We left Bangkok at 8.30, car transfer to the airport for an 11.40 flight to Phuket.  The drive from Phuket to the beach took around an hour or so.  We arrived at the hotel about ten minutes before our friends and had been given our room keys by the time they arrived* 

We were taken to our room on the back of a truck as it's on a hillside.   For the rest of the stay we'll be using a funicular carriage.   The room has the largest bed I've ever seen, two king sized beds put together.  I'm glad I don't have to put the duvet cover on. 

We had a little explore around the grounds and then took a taxi to Patong beach for dinner later.  We went to a bar where the food looked good and Skunk presented his coeliac 'no wheat/soy/gluten please' card.   They seemed to understand and pointed out what he could have.   I had rice and chicken in a pineapple and damn fine it was too.  

* Minor discord follows re view.