PRIVATE POOL VILLAS AND RESORTS ON PHUKET
It doesn't matter how nice the swimming pool at your hotel is if its so crowded you can't find a vacant sunbed.
Its a problem that's unfortunately quite common, particularly in the high season, and could explain why there are now so many establishments on Phuket with "private pool" accommodation.
While some of these resorts are at the absolute pinnacle of the Phuket luxury hotel market, prices do vary quite a lot depending on location, room standard, amenities and pool size. Some also offer discount prices throughout the year so the cost of some private pool villas can be relatively low at times.
The following is a list of Phuket resorts that specialise in this type of accommodation along with a description of their location and facilities.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Location : Bang Tao on the Laguna lakes property a short walk from the beach. About 25 minutes drive from Patong and 20 minutes to the airport.
Accommodation : 170 extremely private luxury villas, many with their own pools and gardens spread out over a large landscaped area with golf cart transportation laid on. The "double pool" villas with their extra large swimming pools and spacious living areas are among the best available on the island.
Dining : A choice of 6 restaurants serving a huge range of international cusine, full service in-villa dining and specially organised "dining destinations" events are offered.
Resort Features : Spa, yoga classes, golf course, tennis courts(weekly tournaments), library.
Comments : One of Phuket's international award winners and a popular choice for the for some well known celebrities.
Bell Pool Villa Resort Phuket
Location : Situated in a lovely green tropical area at the foot of the Kamala hills with the local town shopping area and several of Phuket's nicest beaches all within 10 minutes drive. Should guests wish to visit Patong's shops or nightlife then they can use the hotel shuttle service or catch a taxi as it is only 15 minutes drive away.
Accommodation : 16 spacious villas ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, have their own patio, garden area and are fitted with modern kitchens. A 24hr butler service is available.
Dining : European and thai cuisine prepared by a world class chef served at each villa's dining area.
Resort Features : Spa and massage services, butler service
Comments : While not having the wide range of facilities of some of the large resorts such as The Banyan Tree, Bell Pool Villas provide high standard accommodation for a lot less making them relatively good value. The resort welcomes families and provides on-site baby-sitting services.
Malisa Villa Suites Hotel
Location : Kata village close to the beach and only 10 minutes from Karon Town. Kata has a small number of shops, restaurants and bars but just a short drive away is the busier Karon Beach. Patong is about 20 minutes drive to the north along the scenic coastal road.
Accommodation : 41 private pool villas. Modern decor with poolside sundeck, WiFi, DVD, Ipod and music library.
Dining : Nanta Restaurant. Note : there are many restaurants nearby outside the hotel to choose from.
Resort Features : Fitness area, Sukko spa and massage, business centre, kids activities.
Comments : Reasonably priced for villas with their own swimming pool. Location is good being quiet but within walking distance of the beach and local Kata bars. Well rated by most guests.
Anantara Phuket Villas
Location : Right next to Mi Khao Beach near the northern tip of Phuket. Very close to the airport and the bridge to the mainland. Patong is about 45 minutes drive away.
Accommodation : 83 separate luxurious villas of varying size all with their own private pools (min 33 sq. mtrs) and outdoor deep spa tub. Other features are indoor and outdoor rain showers, hardwood decking with sun loungers, LCD TV and DVD with surround sound system, WiFi, iPod dock, digital safety box, espresso machine and a personal wine cellar.
Dining : Several dining areas with differing ambience and menus as well as a beachside restaurant. A wide variety of quality international and thai cuisine is available.
Resort Features : Fitness room, spa, library, 3 tennis courts, yoga classes, thai cooking classes, beach activities and nearby golf.
Comments : Opened in 2008, the Anantara Phuket Villas has fast gained a reputation as one of Phuket's finest luxury resorts.
The Pavilions Phuket
Location : Situated on a hill overlooking Bang Tao in the northern part of the island. Its a particularly quiet area so is well suited to people who place a high value on peace and relaxation. The local beach is a short drive away with Patong around 30 minutes by car along the scenic coast road.
