I'm in Bangkok now and found out that there was a big storm in Koh Samui, where we were headed in a week. The hotel that we booked is now closed for 2 weeks. We are thinking about Phuket instead and I am spending my day in Bangkok online trying to make changes and get information. Any suggestions for a beach area in Phuket with scuba diving for me and a sandy beach and an interesting nite life for my friend? We are single women in our 40's.

how about krabi instead...

Snorkeling etc takes places off Phuket, i.e at amsller islands and around Phi Phi.
For busiest nightlife Patong beach, for quieter but easy access to patong Karon or kata.
If you can tell us your budget we can give specifics but no idea if you want budget, mid range or luxury, if you want fast answers go to

www.patong-beach-hotels.com ( covers all beaches )

Put in 5 or 6 requests and then click the box of 'similar category' so if what you ask for is full then they will tell you what isn't full, you should have that sorted within a couple of hours and as you are not committed it costs you no more than the internet cost to find a place.

If you just want to stay elsewhere on Samui can'r who you booked Samui thru give you an alternative? if you booked direct that won't apply

Try

www.beachsiam.com/koh_samui.html or www.beachsiam.com/koh_samui_hotels.html

Sorry never get my thoughts at one time!

Note that for 'scuba' you need to go off idsland whether Samui ir Phuket, Samui they would probably take you around Koh Tao, for good scuba off Phuket there are various islands.