We spent 6 nights, departing on January 2. We loved the resort's peaceful, calm feeling. We found the staff absolutely lovely and extremely helpful in anything we needed assistance with, The rooms were spotless, our villa was on the top of a hill with a terrific view, and carts transported you up, if desired. The hot tub did not actually have hot water, however we would fill it in the morning and by the time we returned in late afternoon, the temperature was perfect! However, if you don' like to/or have difficulty walking, this may not be the place for you, since the villas are on hills and you do have steps to walk once the carts get you up the hill. We had no problems getting transportation to or from the resort, and loved the locatiion, across from Surin Beach which was lovely. We did not have dinner at the resort, but did have snacks around the pool; food was mediocre, though breakfast which was included was very good. Would highly recommend and definately return to again!

We stayed in a Courtyard Seaside view suite at Ayara Hilltops for three nights in December. Our particular unit was a third of the way up the hill- what we could afford... What a treat. The suites are gorgeous, and I particularly liked our private courtyard with it's outdoor shower and rack to put wet bathing suits to dry. In the evenings a frog took up residence in the little pool that was on our outdoor patio.

We didn't take the convenient little buggies much, as the walk to the pool and restaurant area was like walking in a botanical garden. The saunter up and down the hill was memorable, and really necessary to help work off a few calories.

We ate more meals at Ayara than we had expected. Overall we weren't smitten by the restaurants on Surin beach ( or Surin for that matter) , but we did enjoy everything we ate at Ayara- delicious. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners. We enjoyed the ambiance at Spice, their poolside restaurant, and upstairs on the patio where breakfast was served. The poolside food was absolutely fantastic. We split the poolside 5 small plate deal and it was, well, wonderful. The dishes were creative little plates to satisfy the fussiest foodies.

The fact that the resort doesn't take kids makes for a leisurely peaceful vibe at the pool. We spent some pleasant hours reading on the comfy poolside loungers. While there is some noise from the road below- it didn't spoil the experience for us.

We did a couples massage at their spa, with steam room first, then a jacuzzi and massages to follow. We loved it, and felt it was good value.

Ayara Hilltops provides comfort and elegance in a unique package, and we'll remember it fondly for a long time.

We spent 6 nights at Ayara Hilltops over the new years. Rooms and views spectacular but service left a lot to be desired. Great location but expect to spend a fair but of time in taxis if wanting to see other locations. New years eve in resort was empty we chose to go out.
Spa in the resort a must do where we had a great time and excellent service. While adequate the I wouldnt considerthe breakfast up to that of many other good resorts I have stayed in Asia, note it finishes at 10am.

Our family travelled to Thailand for a wedding in November 2011. A few of us stayed in three suites at Ayara Hilltops Resort for one week during the event.

Ayara is positioned on the side of a hill (up high enough for anyone worried about tsunamis!) near Surin beach in Phuket. This child free resort is located about half an hour from the airport and about 20 minutes from Patong. It is therefore perfect for the traveller who likes the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to the beach, bars and nightlife in Patong if you do want to check them out.

The beach near the resort is also a lot quieter than Patong so you don’t get hassled by as many touts and can actually do what you came to do; relax! There is a wide range of places to eat and it is an easy five minute walk from the resort or during the day a complimentary cart will drive you down there. These same carts are also used to take you to your rooms if you don’t want to walk up the steep hill.

The resort staff were friendly and helpful from when we first arrived, greeting us with lovely flowers, cold towels and drinks which were greatly appreciated in the heat and after our long flight. We arrived in the morning and although check in was not until 3pm they had two of our three rooms made ready for us to check into early. Nothing was too much for the staff who were always able to assist us with a smile and answer any of our queries and we often enjoyed a nice chat. When we asked, they were also able to offer us a late check out on the day we were leaving and free use of the showers in their day spa if we needed to. Even when unfortunately my mother fell ill with a chest infection the day before we were due to travel home the Manager, Jean Pierre, and his staff arranged for a doctor to visit. In addition the chef made mum some special tea to drink to help her feel better. During our stay we were also treated to some lovely small gifts of curry puffs, and a bottle of sparkling wine. The staff went over and above with their assistance and thoughtfulness which was greatly appreciated.

The suites were just as special. A little bit of luxury that I’d have loved to take home with me. Each one had its own pond, complete with tadpoles and frogs, a cool spa tub out front, a lovely bath and also an outdoor garden shower (in addition to the usual indoor one). Each room was fully equipped with everything you could possibly need including complimentary bottled water (replenished everyday regardless of the fact you could drink the resort tap water), and even the mini bar prices were quite reasonable for a resort of this calibre. The bed was extremely comfortable and many afternoon naps took place as well as a great night sleep.

The hotel had a lovely pool area which we partook in using every day and we enjoyed cocktail hour every evening. The room rate included a sumptuous buffet breakfast which could almost see you through to dinner time with a wide array of fresh fruit and juices, local Thai dishes, your usual breakfast fare and even eggs Benedict should you feel like it! The hotel day spa has some great couples packages included with their extensive selections. A two hour massage and pampering was a real treat as was a Thai cooking class later on. Two members of our party arranged to learn how to make three dishes each with a lovely chef and the results fed five adults for lunch! It was made particularly special by the gift of the apron, chef hat and personalised photographed completion certificate! When we weren’t making our own meals, dinner at the poolside restaurant was well priced and the quality could rival many places back home.

Although not the cheapest resort in Phuket we got value for money for our own slice of heaven and luxury. We recommend you try it! And hopefully we can go back again soon as we all had a fabulous relaxing time. Thanks to the Ayara staff for making us so welcome.