Quick Update - Was just back at Sri Panwa....6th visit. I usually stay at Puri or Trisara, but I have to say.

1. The residence villas are Sri Panwa are just outstanding.... much nicer than anything at Puri or Trisara.... by far.... and about 1/4 the price (50k THB/3BR.)

2. Views are incredible.

3. Beach sucks, but the location makes it super convenient to take a boat and beach on the nearby remote islands. (So May-Nov when the beaches on the Andaman side are too rough to swim, this is a really good choice.)

4. Food's good... but not like Puri.

5. They've really stepped up their service. First few visits felt really rough around the edges. This time.... fast, friendly, professional...never said no to any request. It was off season so that might have helped.

6. Road construction (now mostly finished) makes the trip from the airport easier but it's still 50 minutes to an hour.

7. Original spa was not great but the new one is really nice.

As I noted in the OP, it's a much younger crowd. Might not be everyone's choice, but I really like this place.