LAKESIDE VILLA

I was surprised to find an oasis of calm in what is a very busy tourist island (Phuket). This villa has all you need and is set in pleasant and secure grounds. The staff were very helpful - even fixing our pool within 24 hours (having to empty and refill in its entirety) and meanwhile giving us use of their main villa's larger pool! The 'welcome pack' was indeed welcoming, with all you need for your first day or evening. Shops are within walking distance or a short drive - and there is a wonderful italian restaurant just up the road which was a hit with the children. I am convinced this is the only place to stay if you want to enjoy Phuket without being in a busy hotel or resort.

We found this place last minute and got a fantastic rate for a 6 day stay (off season). Getting there was very simple - Chris even came to pick us up from Rawai pier.

Having a villa was much more relaxing than staying in a hotel - a lovely pool just for us and everything you need indoors - plenty of air-con, TV with large DVD selection, and a fridge already kitted out with some essentials for when you arrive.

It's a bit of a walk to the beach, but it's so cheap and easy to rent a scooter (a very friendly local lady will come and deliver to the villa) and we appreciated being in a more secluded area - very peaceful.

There are tons of places to eat and drink within a short walking distance, and lots of things to see in the nearby area (that don't require much effort). The villa comes with an excellent guide to everything local - they couldn't make it more simple to have a good time.

All in all a fantastic place to stay - it was the best part of our trip round Thailand - and you'd be hard pushed to find nicer owners...

Having decided to go to Phuket very last minute we were so glad that we decided to stay in a villa. We have stayed at the Holiday Inn as well as the Merlin Beach Resort and whilst we loved our stay there, this time round with our own two bedroom two bathroom villa it was just so relaxed and easy. With young children it is good for everyone to have their own space as well as seperate bedrooms.
The villas come fully equiped with everything you would need, including all cleaning products for washing clothes, dishes, hands etc. They also supply a welcome pack which inlcuded beer, milk, water, coke, breakfast goodies, eggs, butter, bread and muffins as well as tea and coffee to get you over the first day there. There was also towels for the bathroom and towels for the beach. No need to pack any of these bulky items.
Chris the owner of the villa gave us instructions on how to get there as we hired a car which we recommend to get a round and we found the villas easily with his directions.
In the villa they have thoughtfully provided a folder which has so much helpful information in it on where to go, where to eat, who has the best bread even etc. We did go to many of the restaurants they recommended and they were all good.
Whilst the villas were not on the beach they were really only a five minute drive away. Nah Harn Beach is the best beach in Phuket it is gorgeous and clean, there are no noisy water activites ie jetskis, parasails racing up and down disturbing the peace. The other bonus is that it is a safe beach for the kids with no strong undertow to pull them out.
We ordered dinner from the Coconut Restaurant a couple of nights, put the little poeple to bed then had dinner out by the pool with a good bottle of wine and it was fantastic. A holiday where we could have a wine, wonderful dinner delivered and not have to drive / organise babysitters etc However, they do have babysitters if you require them. You can also get cleaning service for aUD $3 an hour if you want as well.
I also used Tan the Number one massage lady at the villas and she was fantastic. She came to us and she did a body scrub, massage, nails etc all good and once again at the villa.
They also have a great DVD collection with kids shows too.
We loved our stay at the Villa and look forward to visiting in 2012.