayed in Central Karon Hotel a few years ago- our only other stay in phuket and loved the hotel but disliked the constant need for tuk tuk travel. Sounds like these options may be similar in that regard. In samui we like the baan samui.

We are leaning towards the merlin beach resort; it looks like we may need to upgrade to a deluxe from superior room- are these any good? so far the Virgin programme seems to be a series of advertising things that aren't available.

never mind, once we get there all will be well; we have yet to be unhappy anywhere in thailand.