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Review submitted by Kyle from Singapore (Submitted: 30 Nov 2010)
I booked both villas for a group of 13 friends over four days, during which we had an amazing time.
From the outset, I was impressed with Susans (the managers) responsiveness even before the trip began. She helped arrange some of our activities and showed great initiative in helping me plan the trip even when my group was outside of Karon!
The rooms are very well-appointed and each has its own distinct character. The romantic decor is most appropriate to families and couples, but friends will still appreciate the charm of the setting. The villas are cosy and are designed to feel like a special home away from home. During our stay, we loved the downstairs living room in Baan Sa-moot Sa-wan and had plenty of fun on the Xbox 360. We also spent much time in the pools of both villas. The facilities are top-notch, but their maintenance can be improved. Nothing serious, but we encountered a choked drain and dirty bathtub in the outdoor bathroom. The pool in each villa was smaller than I thought, but we enjoyed them nonetheless.
We requested the chefs service on our last night and enjoyed a sumptuous meal at economical rates. It was very worth it! We left the menu to the whims of the chef, but for those who are slightly fussy, you can always specify the items you want.
The villas are very private and are located on an extremely steep hill. In fact, I believe its the steepest paved slope Ive ever encountered. We had plenty of fun running up and down the hill, but if youre unfit, it can be a challenge complete the short walk to and from the main road. Its a decent walk of about 10 to 15 minutes to the beach if you follow the main road, but your progress can be quite swift if youre thick-skinned enough to cut through Movenpick hotel! In any case, the privacy of the villas is great and accommodated a substantial fireworks party without incident.
If you have a decent-sized group looking for a nice, relaxing stay in Phuket and dont want to spend excessively, Karon Rustic Villas is the place to go.
Review submitted by Andrew from Parramatta (Submitted: 30 Nov 2010)
We stayed in the 4br (each with en-suite) villa late November 2010. It easily accommodated 6 adults and 5 kids. Perched high on the hill 1.5km from Karon beach gave us a superb view. The hill is quite steep (1:3) but for only 100 metres or so. The views from the roof top pool make it worth it. There is also the added benefit of being in a sanctuary above and beyond the hustle-n-bustle of the beach strips but still connected to the distant noise and sights. The villa is 4 storeys, but it comes with a "dumb waiter", which makes moving luggage and cocktails between floors quite easy. The villa appears to be around 10 years old and could do with some capital upgrading, but this would also apply to most accommodation in Phuket. However it is kept clean and everything functions adequately. The staff were great, Susan organised a cleaner and 2 cooks (Oey and Mr Ot) to look after us with different Thai dishes every night. While cheaper dinner alternatives could have been sourced down on the beach strips, the benefits of being catered and waited on in your private sanctuary with fantastic views is worth it. The kids once fed went back to their X-Box and movies (which come with the villa) and left the adults alone to enjoy the meal. It is difficult to achieve this at a street restaurant or market place. In summary if we had the choice of 4 pokey hotel rooms or a spacious 4 level, 4br villa with your own private pool we would choose the villa every time.
We also have to extend a thank you to Susan who was easy to deal with prior to and during our stay (unlike other hotels we have stayed at). Our flight was delayed both ways (thanks Jetstar!) but it wasn’t a problem for Susan. She also provided cots for the babies and went to the trouble of giving us a floral Kratong for the Loi Kratong festival. We laid it in the pool while having drinks and watching all the candle lanterns being launched from Karon and Patong beach which fill the sky around us. It was great! Can’t wait to go back!
Review submitted by Ruby from Hong Kong (Submitted: 20 Jun 2010)
It is a very good apartment with good services. All of my friends including me enjoyed living in this villa.
It was rainy day when i arrived. Because of this, there are some problems with the network and the water supply. But they can help us to fix the problem in a very efficient way. And when we told them that the electricity have some problems on the 1st floor, they immediately send people to come to fix it!!! What a good services! Even better than hotel!!
All the things here are very nice, especially when you have a group of friends come together!! Enough area to sleep and enough area to take rest.
