We stayed at Sawasdee Village after a tour of China, and were looking for something relaxing and peaceful. We weren't disappointed. We knew nothing about Phuket before we started researching - aren't we glad we didn't stay in Patong! Kata is so much nicer - lovely beach and less "in your face".

We chose Sawasdee Village because it looked as though it offered something different from the usual 4-5 star international places. Just read the other reports to see what it offers - it really is magnificent - a true Thai experience. The water features, the smells, the little surprises around every corner - no detail has been overlooked.

The staff were lovely - starting with the security guard who salutes every arrival! Delightful smiling staff - nothing was too much trouble.

Don't worry about the distance from the beach - the free shuttle bus is available every hour, and it really is no distance to walk. The walk is through the main Kata area, so there are shops, restaurants, stalls etc on the way.

The whole area seems to be suffering a reduction in visitor numbers due to the current recession - very sad - so I'm encouraging everyone to go!

I'm also encouraging everyone to go for a meal at the little place 2 doors down from the Sawasdee - called "Fried Rice" it is a little uninspiring to look at, but EXCELLENT food and service - very cheap.

Food at the Sawasdee Village was also excellent, including a very substantial buffet breakfast.

Finally, the availability of free internet in each room was an unexpected bonus and very welcome.

We took the opportunity to upgrade to a private bungalow which were recently completed. This was the best decision we ever made while travelling. The rooms were great, our own butler and a very private swimming pool that comes into your room!!!

If your looking for something different from the hotel chains and enjoy Thai decoration give this place a try. We stayed in a poolside room. Very nicely decorated. It was quite small and quite cluttered with bits and pieces. A minor gripe, but if you require something with lots of space you should consider this.
As for the location, I've read other reviews and don't really get it! You're only 10 minutes walk from the beach, and if you can't manage that they have a free shuttle every hour. A couple of bars and restaurants outside the hotel together with lots of tuk tuks and taxis. If you fancy a night out in Patong it will cost you between 300 to 400 baht. I read a reviewer asking us tourists not to 'beat down' the drivers on price. What a lot of nonsense! These guys are regulated by the local mafia. (Really!) These cabs can cost more than here in Australia, and I'm sorry, but this is Thailand! A tip for when you arrive at the airport. Turn right at the entrance, walk 50 metres, ignore the baying mob and get in a yellow metered cab. They can only pick up at the airport and by booking from Patong. They are about 40% cheaper than the 'mob cabs' and deserve to be supported.
Kata is a great spot with 2 nice beaches. Be sure to check out the smaller Kata Noi.
I'll be back and would stay at Sawasdee Village again for sure!

It is fair to say that myself and my girlfriend had high hopes for this hotel. It looked amazing online and the reviews on this site were very positive. We were not disappointed one bit. Whilst I want to tell you all the little things that made this place so special I don't want to ruin the surprise.

Suffice to say, the hotel creates an experience that arouses all of your senses. The staff are fantastic and very friendly and helpful. In this hotel the management/owners seem to have thought of every one of your needs before you know you need it and the room we were in (a regular garden view room) was so nice that we could have spent the whole holiday inside!

On a note of caution, the poolside rooms are very close to the pool so you may get some noise from the water features in the pool in the morning. I would also say that the prices of the spa and restaurant are not cheap compared with Thai prices but then you pay extra for the kind of service you are getting. There is a guest house across the road offering cheaper rooms, I did not see these myself but I would imagine they are good value when considering that you can use the pool and facilities of the main hotel.

If your in Kata Beach then this hotel is an absolute must.




From the moment we arrived with the smell of oils, the incredible beauty of the place, the cool towels and