We are just ending a wonderful stay at the Surin ! It delivered on all our expectations, although our choice to go to busy Phuket when we love small boutique hotels and exclusive "far away from the crowd" experiences could have made it quite a challenge.

The Surin is nestled in the gorgeous and quiet "Pansea" beach, and gives you the ultimate feeling of peaceful luxury in what is a very busy and touristic island overall.

All rooms are very nicely decorated (the hotel was just renovated) in a zen type atmosphere of white and light greys with accents of lime green. Our room was spatious and very confortable, including a huge bathroom with both bath and shower, and a seating area/ 2nd room that can sleep up to two kids. We even had an ipod deck and nespresso machine !
What makes the Surin stand out in Phuket is that somehow the hotel staff have managed to find an agreement with the local families around so that the beach feels private (although it is not). This is very much appreciated as it avoids the very unpleasant atmosphere of side by side sunbeds and parasols that populate it seems every beach of the Phuket west coast. There are locals offering drinks, snacks and massages at reasonable prices on the beach. Of course you can get drinks at The Surin's beach bar and order a variety of Thai or continental food there as well. Drinking water is free.
The pool is nice and not over crowded. The beach is clean and the water crystal clear. Many watersports are complementary (catamaran sailing, paddle board, windsurfing, snorkeling). There is also a great gym with top end equipment.
We did appreciate the food, although prices compare mostly to european prices vs local Thai prices. But some of the food experiences they propose and that we chose to do, made our stay at the Surin really special. We had a private barbecue on our terrasse. Also we tried the candle light Thai dinner in the middle of the beach. Ended in a high with the release of sky lantern. So romantic ! Great food with high quality fresh products (including lobster and tiger prawns), both dinners included a combination of 4 different dishes both for staters and entrees and came in huge quantities when you added it all !

The only watchout is that your choice of room might change your perception of the resort. We stayed in the Deluxe beach suites (the most expensive ones, right on the beach). Although all rooms are nicely decorated and spatious enough, the superior or hillside cottages would take you many stairs to go down to the pool or the beach, which would deprive you from the peaceful beach experience and make it quite unpleasant if you'd forgot your book or sunscreen ! Also, some of the guests here seem to be of the type to wake up early to "book" the sunbeds. The accomodation options on the beach (Deluxe beach suite and beach studio) allow you to have your private sunbeds on your terrasse and prevent you from the need of any morning rush ! Now, if all sunbeds were eventually taken, the staff made sure you found a space and set up something for you.

The best beach. The best service. The staff name Tatum is very helpful. V impressive services. The staff are very helpful toO. The beach was very clean. One thing was there were too many steps. The breakfast was ok. There should be an elevator.

We stayed in March 2012. Despite arriving at 1am, the staff were very welcoming and showed us to our stunning room. We could hear the sea below, but it wasnt until we flung open the windows the next morning you fully appreciate the setting. Its a glorious beach and not overly populated with hotels which is ideal.
The breakfast was delicious, as was the other food during our stay.
The fitness room was good enough for a daily workout.
The sea was lovely to swim in.
What more could you want?

My only minor negative would be the pool is not that attractive as its black! You are on the beach so just swim in the sea instead....