We love the rooftop swimming pool very much. It is amazing! I think everyone who lived in this villa would suggest to house to his or her friends and relatives!!
Anyway, nice place, nice people, nice food!!
It is worth to walk up the slope!!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 12 May 2010)
Dear Susan,
It has been almost a week since after we return from our holiday, but all of us had left our mind and soul in your villa. That’s why we are still in holiday mood and some even can’t fully pay attention when they return to their office.
We are fully impressed by the villa which was stunning and well maintained. Everything was fine and as what it was wrote by other guest reviews. The villa was design in a sense of touch where we feel very comfortable with it, all the decorative details in each corner with all electrical stuffs installed are in well know brands. We can feel that, the owner would like to give the best of everything to his/her guests. We are also attracted by the roof top swimming pool with amazing sea view. We had our great times when we had our breakfast and BBQ dinner at the pool side while enjoying the great scenery.
It is so sweet of you to bring us some mineral water, juices, some food for the next day’s breakfast and a wine when we check-in on day 1. This is what we never expect from the 2 days rentals of your villa. You’re attentive to everything and the kind service of your caretaker had made us feel warm during our stays in your villa which had made our trip in Phuket so memorable.
We will definitely return to your villa when we plan to go Phuket again and for sure that, we will recommend to our friends as well. Lastly, we wish you will continue success in your business and hope we can meet again soon.
Take care!
Review submitted by Kate from London (Submitted: 10 May 2010)
A group of fifteen of us recently rented both of the adjoining villas. The villas provided us with easy access to the sights and excitement of phuket whilst still enabling us to have the privacy of our own villas and serenity of the very peaceful location.
Both villas offered a high level of comfort and all the rooms were large and spacious with well presented bathrooms. The infinity rooftop pools were a big positive of these villas and many hours were spent poolside enjoying the beautiful view from the rooftop.
We arranged a fully catered meal on one evening and would highly recommend this option. The catering was top class and the tiger prawns to die for!
The villas are located on a very steep hill however it is only a short walk up the hill and the benefits of the view make it worth the walk.
There were some minor maintenance issues during our stay but these were promptly dealt with when requested. We also found that we were unable to access the internet which was advertised on the website.
On the whole we had a fantastic stay at these villas and would highly recommend them to a group or family looking for accommodation which offers easy access to karon (5 minute walk to main st, 15 min walk to beach) and patong (15 minutes by tuk tuk) in a very private and serene setting.
Review submitted by Eric from Singapore (Submitted: 6 Apr 2010)
We stayed at Baan Samoot Sawan from the period 1st - 3rd April 2010.
Prior to our booking we had made specific request to the owner that we wished to check out at 5pm and arrange for a van to ferry us to the airport. This was because our return flight was at night and if they could not acceed to this request, we would not have booked this villa. The owner sent us an email allowing us to check out at 5pm and she would arrange the transport to ferry us to the airport.
We are a group of 8, consisting of 4 couples. This is by far the worst stay in any of our holidays. Firstly, upon checking in, we realised that the pool had many insects in it, the barbeque pit was rusty, there were unfinished potato chips and a bottle of coke in the sink which attracted many insects.
On the second day, we had hired a cook to whip up some dishes for us. It was delicious and the service was impeccable. However, all these took a dramatic turn on the third day.
As we were supposed to check out at 5pm, we gathered that we had time to visit Karon beach in the morning and get back by 3pm to pack up and wash up before the van would come and ferry us to the airport. However, to our horror, we received a call from the owner that we had to get back immediately and check up. Without our knowledge, they had gone to clear up all the rooms, bring our luggages to the dining table. We were told that we were not supposed to go back to any of the rooms or use any of their facilities including the shower rooms.
Immediatley, we rushed back to the villa and we reached at 1205pm. What was in front of us was our luggages and packets of clothing strewn all over the dining table. We were very upset by what we saw. It looked as if we were criminals and they forced us to leave the villa. As this was not the initial arrangements, we insisted the owner to come down to explain to us. Upon checking our baggages, we realised that some of our money had been missing. 2 of the luggages that were locked were untouched. However, the other 2 baggages which were left unlocked had money stolen. We called the owner to explain the situation.
About half an hour later, a man came up to the villa and told us that he was in chrage of the villa. Before checking with his staff or listening to our explanation, he offered 2 reasons. One was that we were lying and the other was that there were thieves amongst us. He even made a sacarstic remark that there might have been ghost and this is a haunted house implying that something unknown stole our money. He insisted that we had to get out of the house immediately. He defended his staff arrogantly and put the blame on all of us.
As we had the email that they allowed us to check in at 5pm, we showed him the email and he just brushed it off as a misunderstanding. As for removing our baggages from our rooms, it was before 12pm which was the supposed check out time. The staff did not have our permission and did not contact us prior to touching and moving our stuffs around. It was their mistake which they did not acknowledge and instead simply brushed it off.
The owners did not want to take responsibility and we had no choice but to go to the police station at Chalong to make a police report. The police wanted both parties to be present before writing the report. After a short time, a few of the villas staff came, including the cook. I spoke to the cook and asked her why the check out time was miscommunicated. This was because on the second night, she came down to cook for us. We told her that we would go out to the beach in the morning and return at 3pm to pack up and check out by 5pm. She mentioned that this was all right because we had prior arrangements with the owner and the next customer will only check in on the 4th April.
As we were getting ready to leave the villa, we saw the staff scrubbing the rust off the barbeque pit and the pool was free from insects unlike the first day we checked in. Maybe different customers get different treatment.
Upon returning to SIngapore, we were yet dealt with another issue. The owners had filed a claim on our deposit stating that we did not check out by 12pm.
This is by far the worst host that i have even seen through all of my holidays. As an advice to all customers, please make sure that your specific requests are approved by the owners and make sure you have the proof. But then again, even with the proof they might just brush aside it as a misunderstanding.
Owner reply:
Mr. Lim, Thank you for your review.
You should have been well aware about the checkout time. The email of the notification of a check out before noon was sent to you on February 27th. This was also forwarded to you on the day of you departure as evidence of the notification.
As normally it was agreed that you can stay at the villa beyond check out time only in case should there be no other guest arriving on the day of your departure.
Because you had made no effort on leaving before check out time your belongings was simply moved to enable the staff start cleaning. They were packed into bags and placed on the dining table. Not piled up as you said they were.
In a further escalation of things you started to accuse our staff stealing your money. Your story was confusing, with facts changing constantly and also contradicting starkly the evidence given by our four member strong staff of whom one was the owner.
This was the point we just had to ask you leave immediately but you still refused. You actually only got out 10 minutes before the arrival of next guests leaving us no time for cleaning up the villa.
Your luggage were all locked and you said "that all you wanted was a report by the police claiming you lost money so you can claim this from your insurance." Even the police did not want to give you the report because they werent sure whether you are telling the truth or not.
We could easily go on but it is pointless. I’m sure everybody can draw the right conclusions and can easily check out what other people have been saying about the service and villas.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 12 Mar 2010)
"The villa was perfect for 10 people in two weeks. Susan did follow up everything in a very good way. The roofpool with the great view was a hit for everyone. The villa is far away from all the noisy traffic and places, but close enough to take a short walk to good restaurants, small shops and the beach.
If the hill is to steep, get a phonenumber from one of the taxis at the shop at Karon circle. They will happily drive you to or from the villa."
Reviewed By Erik, Sweden, February 2010
Review submitted by Paula from Brisbane, Australia (Submitted: 10 Feb 2010)
We recently stayed at the villa and had a great time. There were only 5 of us staying so we had plenty of space but it was still good value for money. The decor and furnishings were nice, there were a couple of small things that needed maintenance but we were explained to about those. The only other thing the villa could use is air conditioning on the main floor as it gets a little hot.
Otherwise it was a great place to stay. The rooftop pool was a highlight and we had a chef cook us breakfast for a few mornings and dinner one night, which wed recommend. The food was lovely.
