Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

Large, family-focused beach resort with three wings, a water park and its own stretch of Kata Noi Beach.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is a big, self-contained resort on Kata Noi, the small bay just south of Kata Beach on Phuket's southwest coast. It fronts 850 metres of the beach, which is backed by the casuarina (tew son) trees that give the spa its name, and the bay, tucked between headlands at the end of the road, is noticeably calmer than Kata or Karon. The resort is split into three wings, each with its own pools, restaurants and character, so it handles very different travellers at once.

The Thani Wing is the beachfront side, with suites only: Junior Suites of 45 to 50 sqm, Oceanfront Junior Suites, 75 sqm Grand Suites, 110 sqm Family Suites and the 100 sqm Royal Thani Suites. Across a small road sits the Bhuri Wing, a calmer garden setting for couples and families with older children, with 40 sqm Deluxe rooms, Grand Deluxe rooms and Pool Access rooms opening straight onto the water. Behind Thani, the Vhari Wing is built for families, with Family Rooms and Two-Bedroom Teen Suites, several with pool access.

Food is a major strength, with more than a dozen outlets. Chom Talay serves the beachfront buffet breakfast and themed dinners, Fisherman's Wharf grills seafood by the sand, La Scala does Italian fine dining with sea views, and Chanadda serves royal Thai cuisine. There is also Saya Teppanyaki, the Prime and Flame steakhouse, Tree House beer garden and grill, The Cove Bistro, Seacret, Orora at The Shore Beach Club, Bamboo Bowl street-style dishes and Pippin and Captain Tully's Burger for children, plus bars such as Coconut, Mango and Pineapple.

Pools are spread across all three wings, including the adults-only Andaman Pool in Thani and the Seven Sea and Bhuri pools. Vhari adds the Aqua Jungle Water Park with four large slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a trampoline pool, alongside Club Tully, a two-level kids' club with themed play areas that is free for registered guests (some activities cost extra). Adults have Tew Son Spa, two fitness centres including Naka Fit, a putting green and The Shore Beach Club.

Kata Noi is at the quiet southern end of the main beach strip. Kata Beach and its restaurants are about a kilometre away, the Karon Viewpoint and Promthep Cape are short drives south, and the airport is under an hour by road. Most guests use taxis, Grab or the resort's transport services rather than walking.

Katathani suits families above all, along with couples who want choice without leaving the resort, especially those who base themselves around the adults-only Andaman Pool. It is not for travellers wanting a small boutique feel or nightlife on foot; Patong is a drive away.

Practical tip: if beach access matters, book Thani, as Bhuri and Vhari guests cross the road to reach the sand. Book teppanyaki and fine dining tables ahead in high season, and note that the west-coast surf can be rough from May to October, so watch the beach flags.