24points · on 3 of 4 lists: Phuket 101, Tripadvisor and ThaiEmbassy.com
Pacific Club Resort's SkyPool runs about 30 meters across the eighth-floor roof, open day and night, with tables set in the water and views over Karon Beach and the Andaman Sea. Guests get free use of a Chinese herbal steam sauna and a heated hydrotherapy jacuzzi with strong jets that fits ten people. Saneha, the restaurant, cooks Thai dishes alongside pasta such as tagliatelle with olives and grilled vegetables, and breakfast adds Thai congee to the egg station.
“It’s a small resort and that what makes it magical.”
a Google reviewer
“The room is also gorgeous, spacious and well designed.”
a Google reviewer
15points · on 2 of 4 lists: Phuket 101 and ThaiEmbassy.com
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
12points · on 2 of 4 lists: Phuket 101 and Home is where your Bag is
Thavorn Palm Beach has stood across the road from Karon Beach since the 1980s, in 12 acres of gardens planted with nearly a hundred kinds of Thai plants. Four pools wind through the grounds, and few beach hotels on the island have waterslides as big as its four-story pair. Young children have their own Animal Village, where they feed the rabbits and tortoises at set times.
“The pools were fantastic, and the slides were great fun, making them perfect for both adults and children.”
a Google reviewer
“One of the highlights of our stay was the buffet breakfast.”
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
Named on 2 lists, but in the top 10 of only one, so under the two-list rule it counts as a one-list place.
“If you’re looking for a place to unwind by the pool and beach, this is the place for you.”
a Google reviewer
Fourth, with 11 points from 2 lists.
“The resort itself is stunning, and the pool area was a real highlight”
a Google reviewer
Fifth, with 10 points from 2 lists.
“Truly stunning grounds maintained absolutely impeccably.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Phuket 101 · September 2026
- Tripadvisor · October 2026
- Home is where your Bag is · December 2024
- ThaiEmbassy.com · 2022
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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