15points · on 2 of 3 lists: Phuket 101 and Oyster
Centara Grand takes its look from the Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town and sits right on Karon Beach. Its water park has water slides, a lazy river and a cliff-diving spot. Mare serves Italian food, COAST Beach Club grills by the sand, and The Cove puts on a Sunday brunch.
“The resort is truly a masterpiece, with beautiful architecture”
a Google reviewer
“he greeted us by name every day and would go above and beyond to provide the best service”
a Google reviewer
11points · on 2 of 3 lists: Phuket 101 and Oyster
Centara Karon Resort reopened after a renovation with a 3,000-square-meter pool zone, where the Lagoon pool has two waterslides and shallow sections for small children. Younger children have the Chang Dee Kids Club and older ones game in the E-Zone, and babysitting is available on request. Three pool bars, Tropix, Koh Kool and Splash, serve smoothies and cocktails, and Karon Beach is a short walk away.
“the Kids Club had a wide variety of activities, so we never felt bored and always had something fun to do.”
a Google reviewer
“Amazing rooms, very spacious and lovely colours and you have a good view of the whole resort wherever your room is.”
a Google reviewer
11points · on 2 of 3 lists: Phuket 101 and Oyster
Le Meridien has its own entry to a 500-meter stretch of Karon Noi Beach, a secluded bay at the quieter southern end of Karon, with the resort spread over 40 acres. Children get a free kids club and a trampoline, and the gardens hold a nine-hole mini golf course and four floodlit tennis courts. Guests can try archery, kayaking, paddleboarding and surf lessons, and the green roofs among the palms give the resort a retro tropical look.
“Incredible hotel!”
a Google reviewer
“It’s a huge resort with a wonderful, clean beach, with all the amenities you could think of.”
a Google reviewer
11points · on 2 of 3 lists: Phuket 101 and Tripadvisor
Mandarava is a hillside resort in Karon set among greenery and natural waterfalls, with five infinity pools on different slopes. The adult pool serves a floating breakfast, and the Thai restaurant looks out at the sunset. The beach is a 700-meter walk, and a free shuttle runs guests down.
“The hotel is built in the middle of the forest, keeping a very green esthetic!”
a Google reviewer
“Our room was remarkably spacious, spotlessly clean, and luxurious, while the pools provided the ultimate relaxation.”
a Google reviewer
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Fifth, with 10 points from 2 lists.
“What a terrific place for families.”
a Google reviewer
Sixth (tie), with 9 points from 2 lists.
“Truly stunning grounds maintained absolutely impeccably.”
a Google reviewer
Named on only one list we found, so it cannot be ranked under the two-list rule.
“Rooftop pool was also so nice, with in-pool dining tables where we enjoyed a nice snack with a cocktail.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Phuket 101 · September 2026
- Oyster · May 2025
- Tripadvisor · 2026
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
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