It was a nice distance away from everything to be quiet and peaceful but close enough to just walk or ride down to the beach, shops, restaurants etc. The hill is very steep though so if you are in a Tuk tuk or taxi make sure you mention the hill before you get in otherwise you may find yourself being dro pped off at the bottom and having to walk up!
Also Susan the villa manager was very helpful. All in all a great place to stay, well definitely be back!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 9 Feb 2010)
There were 18 of us that booked out the two villas - Baan Samoot Sawan and Baan Panom. We cannot recommend these villas highly enough... We stayed 8 nights and had an absolute ball. Mr Ot, the chefs and Susan were so helpful and always willing to go out of their way to help us. Susan was fantastic through the entire booking process, and even after we had left, we realised we had left our iPod there, and Susan arranged for it to be posted back to us in Australia. We hired the chefs to cook dinner for us one night, the food was amazing and there was so much left over! The rooftop pool is a highlight, watching the sunset and fireworks from the pool was something we won’t forget. We can’t wait to go back there in the future for another week of pure bliss.
The only thing that may be problem for anyone is the hill, however without being located on the hill you would not get the beautiful views that the villa offers.
Thanks for such a fantastic stay!!!
Review submitted by Jana from Geelong (Submitted: 28 Nov 2009)
The villa was fantastic! The roof top pool definitely the highlight for us! Our group hired the chef twice & both times the dinners were amazing. With two qualified chefs & a couple of food enthusiasts we were excited to learn some authentic style of cooking too! Susan was amazing answering all queries in the matter hours sometimes minutes & over there she was a great help as well. Mr Ot the caretaker was the greatest! Such a lovely man & always helpful even running out to the store to get ginseng for some upset tummys. Would highly recommend & hopefully will be back there ourselves one day!
The hill to the villa is a killer but great for bottom & thigh toning or you can always hire a scooter or catch a tuk tuk but any way you do it the view is worth it!
Review submitted by carolyn from launceston tasmania (Submitted: 12 Nov 2009)
Great for families with children 5-15! Loved the homely feel.
Children found wildlife exciting and loved using the dumb waiter to transport their drinks and snacks up to the glorious pool.
No need for air con on main floors the lovely breezes were refreshing enough.
Kept the lower floor doors and windows closed so the snake couldnt come in.
The hill is not too much problem if you are fit and in fact would be great to walk off the cocktails.
The inhouse chef was THE BEST!!! a must do for your stay. there will be enough beautiful food left for next day.
Fabulous holiday have already recommended to friends who have booked!!
Review submitted by Ashwin from Singapore (Submitted: 29 Jun 2009)
The villa was absolutely gorgeous. Amazing decor. Great views and wind at night. Wonderful pool. It was 4 levels of heaven. There was more than enough room for all of us. We are definitely coming back.
Thanks Susans Dad and Mr Ot =)
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 2 Jun 2009)
" Fantastic place. We're spoiled so we would have preferred aircon on the "main" floor...but people are starving right?!? Just two of us in this monster haha! Because we had cancellations..but it really is lovely. Enjoy travellers."
Reviewed by Justin and Jaime, Canada, May 2009
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 30 Apr 2009)
"Dear Susan,
Just a note to thank you very much for the gorgeous thai silk douvet set. It was so very thoughtful and lovely of you. We had the most amazing wedding and trip away with friends and family. Thank you very much for all your assistance in making the task of organizing a wedding abroad so much easier. You were a fantastic help. Everyone loved the villa.
Love Illana & James xxx"
A postcard was sent by Illana, February 2009
Review submitted by sharlene from England (Submitted: 23 Apr 2009)
We just arrived bk from Phuket having stayed at this villa, there was ten of us in our party the villa was big enough for all of us and the pool was lovely with amazing views, great to watch the sun go down!! ot the caretaker was lovely and always ready to help if you needed it!! Downside was the hill the villa was situated on very steep and could be challenging to climb in the heat!! we normally paid the tuk tuk drivers that were situated at the bottom of the hill to take us up the hill if their tuk tuks could make it! but i suppose u would not get those views if it hadnt have been on that hill!
