Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort

Sandy, mostly private beach with clear water on a bay

Stand up paddleboarding and free scuba lessons

10-minute taxi ride to the middle of Patong

Very large swimming pools

Hotel is dated, and some rooms don't have bathtubs

Buffets can be repetitive

Accomplished Indian chef will create authentic Indian food on demand

Charter the hotel's yacht for an ultra-exclusive experience