The Access Resort & Villas feels especially exclusive and luxurious because most rooms open onto the series of five pools and canals that meander through the grounds, the rest of which are filled with lush, jungle-like landscaping that sets a tone of privacy and decadence. Room service is often delivered via the wooden canoes that float through the pools, and everything seems to be accented with a fresh orchid, adding the scent of tropical flowers throughout. There are fountains and palm islands throughout the grounds and plenty of secluded seating areas spread across the bright green lawns. For those feeling social, pockets of sun beds and beach umbrellas are scattered poolside, with cocktail service and light lunch available from the pool bar. The decor in the spa and in the large, airy lobby is very bright, stark, and, in general, the opposite of the quiet paradise of the outdoor spaces and rooms. Families are welcome, but there are no supervised kids activities, and this may not be the best choice for young kids who need entertaining nor business travelers, unless they are extremely disciplined. The hotel is popular with couples and higher-end Asian tour groups.

The Access Resort & Villas are located in the Phuket town of Karon, a 15-minute walk from Karon Beach, as well as sights like the local market and temple. Miniature golf and the Kata Porpeang Market are two miles from the resort, and bustling Patong with its raucous nightlife is a 20-minute drive. The large, covered Central Festival shopping mall is 30 minutes away by car. In the resort’s immediate vicinity, there are many local businesses and restaurants, as well as a supermarket, but Patak Road, just outside the hotel, is busy and somewhat dangerous for pedestrians. The Phuket airport is a one-hour drive from the resort. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach a couple times a day, but does not offer return service. Free parking is available on-site. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.

Rooms at the Access Resort & Villas are big and airy, many with private patios that open onto the pool; those that don't are the pool suites, with individual plunge pools (with fountains and sun beds) behind high walls for ultimate privacy. The decor is modern and Thai-inspired, with dark woods, white-tile floors, jewel-toned color palettes, clean-lined furniture, fresh flowers, and, in some, romantic canopy beds. Bathrooms, with separate showers and tubs, are flooded with natural light, and many have windows between the living space and soaking tub. The overall look is modern and clean, although the decor does feel a bit past its heyday, and some guests complain of evident wear and tear in bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and each comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, coffeemaker, alcoholic minibar, and free bottled water. Bathrooms also have slippers and bathrobes. Connecting rooms are available. There is free Wi-Fi, but it doesn't work well in the rooms.

In addition to its complex of five meandering swimming pools lined with loungers and umbrellas, the Access Resort & Villas has a spa with offerings such as hot stone, Thai, and aromatherapy massages, as well as facials, scrubs, and body wraps. The Pool Terrace restaurant serves an international buffet for three meals a day in a relaxed indoor/outdoor, poolside dining room with Thai touches and beautiful views of the sunset. The poolside bar offers drinks and light meals throughout the day, and there are swim-up bars at the pools. Breakfast is served buffet-style (or via room service), with eggs cooked to order; breakfast is not included in all rates. There is a small fitness center with limited equipment and picture windows. An onsite arcade/game room has a pool table. Babysitting can be arranged. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, but it works best in the lobby area.