We did have a few visitors whilst staying in the villa a snake, rat, and big spiders!! we told ot and he did cut the trees down and put something down to try and help with the snakes not getting bk in. Susan was lovely and always helpful from the time of booking she would answer any questions I had and would always be quick at responding and I thank her for the bottle of wine and birthday card!!!! All in all we had a great stay in phuket
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 20 Apr 2009)
Just went there it was wonderful. We went into the bigger villa which was the lowerdown one. if you dont like animals i would surly recommend not staying in a villa at all. We had many animals visit us, including rats snakes frogs/toads and lots of bugs such as flies and spiders. We only stayed there for 4 days but it was still a lovely stay. and i hope to go back again.
Review submitted by ANNE from PORTSMOUTH (Submitted: 14 Apr 2009)
6 of us stayed at the villa for a week,and we had a wonderful time.
Susan was unbelievably helpful from our first booking enquiry,and nothing was too much trouble.
Susan arranged for us to have a driver and a minibus,and the driver Toom was absolutely lovely. Several days we called Susan to rearrange our times we had booked,and at no time were we dissapointed,nothing was too much trouble.
Ott the caretaker was a true asset to the villa.
One of our favourite memories is the evening in the villa when we had a chef inhouse prepare us a delicious dinner.
We were glad we had the transport in the evenings,because as previously mentioned the villa is at the top of a very steep hill,but if it wasnt there would not be the lovely views and cooling breeze!
I would totally reccomend renting this villa as a group...very spacious,fantastically comfortable,we had some lovely evenings eating in...all the candles around the villa gave it a very special atmosphere.
Thanks Susan for all your help,and please also pass on our thanks to Ott & Toom,you all made our week in Phuket extra special.
Review submitted by Mellissa & Genine from London (Submitted: 23 Mar 2009)
We had a fantastic stay at the villa, the place was very well looked after and Susan & team couldnt do enough for us. Our stay was extremely pleasant. Karon was a beautiful place to stay we had plenty of things to do but also gave us the opportunity to relax and enjoy the villa. The view from our pool area and rooms were out of this world really helped us all to relax and take it all in. Only downside was the hill we had to tackle every time we went out but we decided to use it as our daily exercise routine by the end of the stay we didnt think too much about how steep it was, it also offered many nights of laughter in seeing which tuk tuks or taxis could get up it :) overall everything was perfect and we would defiantly recommend the villa to friends.
Review submitted by rozy from malaysia (Submitted: 14 Mar 2009)
we stay for 3 night. villa very nice and beautiful fill like at our home but we get some problem at the villa like air-conditioning and fan not function at bedroom and main hall. It`s really hot. and next day no water supply at the tank. after request only their sent to the villa. everthing is find but the management shout improve their services.
Owner reply:
Sometimes shit happens to everybody. Indeed we had an unsual amount of problems that weekend. Aircons broken, fan not functioning, and a few more.
I must say though that the water situation in phuket in high season is difficult especially when entering the hot season due to lack of rain. This goes for the whole west coast of phuket.
We really need our customers help in saving water and from now on will provide concrete advice how to do it.
We are so sorry this didnt work out for you and thank you for the excellent condition you left the villa in after YOURSELF CATERING holiday stay.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 16 Feb 2009)
We stayed 10 days at the villa and we had a great time. We had 10 people in our group and there were enough room for everybody. The housekeeper was very friendly and very helpful. Susan arranged all the activities we wanted and everything went very well also the transportations between the villa and airport were well arranged. The location of the villa is very good. Not too far from the action and not too close to the hustle. I highly recommend this villa.
Review submitted by Derek from Koh Chang, Thailand (Submitted: 17 Jan 2009)
2nd time I have stayed at the house, once again a great stay!
Review submitted by Jit from Manchester (Submitted: 8 Jan 2009)
There are a few places that are slightly cheaper than this villa, but its in the ideal location and has amazing views from almost all windows!
located around 10 minutes walk from karon beach and a short drive away to its neighbouring beaches.
overall the villa was well presented, clean and had all the facilities you needed - a true home from home.
The house keeper is friendly and very helpful, not only cleaning but hanging up dirty clothes/swimming trunks (its the little things that make a difference)
when you arrive there is a fridge full of water, beer, wine and fruit, plently of space throughout the whole property.
To be honest the pictures do not do the place justice!
The only thing i would say is the road leading to the villa is very steep, and you will need to be fairly fit to climb up and down a few days a week. but if you hire a car then should be no problems (as a word of warning - only hire equipment/car/scooters etc from hotels/reputatble companies as the locals know you are not staying long and usually ask for much more money claiming (like they did with us) that we damaged the car! So if you are renting then make sure you check the whole of the car etc - even in places you cant see and take as many pictures as possible just to be on the safe side - this goes for the jet skis as well (a major tourist trap, espcially on patong beach we were told by local tourist police!)
Overall great place with everything near by or a short walk away!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Dec 2008)
Our family of 7 stayed there and we truly had a most excellent holiday. The villa was ideal for our needs and provided the comfort and amenities that a resort would have a hard time matching. Thank you for all your assistance and the management was wonderful meeting all of our needs and requests. We plan on staying there on future trips. Thanks again!
Review submitted by Tero from Vantaa (Submitted: 2 Dec 2008)
Thank you
Review submitted by Kevin from Ammanford (Submitted: 18 Nov 2008)
This was my fith visit to Phuket and the villa was the best value for money to date.I will certainly be booking again. The views were spectacular especially from the pool area, Mr OT was always there if needed and was a fountain of knowledge. All in all a fantastic holiday.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 1 Nov 2008)
"The first step into the villa already relaxes one with the great views over the Karon area and the sea. The villa is indeed spacious and well equipped with almost everything anyone need. The pool area was really cool and i would suggest for it to be better lit for night hangouts. The basement floor is really nicely designed to cater for huge holiday and family groups. As for the bath area, it was very nicely done but might want to consider people who might not be used to bathing outdoors without any fencing. The master bedroom is the most luxurious I have seen so far, with its own self-containing bath spa. What more can anyone ask for? The cons are as similar to those others have already pointed out. the slope to the villa is a lil too steep and far non-young audience although you definitely can find transport and food right at the bottom of the hill. The place was a lil dusty in some areas. Overall, the place is nicely done-up and and an enjoyable place to be in for a relaxing holiday!!! " Reviewed, Velda Tay Wan Rong, Singapore, October 2008.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 27 Sep 2008)
"The villa is a nice place to be in, the main bedrooms are special with lots of attnention to details in the bathrooms and living area. In a good location if you want to eat out, get tuk tuk's etc. as near the main drag though karon, although still 400m's from the main road. It is on a steep hill so you get a good 150m climb if you are walking from the road. the pool on the roof is great with good views and a dumb waiter to bring refreshments up in. It is on 4 floors so there can be a lot of stairs to get from the lower bedroom to the pool. This and the infinity pool would make me think twice if I had a toddler. The kitchen is well equipped and there are lots of lounging areas making the place feel very roomy. I recommend it, I will come back! " Reviewed by Lee, Malaysia, September 2008
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 21 Sep 2008)
The Karon Villa was by far the best accommodation I have stayed at in Phuket. As a frequent traveller to Phuket, I am always on the look out for affordable, comfortable and well situated residences. I will never again seek accommodation elsewhere whilst staying in Phuket. Unlike hotels, the villas provide a sense of homeliness at the same time as providing unsurpased personal attention and service. The villas are ideally located on high ground set ack from Karon Beach, providing uninterupted views and a security blanket against the ever looming tsunami threat. Karon Beach provides easy access to busy tourist centres such as Patong Beach, yet is convenientlt detached from all the hustle and bustle. The internet description of the property were acurate in every regard ie. location, dimensions, pictures etc and the property was well serviced and maintained by the staff member, Ot. Customer service was exceptional and mention must be made of the efforts of Ot, who readily adjusted his schedule to allow for the requirements of our party - including attending the marets and cookinf for us on occassion, collecting and arranging pick up for laundry and even adjusting his start time to midday in order to allow our an extra sleep to receover from hangovers - a regular event. I highly recommend this property and the additional management services provided. Unlike other operators, the staff provide activity costings which represent true market values - this can be verified by directly seeking the websites of the activity providers. In past holidays I have been ripped off by service providers who act as agents for tour/service operators in order to collect commissions, however, the management of these villas to provide real packages and discounts that I would be unable to achieve if I was to bok the activites directly. My only regret is that we didn't pre-book more activities. The staff speak english to a high standard and ae always available to answer questions/requests.
