To shanek and others many thanks for answering all our questions.shanek you described the Merlin Beach Resort perfectly. A great resort but isolated with nothing out side of it. This was our first trip and naturally compared everything to Bali which one should not do, but. We found everywhere so clean. the food, what can I say, out of this world, a little dearer than Bali but fantastic. Went to the Savoey three nights running, their sea food is to die for. We loved the people, warm and friendly, but found that bartering was not so much fun as Bali.” herself” went in too low with her first offer and the lady very politely said “Madame, bye bye” I had to crack up. We loved the area near Club Med ???? will have to find out what it is called.Patong was a buzz and we spent a lot of time there, but it’s a bit scary when the bar lady remembers your name. Will we go back there? You bet
A last observation was that the Thais where quite up market with their cars etc
Regards

Hi David, Glad to hear you had a great time. I am sure you will be back. The area near Club Med is Kata Beach which is my favorite part of the Island too. WE are 5 weeks away from a quick 6 night business junket in Phuket, staying at Le Meridian. It's a bit more upmarket than our usual haunts ....and we are leaving the kids at home with the inlaws....second honeymoon in the making. ( the first honeymoon was also in Thailand, samui to be exact 12 years ago.....Cant wait.

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I love Thailand this much

could you recomend any nice hotels in the Kata beach area? possibly
3.5 to four star,
Regards

I have friends who have just returned from Phuket. They stayed at the Diamond Cottages in Kata, opposite the beach. The feedback I received was very positive. Well cared for establishment with lovely grounds and pools. Rooms and service also received complimentary comments. The hotel has remarkably reasonable rates and it is in a super location. Step outside the from entrance and you can access kata Village to the left and comfortably walk to the busy markets of Karon.

This might be an option for you David.

My own family stayed at the Centara Resort in Kata. An absolutely lovely hotel but kind of stuck half way between anything. too far to walk comfortably in the heat and annoying to have to catch tuk tuks when you know they are robbing you!!!!!!!!!