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Published on August 4, 2007

A 40-minute drive from the international airport, Centara Karon Resort is on Phuket's western coast, some 10 kilometres from the town. The modern mid-rise resort is currently completing a programme of renovations that will broaden its appeal to anyone from honeymooners to fun-loving families with teenagers and grandparents in tow.

The grand opening of the redeveloped 316-room resort is scheduled for the end of this year but today, with the works almost finalised, it is ready to welcome visitors.

The resort is made up of four residential zones: the Terraces, the Lagoon, the Tropicale and the Cabana.

The Terrace offer newly refurbished superior and superior ocean view rooms together with four delightfully appointed deluxe honeymoon rooms including oversized terrace and private outdoor sunken Jacuzzi tub.

The Lagoon features spacious deluxe rooms, many with two double beds, making them are ideal for family holidays.

Tropicale is especially designed for guests seeking a more luxurious and inclusive vacation experience. They will also enjoy Thai contemporary furnishing, nightly turndown service and the exclusive use of the lounge serving daytime snack and pastries.

The Cabanas are scattered around the tropical garden and guests have the advantage of a private pool and sun terrace.

While the resort says all its rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished, guests can choose the level of luxury they prefer from a menu of Superior, Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and Cabana.

Deluxe and Premium Deluxe rooms are located in The Lagoon and Tropicale wings, which feature larger accommodation of up to 52-square-metres.

My room is a Premium Deluxe with hill views. I might not be able to look out at the beach, but the king-sized white and fluffy sheets tempt me to climb in and watch an in-house movie. There's tea and coffee all ready to brew and the spacious bathroom is stocked with soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and even sun lotion.

Unfortunately, my first encounter with the shower evoked not too fond memories of Bangkok flooding due to a blocked floor drain.

Those wanting to de-stress will enjoy a session at Spa Cenvaree. Spread out in a cluster of stylish thatched-roof villas, the spa is located in the gardens and accessible by golf cart. The rooms are small but well equipped and the menu includes holistic treatments for face and body for men and women plus a range of different massages. Prices start at Bt995 for one hour.

The new renovated facilities also include Lotus, the all day dining restaurant and Azure, which serves Italian and Thai food poolside.

For entertainment, there's trendy nightspot Mix, where you can sip cocktails in bed.

The large gardens and range of activities make the Centara Karon Resort an ideal vacation spot for families. Adults and older children can take advantage of the two floodlit tennis courts, fully equipped gymnasium, as well as snooker and darts while the little ones can have fun at Just 4 Kids.

Some parts are still under construction with completion slated for October. However, the rooms and suites available are spacious, comfortable and luxurious. All rooms have private balcony or terrace over-looking the pool areas or the garden.

The one and two bedroom family suites are fully equipped for self-catering with a kitchenette featuring hob, microwave oven and all necessary utensils for parties of up to seven people.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation