Five star in every way except resort is far away from many of the tourist atractions. Resort can arrange top of the line shared transportation at a verry nominal charge to shopping and to Patong Beach. Round trip and a three layover is only 1200 Bath for two. Private van or taxie arranged by front desk is also reasonable. Be careful with local taxies not arranged by resort as they will most assuredly over charge.

Our visit to The Marriott Mai Khao Beach was a highlight to a three week timeshare visit on Phuket.

Prior to our visit we contacted the resort and requested a top floor location for optimum views. Upon check-in our request was granted. The unit was exceptional, very large rooms with tasteful furnishings and colors. The kitchen was fully stocked for all of our meal preparations. We are seniors and prefer to do most of our cooking in the condos.

One evening we ordered room service for dinner from the on-site restaurant. Service entered the room with a nice portable oven and set our table for an excellent dinner. We made a stop at the local Tesco grocery store on our trip north to the resort, and stocked up on supplies for the week ahead.

The resort is not directly on the beach, and sits north of the JW Marriott, while the Marriott Phuket Beach Club sits to the south of the JW. The view from our very large patio was over the Anantara Villas to the Andaman Sea in the near distance. A walk way near the Turtle Village provides access to the beach area. Guests from all three resorts share the water activity desk, beach front at the JW Marriott. Numberous water toys are available, hobie cat, sailboats, kayaks boards etc.

There is also a very small Thai Village of sorts located in front of the Beach Club with $10.00 massages and a food stand.

The resort has one large pool with a nice amount of chaises for sun enjoyment. Many water features flora and fauna. The poolside bar area was a popular place during happy hours. Many activities were available for all age groups.

Staff throughout the resort were professional, courteous with always a friendly "hello and how are you today" greeting.

The Turtle Village Shopping area located next to the resort was a very pleasant place to pick up some last minute gifts before heading home. There is a small market place "Turtle Mart" located downstairs from the street level. They always featured fresh fruit packages and meats with packaged liquor items, and the essential items for preparing a meal in the condo. Prices weren't cheap but when you are the only game in town, this is the way it shall be. Two restaurants, Bill Bentley Pub and the very popular Coffee Club. The latter featured great choices and the prices were not out of line.

At last the most enjoyment was the twice a day visit to the resort by a two year old baby elephant. Old and young alike would grab their cameras and run to her side. She would pose for pictures, play with you and high five with her trunk. Also, visit the pool edge and spray the children with the water from her trunk. On our last couple of hours at the resort, she arrived and we went to say "good bye". I took her little stiff hair on top of her head and placed a purple silk flower. She wrapped her trunk around my neck and gave me a great big kiss on the mouth. Wow, I've been kissed by an elephant, what more would you expect after gifting.