Phuket Panwa Beachfront Resort is a beautifully designed, five-pearl hotel with a chic and stylish feel throughout. The Thai-style contemporary and minimalist decor is impressive from the moment you enter. In the open-air lobby, there are stone reception desks and wooden-slatted walls and ceilings. Spotlights beam down on a central bonsai tree. There are several cozy areas to sit and relax in the lobby. The grounds throughout are well-kept and attractive. The pool area is the jewel in the hotel’s crown, with its spectacular views and surroundings of frangipani trees and lush vegetation. It’s mainly couples that vacation here, but families come too and there’s a kids' club and separate children’s pool which caters for them well. Overall, there’s a peaceful feel, making it a good place for unwinding and recharging. 

Located in southeast Phuket, in a cove on Makham Bay, the hotel is a 10-minute drive to Phuket town and around 50 minutes to Phuket Airport. The surrounding area is quiet and not touristy or commercialized at all -- which has pros and cons. Those who want to see unspoiled and natural Phuket will love it, but some may find it too isolated and inconvenient (especially as taxis from here are expensive, so getting around can really add up). Beach lovers may be disappointed too. During high tide, the sea is murky and collects a lot of trash, and during low tide, it completely disappears leaving a muddy bay. Some of the trash washes up on the beach too, so it doesn't look as picture perfect as guests may expect. The beaches on the west coast of the island are considered to be better than those in this part of Phuket, and the hotel runs a minibus to them. It is around a half hour to get to the main beaches, but it's worth noting that the minibus is quite expensive. There are a few small restaurants within walking distance from here, and an excellent one right across the street which serves authentic Thai food for low prices. There's a small convenience store there too which is a good place to stock up on drinks and snacks. 

Rooms are large, sleek, and minimal with a modern Thai and Chinese-influenced design. Rooms have polished floors, softly glowing lamps, a work desk, and an attention to artistic accents. Those on the higher floors have the best sea views, and they all have a furnished private balcony or terrace, iPod dock, electric kettle, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a DVD player. There's even the quirky extra of an in-room chess board. Bathrooms are spacious and modern and feauture a separate bath and shower. For an extra indulgent stay, there are 13 impressive Andaman Loft Pool Suites which have direct access to a moat-style pool. 

The two large and stunning pools are the hotel’s best feature, and the poolside bar and barbecue means it’s easy to grab something to eat and drink while relaxing there. Other dining options at the hotel include the pan-Asian restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the beachfront Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner. The buffet breakfast is not included in the room rate but offers a good choice and there are omelet and waffle stations for freshly made hot food. The cafe serves premium coffee and a range of baked goods and excellent sandwiches, and there’s also a lounge bar which does afternoon tea. In the evening, cocktails are served and the lanterns and fountains create a romantic atmosphere. 24-hour room service is also available. Prices for food and drinks throughout the hotel are high though and better value can be found elsewhere in Phuket. 

The on-site spa is expensive too, but offers a good range of treatments in the eight treatment rooms, including Thai massage and couple's treatments. Guests can try a range of water sports, including snorkeling and windsurfing. Kayaking is also popular as it's possible to paddle to the nearby islands of Tapao Yai and Tapao Noi. The air-conditioned fitness center has a range of cardio machines and a view of the beach. Children aged four to 10 can attend the free kids' club, which runs a range of art and craft activities and games. For an extra fee, babysitting can be booked for younger children. There’s a business center and conference space here for corporate guests, although due to its remote location, the hotel doesn’t attract many business people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the signal is good. Parking is free on-site.