Surin has a picturesque coastal village feel that exudes an air of luxury. It is considered by many to be the playground of Phuket’s elite, with swanky resorts and stylish chic eateries, shops and galleries. Wedged between Kamala and Bang Tao, Surin also boasts one of the loveliest beaches in Phuket lined with casuarinas and enhanced by the fact that many of the hotels are set back, making it less intense than many of the west coast beaches. This beautiful white swathe of sandy beach is lined with casual restaurants and cafes, and is popular with swimmers, snorkellers and kayakers. In the hills behind Surin a whole series of exotic upmarket villa estates have sprung up in recent years following in the footsteps of the first of the Aman resorts born in the neighbourhood and more recently the very contemporary TwinPalms Resort famous for its champagne brunches and innovative spa treatments. Upmarket shopping includes The Plaza at Surin with French restaurant and bar, Opus One, on the top floor. A ten-minute drive to the south takes you to Kamala, a small bay area known for its relaxed feel and slower pace of life whilst Bang Tao Beach, home to Laguna Phuket, the Banyan Tree Golf Course and the world renowned Banyan Tree Spa, is a little further north. Patong is a 20-minute drive south (depending on the season) and offers some of Phuket’s world famous nightlife and ‘knock off’ goods markets. The much larger shopping malls and supermarkets of Central Festival and Big C are 30-minutes drive away on the bypass road. About a 30-minute drive to the north of Surin is Phuket’s international airport.