JamesA

I would have suggested Centara Villas overlooking Karon Beach ( Phuket), in April around $92 with tax, service, breakfast, $118 ocean facing, Spa Villa $162, walk down the pathway to quiet part of North karon beach, superb views across the coast and sea. Quiet location but 5 mins into Karon and about 10 mins into Patong for when you want restaurants/shopping etc.
So not on the beach but hillside over the beach so superb sunsets and views, Very-Very tropical style. Centara good group, also operate Sofitels here.

JamesA

I am totally 'ignorant' when it comes to things like Starwood points, Bob etc know all about these.
However, 'if' you can get a nice place for say $100 range is it worth using those 'valuable points'? I have no idea.
But could you not use those towards some 'great' place in Bangkok, spend $100 range for your beach place, then hold on to remaining points for a first anniversary trip?

JoshMiller

James,
I like your idea. I'll check with the boss. One of her criteria is a beautiful beach to lay out on. I think she'll go with the starwood resort, but i'll check.

(One reason I liked the Starwood is it limits the number of places I needed to research. I was overwhelmed by choices in my first pass).

JamesA

There is a virtual tour on their main website plus some pics, they don't actualy show the beach view though, pity.
http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ckv/gallery.asp

That is a good end of Karon as it is far from where others can reach unless they walk a long way. There's a local Thai restaurant and bar at the beach where the walkway comes down.

The Spa Villas have a jacuzzi on the terrace, the pool villas have a 15m x 3m ( yds ) private pool on a sun deck, you get quite a lot for your bucks. It really is a 'couples' place as opposed to a family place. Also has spa.

stampmypassport

I have been to both areas-Chaing Mai and Siem Reap, Cambodia. They happen to be our 2 favorite areas in Asia right now! If you are going to be vacationing Thailand- Bangkok and beaches, then I highly recommend venturing out to Cambodia for something different. Besides, Bangkok and beaches will already give you a good taste of Thailand-elephants and all! The Angkor Wat temples are absolutely unforgettable! We had a driver all day every day for $35.00. This was great because we have 4 children and when they were tired, we could stay at the temples as long as they could handle. He also took us to the floating market (which is a bit out and a great way to see the countryside), Aki Ra's landmine museum, and a memorial site of the killing fields. All of which were very eye opening. We stayed at an absolute diamond in the rough-Hotel de La Paix. I HIGHLY recommend it...even if it is above your budget now, you will not be sorry. Don't get me wrong, Cambodia is not really the romantic "honeymoon" type area (although the hotel IS), but it would be a shame to be so close and not experience it. The people of Cambodia are wonderful and it will be such a memorable experience for you and your new spouse! Let us all know what you decide!