The Shore at Katathani is an upscale, 36-room villa hotel that caters mainly to couples and honeymooners. Its private location, tucked away in a cove along Kata Noi Beach, adds to the hotel's intimate, beachy atmosphere. Guests spend most of their time lounging beside their private plunge pools or in oversize daybeds facing the ocean at the main infinity pool. While the property, which includes a small spa and oceanfront restaurant, does not allow children under the age of 12, its sister property, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, about a 10-minute walk along the beach, is family-friendly.

The 38-room Boathouse Phuket is a cozy and upscale romantic hotel directly on Kata Beach, offering postcard-worthy views from two small pools, stylish restaurants and bars, a spa, and a beach club lounge. Beach views are also available from balconies or terraces in rooms -- which are small but modern -- with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and minibars. The crowded poolside scene and the night-time DJ and fireworks noise, however, might spoil the serene setting. For a secluded beach locale, check rates at the Mom Tri’s Villa Royale.

Pacific Club Resort is not so much a resort as a relatively small, boutique-sized hotel set on a quiet hillside overlooking Phuket's Karon Beach. The location is ideal for those wanting somewhere away from the bustle of the popular tourist town below while still being within walking distance of its beach (though getting back uphill might be a struggle for some). The panorama from the rooftop pool is superb, and most rooms have sea views from balconies. Overall, the property is a solid upper-mid-range choice that’s a slight cut above most hotels in the area while offering competitive rates.

Mom Tri's Villa Royale is an upscale boutique hotel and spa set on a headland overlooking Kata Noi beach on the southwestern side of Phuket. The hotel's 35 rooms are housed in Thai-style buildings, including the former home of Thai artist and architect Mom Tri. Rooms are decorated with Thai antiques and have private balconies with sea views; some have direct shoreline access, or access to a private pool. There is a main pool overlooking the sea, saltwater pool tucked into the hillside, and separate pool for Kata Suites. The spa offers an outdoor steam bath and full range of treatments. Mom Tri's Kitchen serves excellent Thai cuisine, the wine cellar is consistently awarded for excellence, and there are a cozy piano bar and lounge. The hotel's unique Thai design is tough to compete with, but guests wanting a more modern setting could try the nearby Foto Hotel.

CC's Hideaway is an upscale boutique hotel with a hip and colorful vibe set on a peaceful hilltop overlooking the Phuket resorts of Kata and Karon. Being positioned far from the beach can feel isolating, but that gives the hotel a particularly secluded and tranquil ambiance -- perfect for its rooftop yoga or meditation classes. Some rooms benefit from superb sea and sunset views while -- unusual for the area -- its pool is open into the evening. All in all, the location won't appeal to everyone, but CC's is nonetheless an intimate retreat away from the crowds with relatively affordable rates.

The four-pearl Yama Hotel has serenity in spades. This boutique property with its intimate size and quiet location aims to be a haven. And it certainly succeeds with its 104 stylish, streamlined rooms, most of which include deep soaking tubs along with robes and slippers. Its pool also offers tranquility, centered around a whirlpool and rimmed with loungers. There’s even a small but appealing spa and fitness center. That said, the location, while quiet, is also removed from all the waterfront action, which can be a downside for those looking to hit the nightlife scene or walk to the beach. There also isn't a ton of features geared to kids, although kids’ and teens’ play rooms do contain some toys and video games. Those looking for a more central family-oriented property could consider the Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong.

The upper-middle-range Chanalai Romantica Resort is true to its name: a romantic and intimate adults-only spot that caters to couples, many celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons. Decor throughout is gilded and exuberant, including the 65 guest rooms, which come outfitted with soaking tubs, bathrobes, and balconies, some with direct pool access. A pretty pool, a restaurant with alfresco seating, and a location a short walk to the beach also enhance its appeal. However, despite its emphasis on romance, the resort lacks a spa, which feels like an oversight given how many other resorts in the area provide couples massages and similar treatments. Those seeking a boutique experience with a spa could consider the Foto Hotel or the Yama Hotel Phuket.

The upscale Baray Villa is an enchanting oasis in Kata Beach’s bustling center, providing a fairytale setting with romantic Thai decorations and Moroccan latticework. The peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by bamboo and tropical landscaping, a pool encircled by greenery, a swim-up grotto bar, a lavishly designed spa, and a romantic restaurant. A total of 14 two-story intricately decorated villas have flat-screen TVs, hot tubs, and private pools (but sunlight is limited in villas and private pools). Most guests simply opt to sunbathe at the main pool or the beach.

