Movenpick Resort Laem Yai Beach Samui is a stylish upscale property set in large gardens along a little visited Laem Yai Beach. The 50 guest rooms are elegantly designed and have pretty floral motifs, but some are a bit cramped for this category. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. The resort has two large swimming pools, plus a kids' pool. There's a restaurant and bar out by the beach and pool, and a small spa as well. While the beach here isn't very attractive, the views of Angthong Marine Park are stunning and it's a 10-minute drive to the mainland ferry terminal. For more contemporary rooms and more to do within an easy walk, the Sea Koh Samui in Bang Po is just slightly pricier.
Movenpick Resort Laem Yai Beach Samui is a stylish upscale property set in large gardens along a little visited Laem Yai Beach. The 50 guest rooms are elegantly designed and have pretty floral motifs, but some are a bit cramped for this category. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. The resort has two large swimming pools, plus a kids' pool. There's a restaurant and bar out by the beach and pool, and a small spa as well. While the beach here isn't very attractive, the views of Angthong Marine Park are stunning and it's a 10-minute drive to the mainland ferry terminal. For more contemporary rooms and more to do within an easy walk, the Sea Koh Samui in Bang Po is just slightly pricier.
The Mai Samui Resort & Spa is a romantic luxury retreat on the sedate western side of Koh Samui. It's far from attractions in Lamai or Chaweng, but close to the ferry piers to the mainland. Couples looking for a relaxed atmosphere will find a seemingly endless pool flowing through manicured tropical grounds. Many of the 97 stylish rooms open to private balconies that spill right into the pool, and some suites have private infinity pools. Activities range from bird-watching to mountain biking to kayaking, but some complain that there isn't much beach to enjoy. For a similarly priced luxury hotel on Lamai Beach, consider Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa.
The Mai Samui Resort & Spa is a romantic luxury retreat on the sedate western side of Koh Samui. It's far from attractions in Lamai or Chaweng, but close to the ferry piers to the mainland. Couples looking for a relaxed atmosphere will find a seemingly endless pool flowing through manicured tropical grounds. Many of the 97 stylish rooms open to private balconies that spill right into the pool, and some suites have private infinity pools. Activities range from bird-watching to mountain biking to kayaking, but some complain that there isn't much beach to enjoy. For a similarly priced luxury hotel on Lamai Beach, consider Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa.
A 45-minute drive outside of Chiang Mai, the two-and-a-half pearl Mai Siam Resort is a small family resort with only three bungalows. There isn't much in the area in terms of restaurants, bars, or shops, but it's a great place to unwind, and is near a hot spring and mountains. The bungalows are furnished in contemporary Thai decor, with desks, tables and chairs, king-size beds, and outdoor seating. The resort has a small dining area where they make scrumptious home-cooked meals, with many ingredients sourced from the owner's garden. There are hammocks to relax on and some other small sitting areas throughout the pleasant grounds, but little else.
A 45-minute drive outside of Chiang Mai, the two-and-a-half pearl Mai Siam Resort is a small family resort with only three bungalows. There isn't much in the area in terms of restaurants, bars, or shops, but it's a great place to unwind, and is near a hot spring and mountains. The bungalows are furnished in contemporary Thai decor, with desks, tables and chairs, king-size beds, and outdoor seating. The resort has a small dining area where they make scrumptious home-cooked meals, with many ingredients sourced from the owner's garden. There are hammocks to relax on and some other small sitting areas throughout the pleasant grounds, but little else.
For nature lovers, the 10-room value Rabeang Pasak Tree House Resort offers a memorable and secluded stay a 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai. Surrounded by luscious thick forests, this family-run resort consists of rustic hand-crafted tree houses dotted around a small river creek. Everything is made of wood, from the tree houses' trunked teak stilts to the slanting beams that cocoon its loft bedrooms. The resort's mostly adventure-seeking couples and families are here for a taste of the outdoors with river bathing, waterfalls, and craft activities all on offer. Note that aside from an all-day restaurant, there are no other true facilities. Additionally, tree houses are basic and lack TVs, Wi-Fi, and hairdryers. The BaanBooLoo Traditional Thai Guest House has a more central location in-room Wi-Fi.
For nature lovers, the 10-room value Rabeang Pasak Tree House Resort offers a memorable and secluded stay a 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai. Surrounded by luscious thick forests, this family-run resort consists of rustic hand-crafted tree houses dotted around a small river creek. Everything is made of wood, from the tree houses' trunked teak stilts to the slanting beams that cocoon its loft bedrooms. The resort's mostly adventure-seeking couples and families are here for a taste of the outdoors with river bathing, waterfalls, and craft activities all on offer. Note that aside from an all-day restaurant, there are no other true facilities. Additionally, tree houses are basic and lack TVs, Wi-Fi, and hairdryers. The BaanBooLoo Traditional Thai Guest House has a more central location in-room Wi-Fi.
The upper-middle-range Khaolak Oriental Resort -- situated in the heart of Khao Lak on Thailand's west coast -- is a 46-room, character-endowed boutique resort with a lovely outdoor pool that's a five-minute walk from the beach. One of the characteristics that set the resort apart from others in the area is its child-free policy; only guests 16 years and older are welcome. Spacious, modern rooms have balconies or swim-up pool access plus free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Breakfasts are free and offer an excellent selection, but several facilities advertised by the hotel are actually at sister sites, like the spa and the lunch and dinner restaurant. All can be accessed by walking just next door. Guests looking for a kid-friendly hotel in Khao Lak may want to try the Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak, which has a kids' club and where rates can be slightly lower.
The upper-middle-range Khaolak Oriental Resort -- situated in the heart of Khao Lak on Thailand's west coast -- is a 46-room, character-endowed boutique resort with a lovely outdoor pool that's a five-minute walk from the beach. One of the characteristics that set the resort apart from others in the area is its child-free policy; only guests 16 years and older are welcome. Spacious, modern rooms have balconies or swim-up pool access plus free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Breakfasts are free and offer an excellent selection, but several facilities advertised by the hotel are actually at sister sites, like the spa and the lunch and dinner restaurant. All can be accessed by walking just next door. Guests looking for a kid-friendly hotel in Khao Lak may want to try the Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak, which has a kids' club and where rates can be slightly lower.
The 177-room Beyond Resort Khaolak is an upscale beachside resort a 10-minute drive outside Khao Lak. Children aren't allowed here, which adds to the peaceful, quiet nature of the property. All accommodations are villas, and they are spacious, modern, and equipped with features like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and massive bathrooms. Some have outdoor tubs and private plunge pools overlooking the sea. There are three options for dining, plus a beach bar. The outdoor pool is huge, and the spa is an elegant, relaxing retreat. Children under 18 are not allowed at the resort, a big reason why it's so popular with couples. Travelers with children will find similar amenities at the Mai Khaolak Beach Resort & Spa, where rates are lower.
The 177-room Beyond Resort Khaolak is an upscale beachside resort a 10-minute drive outside Khao Lak. Children aren't allowed here, which adds to the peaceful, quiet nature of the property. All accommodations are villas, and they are spacious, modern, and equipped with features like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and massive bathrooms. Some have outdoor tubs and private plunge pools overlooking the sea. There are three options for dining, plus a beach bar. The outdoor pool is huge, and the spa is an elegant, relaxing retreat. Children under 18 are not allowed at the resort, a big reason why it's so popular with couples. Travelers with children will find similar amenities at the Mai Khaolak Beach Resort & Spa, where rates are lower.
The 297-room JW Marriott Khao Lak resort & