Rayavadee Resort, BanyanTree or Le Royal Meridien Yacht Club
Dec 20th, 2000, 06:56 PM
#3
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Depends what you are looking for. Le Royal is beautiful. It is at the very far end of the island so it will take a long time to get there from the airport and is relatively isolated. It is on a small public beach. But, again, it is a gorgeous hotel. <BR> <BR>Everyone I know that has stayed at the Banyan Tree has loved it. It is a terrific chain. <BR> <BR>Don't know anything about the Rayavadee.
Jan 1st, 2001, 08:54 PM
#6
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The Rayavadee has a spectacular setting at Rai Leh, but I have heard complaints that the food wasn't that great for the money, and you are pretty muchconfined to the hotel because of its isolated location. I can't speak for the other two. That said, other people I've spoken to describe the place as idyllic..... Rai Leh is in Krabi province so you will need to do more travelling to get there than for the other two. <BR> <BR>What are your plans for your vacation? If you're looking for a romantic getaway I think perhaps Banyan or Rayavadee because those are target markets for them. <BR> <BR>(One small note about Rayavadee - the hotel is in the area of a national park and there is some controversy about whether the hotel actually encroaches on the national park - I don't know if this is the sort of thing that would bother you or not, but it's one thing to know. The Banyan Tree on the other hand is part of a resort that has one prizes for its environment friendliness)
Jan 3rd, 2001, 09:25 AM
#8
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Thomas, <BR> <BR>I was at the Phuket Yacht Club 2 weeks ago. The hotel itself is very lovely with outstanding views. A terrace on the upper floors will take your breath away. <BR> <BR>But here is what they won't tell you. The hotel is on Nai Harn/Rawai beach and has a little village colony next to it. The beaches are public (say no more). My beach exposure was limited to 1 hour after I saw a VERY THIN dog (there are at least 1/2 dozen belonging to the village) urinate on my beach lounge and on the sand. The beach itself is quite clean but that was enough to cut my time in Phuket short. <BR> <BR>The hotels in Phuket have no control over this and if this doesn't bother you, than disregard this post. Every beach in Phuket is public. <BR> <BR>I heard that the Banyan Tree is a little quietier and not as congested. <BR> <BR>I've been to Koh Samui also and I would much much rather go to the Santiburi Resort anyday. Clean private beach with outstanding service and wonderful bungalows. My personal heaven on earth. <BR> <BR>We went to Phuket solely to see the phang na bay caves. Excellent and well worth it. Sea Canoe (www.seacanoe.com) trips are first rate and I cannot say enough about the quality, food served and detail of the trip. Highly recommended and I'm really picky! <BR> <BR>Email me more if you would like details.
Feb 16th, 2002, 12:20 PM
#10
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Dawn,<BR>Can you tell me about the Santiburi? I can't find much info on this resort...which room did you have? what would you recommend? how was the food? and facilities? is it a freshwater or saltwater pool? how is the gym (we're big workout buffs)? i've heard there is a golf driving range...or is it just a putting green?<BR>how's the beach?<BR>Thanks for your input.
Feb 18th, 2002, 06:34 AM
#11
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Thomas,<BR>Have you thought about either the Amanpuri or Chedi? Both share the same beach and are in a fairly isolated cove in Bang Tao. <BR><BR>In terms of cost, the Chedi may be comparable to the Banyan Tree whereas the Aman would be more expensive.<BR><BR>If you are going for gold, the Banyan Tree, or one of the several hotels in the same development, would be a good choice.<BR><BR>You may already be aware of this, but www.phuket.com has a listing of all the hotels and maps that show relative distances from Patong and Phuket Town.<BR>
Feb 18th, 2002, 10:13 AM
#12
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That is disgraceful about allowing 'public' normal local people use our 5-star resort beaches, they should be banned from encroaching on our well paid for territory. As for the gods, really! Surely they do not allow dogs near the hotels. Tha's it, I'm staying in Florida next time!
Feb 18th, 2002, 04:34 PM
#14
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If you want activities such as golf, massage, sailing, jet ski on a nice setting go to Banyan Tree. It is part of the 5 resort Laguna area clustered around 5 lakes. You could take a boat and visit all the 5 hotels (Sheraton, Dusit,Allamanda, Laguna Beach Resort and Banyan) in the Laguna area as the lakes are inter-connected.They have some lovely r'rants as well. <BR><BR>As for Rayavadee, it is in Krabi about an hour from Phuket. The beach is isolated and has beautiful views of Phang Gha bay and its carst islands (ala James Bond). It is more rustic tho as luxurious as the Banyan. There is not much to do in Krabi except relax in the sun.<BR><BR>As for Phuket Yacht CLub, I am not impressed with it or its location.<BR><BR>I suggest you visit the hotel websites to make your decision.
