I have just booked a private pool villa online for our honeymoon in November at Phuket Pavilions for $350 a night!. A friend in Hong Kong recommended this over the Banyan as it has been advertised in Asia quite a lot. When I contacted the resort they told me that the pools are very large and private. It sounds close to Banyan Tree area.
The hotel is just opening I think so there seem to be some deals around.
Originally Posted by bagold
I think the Trisara special is only up to end of October. They followed Amanpuri's move.
Between Trisara and Banyan Tree I would take Trisara. I haven't seen the inside of the Banyan Tree for a few years now so my information maybe dated.
I really love the inside of the Trisara room. Very spacious and the new plasma TV, bose sound system, ipod hookup, high-speed internet for free (I brought my own wireless router), and good size bathroom makes Trisara the winner for me. The swimming pool is a little more exposed so can't swim around naked. However, you could do that at the Banyan Tree.
Overall, I like the newer facilities in the Trisara and the food is pretty decent.
P.S. Amanpuri does have private pools but only in villas.