Banyan Tree or Trisara - Private Pool A Must
 

Our main requirement for this Phuket vacation is villa accomodations with a private pool. Our choices seem to be Banyan Tree or Trisara. Trisara is newer, with better views, and has a beach. However, both of these properties have been critized on this board, mainly in favor of the Amanpuri (which does not have private pools). So, assuming that a private pool is a must, which Phuket resort would you choose, Banyan Tree or Trisara or some other property? (Assume a price range of around 500/night)

I can't comment on Banyan Tree, since I have not stayed there. As I have written on this board, I was not impressed by Trisara. I am not sure how important the beach is for you, but the one in front of Trisara is very narrow, and I don't recall it being particularly sandy. It was also very dirty. If you go there with the expectation of a nice beach, you may be disappointed.

$500 a night isn't going to get you in the front door of either of these properties, yet alone get you a pool villa, assuming you're travelling in peak season.

I have been looking at similar properties this week. The Evason has well-priced villas with private pools for around $500 + tax - the normal rooms get criticism on here but the villas seem well liked. Beach is a boat ride away, though. The Sheraton Laguna is cheaper but the clientele in the main building may not be to your liking. The Chedi is cheap enough but doesn't have private pools, I think.

Trisara is 495 USD per night for a package that includes a bunch of extras. Pool Villa at Banyan Tree is 370 USD. (In October 2005)

We just got back from Phuket a few weeks ago and stayed at Mom Tri's Villa Royale in the Pool Suite. I so recommend it. The suite was beautiful, we loved having the private pool. The service at the resort is definitely 5 star - no matter what you wanted it was there immediately and with a smile. The restaurant was excellent, and if you like wine they do have an amazing wine cellar.

October is not peak season - you won't get much joy for $500 in November. (If anyone does find a way of getting a pool villa at Trisara or Banyan Tree for $500 in November, please post as I will switch my existing pool villa booking at the Evason!!)

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.

Phuket Pavilions has pool villas too
 

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.

Your own wireless router? I usually travel with my own vacuum cleaner, can't trust the hotel's.

There is a thread on Phuket Pavilions (started by me a few weeks ago) if you do a search. I'd still like to here from any early visitors - I may switch my December trip from the Evason if the reports are good.

:D :D :D

Maybe you want to have a closer look at The Racha

Also booked Phuket Pavilions
 

We have also recently booked a 4-day stay at Phuket Pavilions at USD 350 per night at end Nov 06. I think they are getting pretty booked up, so you may want to think about whether you should change your reservation soon! It all sounds absolutely wonderful and we can't wait to try it out! Each villa has its own private swimming pool. (even the 1-bed villas). The service we have received from the sales executives so far has been impeccable - great personal service!

Will post our review in mid-December ;)