The 34 contemporary, minimalist apartments at Kata Rocks are unrivaled in an area where simple, traditional hotels are the norm. Sea views from this luxurious oceanfront property are a major attraction for couples of all ages looking for a romantic retreat. The full apartments themselves are as beautiful as the views outside, with sleek Italian decor, attractive private plunge pools, and west-facing terraces with ocean views across the bay. This resort offers on-site cooking classes and a good choice of Thai and international food from the poolside restaurant, plus a spa and fitness center. Unfortunately, though, there is no direct beach access. There's not much like Kata Rocks in the area, but travelers wanting private plunge pools in a more traditional package might try the Malisa Villa Suites instead.

The 11-suite Impiana Private Villas Kata Noi is a romantic luxury resort perched high on a cliff overlooking Kata Noi beach. Each villa comes with its own infinity pool and a wall of windows overlooking the Andaman Sea. Add 24-hour room service, personal butlers, spa tubs, huge beds with sea views, and in-room spa services, and there may be no need to venture off-site, but an on-demand free shuttle is available for those who do. It's worth being aware, however, that a number of guests complain of maintenance issues.

The 76-room Melody Phuket is a three-pearl property that has a boutique-hotel vibe, with fun musical influences found throughout. Clean and contemporary rooms are accented with printed music notes on the walls, and include sofa beds and free WI-Fi. All have furnished private balconies, with some leading directly into a private area of the hotel's pool. The pool also includes a bar, shaded children's area, and plenty sun-loungers. A fresh and airy on-site restaurant is decorated with quirky artwork and serves Thai and international meals throughout the day. Unfortunately, it's a bit far to walk to the beach. There’s a busy road nearby and other buildings surrounding the hotel, so travelers looking for quiet ocean views might try Boomerang Village Resort instead.

An upscale, 77-room resort, the Metadee fronts a huge lagoon-style heated pool with a canal river that connects directly to the terraces of many of the rooms and villas. The hotel maintains a cohesive style that is airy and organic, with floors, ceilings, and furnishings crafted from glowing teak wood and textiles in neutral tones of ivory and taupe. Rooms are beautifully decorated, with spa-like bathrooms and outdoor balconies or terraces. Lush foliage and mature trees add to the oasis atmosphere, disguising the fact that the location is close to the hustle of Kata Beach Village's shops and restaurants. While not directly on the ocean, the resort provides regular shuttle service to Kata Beach. Those who must be beachfront might enjoy the Kata Beach Resort and Spa or Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.

The Village Resort and Spa is a quiet, villas-only resort hotel located in Karom, a bit away from the beach. With only 34 units in total, it feels a bit quieter than many of the town's larger resorts. The villas have tasteful decor and especially striking bathrooms outfitted with separate walk-in showers and skylit soaking tubs. All have private terraces that face the garden or the hotel's gorgeous lagoon-style pool, complete with a swim-up bar, jetted benches, and a waterfall feature that give it a natural look. The small spa has lovely treatments, and there's a restaurant serving Thai food, though breakfast is reportedly mediocre and it comes at an additional fee. Wi-Fi is available, but it's expensive -- parking, however, is free. 

The 106-room Sugar Palm Grand, Hillside is a reasonably priced retreat perched on a multi-tiered property that overlooks Kata Beach. The upper-mid-range hotel offers 24-hour front desk service, airport transfers, an open air restaurant, and striking infinity pools with lovely views. Stylish, minimalistic rooms offer flat-screen TVs and stocked minibars; some offer private pools and whirlpool tubs on balconies. The hillside location, though, means that the property has steep inclines. The Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort & Spa offers a closer walk to beach, but for higher rates.

The upper-middle-range Sugar Marina Resort - Nautical presents a cheerful, sea-faring theme throughout, complete with a little lighthouse. Its 66 rooms showcase playful details like anchor-embroidered pillows, but they're also well-equipped with beach mats, bathrobes, and free minibar snacks -- a welcome perk. Every room also offers a furnished balcony and a soaking tub. An attractive pool, a restaurant serving all meals, and a tiny fitness center round out the on-site features; and its stellar location, walking distance to two beaches, adds even more appeal. On the downside, some past guests have complained that housekeeping can leave things less than spotless, and the small-scale hotel means its pool is small-scale, too. Travelers charmed by the boutique decor at this resort but looking for a bigger pool scene could consider Sugar Marina Resort - ART.