Property with Stunning Seaview?
 

I'm traveling to Thailand in early October and have 3 days of leisure to relax between business appointments in BKK and SIN. I'm looking for a property in Phuket, Samui (or anywhere with reasonable access from BKK), with an outstanding unobstructed sea view. I prefer smaller properties and while proximity to bars and clubs is of no interest, it would be nice to be close enough to go out to dinner if I tire of the hotel food. However very nice accommodations with a stunning view from the rooms and private terraces is the most important, even if the property is perched on a cliff with little or no beach.

I know weather may be an issue in October but there is nothing I can do about timing.

Recommendations or suggestions would be most appreciated.

The former Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club is perched on a hill , overlooking a bay and all rooms have a long terraces. Some rooms are renovated.

However the hotel management has placed some huge plants at the end of the terrace which somewhat obstructed the view, and the property seems to have gone downhill after Starwood decided not to renew the management contract.

The Chedi Phuket has some nice sea views from the sea-view villas (not completely unobstructed, and it has some beachfront villas. I imagine Amanpuri, on the same cove, has great views from its villas. Pansea Beach, where both the Chedi and Amanpuri are located, is one of the prettier ones on Phuket. I didn't love the Chedi overall, but it was very nice.

I think GHM has another property that recently came online on Phuket, modern with big terraces designed to have full-on sea views.

I can think of a few properties with fabulous ocean views, but I have no idea as to their names. There are so many guest houses and non-chain hotels located on hillsides; if you're willing to do some ground work, you'll be able to find them easily enough.

Off the top of my head I know there are some hotels on the north side of Patong that have a good view of the sea. Hotel Amari Coral Beach has a good view of the bay from the south side.

My favorite view on Phuket is from the hill to the north of Karon beach. See http://www.panoramio.com/photo/195201

budget?

only resorts, not private rentals?

Budget is maximum of about $500 which I thought would be adequate for the rainy off season.

I am not seeking all the "luxury" trappings as much as comfortable, relaxing accommodations with friendly service and a really great view. And since I am traveling alone I probably need a resort with a restaurant, bar etc. rather than the total isolation of a private villa.

I realize I may be asking a lot, but in my travels I have found this sort of property (notably in the Mediterranean and New Zealand) but it usually is a smaller, often family run hotel, never a luxury chain.

Is this per night or for entire 3 nights ?

I have not stayed there but have often walked past this resort on the beach http://www.marinaphuket.com/home.html

Otherwise the Hilton which is highrise has nice views but its a massive resort.

I was thinking $500/night but would be perfectly happy with $500 for 3 nights and a stunning view.

You'll be hard pressed to find ANYTHING in Phuket that costs more than $500/night even on season. The very best places are probably in the $400/night range in peak season, and $250-300 night off season.

While I agree $500 would go a long way during low season, $400 would hardly get you into "the very best" places during peak season ...

OK a disclaimer first of all as a friend owns one of the villas there (which is managed by the resort).

Aleenta Resort, just over the bridge from Phuket itself onto the mainland (Kohk Loy), about 20 mins drive from Phuket airport. Absolutely stunning, unobstructed views over the Andaman, and a cracking - if quiet - resort. There are rooms and suites in the main building, and detached villas on the beach itself, where we stayed.

Well away from the dross that much of Phuket has to "offer", but as I said it is quiet and you might feel isolated. Usual excellent standards of Thai service. There is a good restaurant there but not much in the area if you want to take a stroll somewhere else for dinner (another resort a few hundred yards down the road is all that sticks in my mind).

I recommend Napasi in Samui. It's owned by Orient Express and it was wonderful. Not much of a beach, but a nice property.

JW Marriott in Phuket made the Conde Nast Gold List for 2008, and is #1 hotel in Phuket, according to Trip Advisor...

JW is awesome, not sure if it qualifies for the stunning seaview, at least from your room. The hotel is three stories tall and pushed back from the beach. The gardens are nice.

Nang Yuan may not meet all of your wants because it is so isolated. But the view from the patio of my cottage there was gorgeous.