Looking forward to reading your trip report. Read your post on Guenmai's trip report about the pashmina you bought in Jodhpur that you made into a jacket and New Year's in Varanasi. Would love to hear more details!

Robbie
I want to know your impressions of the Villa Royale (Phuket) as I think you were going to be there in December... right?
Carol

Femi-this could be your time to chime in.

I'm still jet lagged and exempt myself from being coherent but I'll try to reply to Carol....and will write a full report in 10 days.
The back story for why 10 days is that in researching our trip to Bhutan I learned that there was a western trained Bhutanese psychiatrist who'd created a psychiatry department at the country's national hospital. So with persistence, I got in email contact with him, only to learn that he was doing a fellowship at Johns Hopkins this year. Since we couldn't meet with him in Bhutan I invited him to stay with us for a weekend. So next Thursday we collect him, visit places of professional interest to him, do some sightseeing and host a dinner for 17 on Saturday night at which he'll speak about mental health east and west. So after that I will report.
As for Mom Tri's Villa Royale, it was divine. After a long flight from LA (we were booked on Thai BC non-stop but only when we checked in did we learn they switched to a smaller plane necessitating a stop in Japan, a longer journey and a missed connection to Phuket) we really appreciated 3 1/2 days at Mom Tri's to relax.
As soon as I stepped in to the tranquil entryway, I was ensorcered. The open air lobby frames a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea. Checking in consists of receiving warm Thai smiles, intro to the property and escort to our suite Dang A Dong (#4) where a hot drawn bath filled with rose petals and a really king bed strewn with rose petals awaited our arrival. In our suite the teak is abundant, the design clean and Thai, the views of the sea from the living room and patio uninterrupted. Thanks a billion times to Lucy and all the Fodorites who recommended Mom Tri's and Suite #4. The owner of this exclusive property, Luang Tridhosyuth Devakul, is a cousin of the King and a renowned architect and brilliant designer. His sense of design, style and proportion (to say nothing of the sensuous fabrics) were a feast for my eyes.
What I especially liked was the sense of privacy throughout. The owner has created small enclaves of chaise lounges by a salt water pool, by a fresh water pool, nestled in a small nook. You'll never be sunbathing with 50 strangers; maybe 5 when its crowded. Contributing to the serenity is the demeanor of the staff. They are attentive, friendly but never instrusive.
From what I could gather, there are six suites plus a pool suite and a beach wing. I believe only suite #4 and the one immediately below it have the expansive ocean views. I asked to see a "regular" room (#20). Although it had a small ocean view and was 1/3 the size of our complex, it was lovely and I'd stay in that room any day.
The breakfast buffet was well presented with a generous choice of tasty offerings. Only at breakfast did I realize that this was not my exclusive domain; at all other times my delusions remained challenged.
Lunch and dinner could be taken in several areas as well as in your room (we had a dining room) or on your terrace. The food was very good and prices in keeping with the prices of the rooms.
About a day after settling in, I began to fizzle. No energy, jet lag, general malaise, crankiness and massive indecisiveness. DH practically ordered me to the spa and two hours later, I was a new woman. Having had my body so well understood and tended, I felt a quiet energy and lightness that I used to explore the beautiful grounds. Little paths led here, there and nowhere. One lovely path led to a half hidden shrine.
Although the villa is advantageously perched on a hill overlooking the beach and sea, it is only about 25 steps down to the beach. The water was clear and cool; running up and down the small, sheltered beach was my favorite way to start the day.
Our flight to Bangkok did not leave until 5 or 6 PM. I asked if we could check out late, not really expecting this to happen, especially in high season. Yes, madam you can check out at 3 PM. Those extra few hours felt like I had a whole extra day.
I don't think I'd go out of my way to return to Phuket, I didn't find the island compelling (we took a 3/4 day tour with one of Sam's associates). Some of beach resorts in Bali and Myanmar gave me a richer cultural experience. But if I were in the neighborhood, I would definitely return to Mom Tri's Villa Royale.

thanks for this sneak peak....