Reviewed by Travis, Australia, July 2008
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 8 Sep 2008)
The house was comfortable for 11 of us ƒ couples and assorted teenage kids) for 2 weeks, with 4 principal bedrooms plus sofa beds. The 3 bathrooms and multiple loos as well as the fully functional kitchen were great. The house is prettily furnished and has flat screen TVs and DVD players.
The views are all to the sea and very pretty, looking down the steep hillside and its trees and villas to Karon town and the sea beyond. It was especially pleasing to have the full sunset view every evening and to be able to hear the chanting from the nearby Buddhist temple.
The information book in the house was very helpful, listing numerous activities and excursions. We did a full day tour including white water rafting, elephant trecking, abseiling, etc. This was professionally organised and was great fun and good value. We took a one day boat trip to Coral Island, which was similarly great fun and also tried the go karting in Patong and the shooting range 5 km away on the main road to the airport.
The restaurants in Karon were ok, more bars and night life in nearby Kata, enabling us to avoid the much busier Patong.
There is a useful supermarket in Karon and it is only a 20 minute drive to Carrefour in Patong or to Tesco on the airport road.
The property is well maintained, clean and bright.
The road up the hill (the house is up a hill opposite the Movenpick resort on the main road) is very steep, a 10 minute climb for a reasonably fit people.
We rented vehicles on arrival at Phuket airport at a daily rate of Baht 1,350 and these were a great way of avoiding the walk back up to the villa.
The house is eminently suitable for teenage kids and for adults, but perhaps not for people with disabilities because of the stairs within it (accommodation is on 3 floors with the pool on the roof).
We enjoyed our stay hugely and are very comfortable recommending Baan Sa Moot as a great place for a Phuket holiday.
Reviewed by Jeremy and Grace, Hong Kong, August 2008
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Aug 2008)
Very nice house with a very nice view. Has been fantastically furnished and it makes for a great stay and a great holiday. Many activities are available in Phuket, namely the adventure tour which includes white water rafting, elephant riding and many other activities. It is very good value and I would recommend it for everyone. Reviewed by Fred and James, Hong Kong, July 2008.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 27 Jul 2008)
"We stayed 6 days in this beautyfull hillside villa with a great view over the Karon Bay. The villa is located at a rather quiet place away from the busy Patong to which however it is only a 15 minutes Tuk-Tuk ride (after 5 minutes downhill by walk) in case of need.
Would recommend to hire a car as Tuk-Tuks are not able to make the rather steep climb to the villa and you are more independent then anyway.
Villa is well equipped with all you need including a modern kitchen, our favourite place however was the fantastic rooftop pool.
The villa has been cleaned every day by the caretaker who was also available for any questions we had.
All in all a very pleasant stay." Review by Marian, Germany, July 2008
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 27 Jul 2008)
"We spent almost a week at Baan Samoot Sawan. It's nicely located at the hill with a magnificent sea view. Especially viewing the sunset from the pool terrace is a must. The house is huge, nicely furnished and well equipped. We really enjoyed our stay there! Thanks also to the local staff who assisted us in all matters and made our stay very comfortable." Review by Henning, Singapore, July 2008.
Review submitted by Maree from Singapore (Submitted: 28 Feb 2008)
A great place to stay for families/ groups of friends. Amazing views, amazing villa. Very helpful caretaker. Close to everything.