Spent 3 nights at TB at the end of our trip, which we enjoyed, but that was enough. There are plenty of highclass resorts, restaurants and water sports but very little of anything else. It was lovely though being able to enjoy the beach without someone hassling you to buy something. Also, being able to lie on a lounge on the beach at night and star gaze, with no dogs, fireworks or lit up toys disturbing the serenity was pretty special too.
Had a couple of wonderful lunches at Surya Cafe. Its at the very north just before you step into the water. You can watch all the harbour traffic and water sports with the mountain range as a backdrop - quite speccy. The food is the freshest (you can see it swimming around in the tanks out the back), tastiest, and cheap too. Well worth a taxi ride if the walk is too far or the day too hot.
The Novotel was delightful. It is not one big building but pockets of rooms. There are rooms either side of the road with pools, spas, in water platforms for lying on and eating areas for both. The landscape architecture is what makes this place - its very special.
Our room (the basic - superior) was large with everything you would expect from this standard of hotel, including a large vase of fresh flowers. There is a HUGE terrace with windows that open right up to allow the sofa bed to be reclined outdoors as well!
The breakfast was superb, the service was exemplery, and the staff were the friendliest I have come across in a long time! Hopefully we'll get back one day.