Accommodation : The villas are spacious with good sized infinity pools and are built so that guests can enjoy absolute privacy from their neighbours making it ideal as a honeymoon retreat.
Dining : The Pavilions has a nice restaurant but meals and refreshments, in keeping with the resort's emphasis on intimate privacy, can also be delivered to the villas and served in the outside dining area. The 360° Bar and Gril hilltop bar is a superb place to watch the sun go down.
Resort Features : Spa
Comments : Aimed mainly at people wishing for a quiet holiday in peace and seclusion so does not offer the range of on-site activities provided by some of the larger resorts. Romantic couples are especially welcomed.
Sri Panwa Phuket
Location : One thing that makes this resort stand out from the others is its simply stunning sea views. Nestled in lush green foliage 60 metres above the sea near the tip of Cape Panwa at the southern end of Phuket, the location is quiet and secluded yet still only 25 minutes drive away from the night life and shopping centre of Patong
Accommodation : 52 pool villas from 1 to 5 bedrooms. are nicely appointed in a modern style with large windows to take full advantage of sea views and spectacular sunsets.
Dining : Baba Restaurant and Baba88 entertainment bar with DJ.
Resort Features : Panoramic sea-view, Beach Pool, gym & fitness facilities, play room, business center & library, steam rooms, tennis courts, Cool Spa, cooking school, private beach and pier.
Comments : One of the most beautiful locations on the island. Plenty of on-site activities but not too far from Rawai or Patong.
The Residence Phuket 
Location : Slightly inland but still within walking distance of Bang Tao Beach and a short drive away from several other quality beaches including Surin, Lamai and Kamala. Approx 15 minutes drive from the airport and 25 minutes from Patong.
Accommodation : Villas of varying sizes with private pools, kitchenettes, flat screen tv, music system, WiFi internet.
Dining :European and thai cuisine is available at the Cafe@residence restaurant or meals can be served in dining area of the villas. Access to a personal chef is provided who will prepare food in the villa.
Resort Features : Fitness room, spa and massages services.
Comments : Private pools and luxury accommodation at a more affordable price than many. Quiet location that will require taxis or tuk tuk travel to visit most other locations. Golf course is nearby.
More Phuket Private Pool Villa Resorts
Sala Phuket Resort and Spa Superb luxury resort located Mai Khao Beach at the north end of the island. Luxury balcony suites or private pool villas to choose from. Well rated by guests and reasonably priced for accommodation of this level.
Trisara Hotel 5 Star Resort with 39 luxury pool villas. Located at Layan Beach on the quiet north western coast of the island. Highly rated by guest comments.
Impiana Private Villas Lovely pool villas in a location that offers tranquility with beautiful seaviews while still being quite close to the shopping and nightlife of Kata and Karon townships.
Ayara Kamala Resort A nice upmarket hotel located on a hillside right above a small beach at Kamala with wonderful views of the Andaman Sea. Several reasonably priced pool villas are available. This resort is well rated by guests and only a 20 minute journey from Patong's night life and shopping.
Dewa Phuket Hotel A very nice resort with 96 Villas including some with private pools at very reasonable prices. Location is by Nai Yang Beach not far from the mainland and airport.
Dusit Thani Laguna Hotel Another large and well rated luxury resort in the Laguna Lakes area of Phuket that now has newly built luxury pool villas available.
Villa Zolitude Resort & Spa Located in a lush green setting near Chalong about 20 minutes from Patong. A five star luxury retreat that receives very complimenrtary reviews from guests.
Six Senses Yao Noi An eco-friendly resort on Koh Yao Noi island between Phuket and Krabi. 56 private pool villas in an incredible location. A resort with a difference ideal for people seeking to get away from the pressures of city living.
The Village Coconut Island Resort Situated on Coconut Island very close to the east coast of Phuket, this resort offers private pool villas with 1 to 5 bedrooms. A total escape from the high season crowds on Phuket yet still very near Phuket Town.