Sugar Marina Resort - Surf manages to be elegant while still communicating a theme that can best be called "cowabunga chic." Its exterior, a cluster of glass-and-chrome cubes, are wrapped in wood latticework. The entrance showcases a dramatic waterfall feature all topped with a surfboard sign -- the first of many boards found throughout the hotel.

Guests arrive to a hip lobby that sets the tone for the public spaces. Eames loungers, a long gray sofa, and raw-wood coffee tables on casters give a stylish place to collect yourself pre- and post-check in. Details like a giant tripod light add another layer of polish. VIP guests are treated to a welcome drink of fruit punch here, continuing the theme. The back of the lobby opens right up to a U-shaped courtyard pool surrounded with a wood-effect sundeck and loungers. The style here is a bit more industrial, with metal rivets studding the border of each balcony. 

Some public spaces are a bit more subtle on the surf theme. Apart from a wireframe shark sculpture suspended over its tasteful, neutral dining room, the hotel's restaurant could be any other elegant beach cafe. But the theme is picked up again in the wood-paneled hallways leading to guest rooms, where surfboards marked with a shark bite act as the "do not disturb" signs. 

Sugar Marina Resort - Surf is part of the Sugar Marina mini-chain, a handful of local boutique hotels each with its own playful theme. Travelers that appreciate this property's looks and features but don't care as much for the "hang 10" subject could consider some of the brand's other properties with "art" or "fashion" themes. Compared to its sister hotels, this Sugar Marina tends to draw more couples and a slightly younger crowd. On our visit the hotel was quiet throughout, allowing guests to doze by the pool or linger in the lobby peacefully.

For beach-goers, Sugar Marina Resort- Surf has a fairly good location a 10-minute walk to Kata Beach. The beach makes a J shape along the coast of Phuket, and this property is toward the top of the J, a couple blocks inland. That said, many past guests have complained that the walk to the beach passes by a funky-smelling canal. Kata Beach itself is a lively stretch of sand full of vacationing swimmers and sunbathers along with street peddlers selling everything from cold water and snacks to photo ops with tame lemurs. Water sports also take place here. The smaller and slightly less boisterous Kata Noi beach can also be reached in a five-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride, or a lengthy 25-minute walk (although the sidewalks aren't the best along this route, so getting a lift is recommended).

The streets surrounding the hotel are brimming with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and cheap massage spots. A fresh food market also sits right behind the hotel selling tropical fruit and cheap eats. Plenty of conveniences are also located within a five-minute walk, including ATMs, money exchange kiosks, pharmacies, and mini markets, with a 7-Eleven right on the corner of the hotel's street.

While the Kata area has plenty of energy and activity, it doesn't have the same throbbing nightlife of Patong. But travelers who want to visit that scene and the famed nightclub strip of Bangla Road can get there in a 21-minute drive. Likewise, the major cultural attractions of Phuket require a car to reach. The temple complex of Wat Chalong is a 14-minute drive away, while the soaring alabaster sculpture of the Big Buddha is a 25-minute drive away. Phuket's historic old town, full of Portuguese-influenced architecture and a charming cafe and restaurant scene, is also a 25-minute drive. Phuket International Airport is a 50-minute drive to the north of the island.

With soothing neutral tones and a few chic nods to surfing, the guest rooms at Sugar Marina Resort - Surf are a highlight. Textiles and accent walls are done up in pearl gray or soft sand hues. Platform beds backed with padded headboards, bentwood chairs paired with little cafe tables, and nightstands that resemble leather trunks are typical furnishings. The surfing theme isn't overt, but here and there a wall-mounted board or a black-and-white photo of surfers facing rolling waves keep the beachy motif going.  

Rooms are divided across three categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Pool View, and Deluxe Pool Access. It's worth noting that in terms of size and amenities, all rooms are the same. The only way they truly vary is with their views and their position within the building. Deluxe ones look out over the town, while Pool View Rooms face the hotel's inner courtyard and its pool. Each room offers a furnished balcony big enough for a pair of narrow chairs and a side table, and Pool Access ones have a gate that opens to the pool's water just below. (It's worth noting that none of the rooms provide sea views.)

In-room amenities are outstanding for an upper-middle-range property. Wardrobes are stocked with umbrellas, flashlights, safes, flip flops, and hairdryers. Countertops hold electric kettles with tea and coffee, and guests rave about the minibars, lightly stocked with a Snickers bar and a handful of beverages -- all free of charge and restocked daily. Small flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi also come standard, and loaner beach mats are provided.

Bathrooms are every bit as stylish as the bedrooms, finished in white subway tile. Gray marble or black granite countertops are balanced with wood accents. All offer generously sized walk-in showers with rainfall and handheld showerheads plus soaking tubs. Pump dispensers of toiletries are provided, and toothbrushes and toothpaste are available on request.

While Sugar Marina Resort - Surf can't compete with larger resorts in terms of their extensive features, this property does cover the essentials rather well. The U-shaped pool, located within the courtyard, provides enough room that guests can spread out and claim a corner for themselves. A kiddy pool section gives a spot for tots to splash around, too. This area is surrounded by a wood-like sundeck topped with loungers and a few bright orange umbrellas.

For meals, the on-site Wave Cafe offers all-day dining, including breakfast. The morning spread includes eggs, bacon, cereals, breads, fresh fruit, and other buffet standards, but it isn't always included in room rates. While there's no bar located by the pool, the cafe's bar can provide poolside drinks. Rooms service is also available throughout the day.

Next to the pool is the hotel's sunny fitness room with exposed-brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. Treadmills, recumbent bikes, and steppers give a spot for cardio. For those that want to mix up their workout, the hotel provides a boxing room with two punching bags, Muay Thai-branded gloves, and sparing surfaces. Group classes such as yoga are also offered here.

One public computer is on hand by the lobby, giving guests a spot to check email or flight info, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other services include laundry service, airport transfers, and assistance renting cars or bikes. However it is worth noting that staff get mixed reviews from past guests.