kurl

Definitely on location and service, and the food was very close. I'd check out my trip report (linked in my reply above) for way more specifics.

Musken

I found spa, gym, beach and setting/ambiance to be (way) better at Amanpuri while villa, main pool, privacy and warmth of service was (way) better at Trisara. Food good at both, but more variation at Amanpuri. Now there is a new sea food restaurant at Trisara, though, so this might change.

Kagehitokiri

JBHighRoller

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. I had thought of Phuket as a good destination for a honeymoon, but it sounds as though it might not be as desirable as Bali. A bit off topic, but we are also considering Bora Bora or Moorea, but our United/USAir miles don't allow for the plane fare to be covered all the way and the top end resorts seem to be quite a bit more expensive. That being said, as someone mentioned, I certainly don't want to risk it not being a great experience.

I do appreciate the recommendations of Trisara and Amanpuri. I had been going straight off the TripAdvisor top 5-10 for each locale we were considering, and neither of these were in the mix, but both look spectacular.

Given that we aren't making the trip until December 2013, I have some time to continue to research and pick all the FT experts brains for the perfect destination

Musken

Rainy season in Bali in December. Could mean just one heavy downpour every day but you never know. Weather wise Phuket is better in December. But Bali is wonderful, especially if you do the amans there. Many threads here. And yes: this is the place for lux hotels.

xracer

Also rainy season in Bora Bora at that time of year.

behuman

Bali is a humid place and the mountains can be wonderfully misty.

There is a real old culture, real temples and real people. Very inspiring and spiritual - far from the greedy impatient crowd of Thailand.

Phuket in December could have small cold spells. Sri Lanka would also be an option, but far from the US.

Aman has great packages for Bali, you may also include Java (with Borobudur - the most impressive Buddhist monument in the world - with uniquely designed Amanjiwo.

Your stopover (SIN or HKG) will depend on your alliance preference (*alliance or oneworld).

It is very FTalker style to plan such a journey ahead. I am at present planning a trip to Patagonia for early 2014 .

RichardInSF

I suggest we keep this thread on topic; the OP asked about Phuket. As pointed out above, we have plenty of great threads about other Asian resort locations, if you want to post about one of them.

Thanks,
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels

Kagehitokiri

could rename thread to another honeymoon/beach/where thread >

MikeFromTokyo

I think that Thailand is an excellent choice in the month of December. I would save Bali for another trip at a different time of year.

TRAVELSIG

Trisara.

If you want to head to a little bit different scenery also pop over to Koh Samui and the Four Seasons.

kurl

Kage - re: privacy, just to clarify - I would 100% agree that Trisara's privacy is significantly better in the room areas (at least in the category I stayed in - garden pavilion). That said, the layout of the common areas in Amanpuri offered more quasi-private areas (which we enjoyed a lot) if that makes any sense. At Trisara, the common areas are much more "communal."

aa213bb

I agree with this, though as I've said we rarely felt the need to leave our villa.

Nizar

Guys does anyone know when Rosewood Phuket is opening ?
Looks like a possible goer ?
Other factors are of course important too but I'm liking the size of the beach villas at 326sqm.

Kagehitokiri

currently dec 15, previously took reservations from oct then nov 15..
some details and discussion here - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...land-help.html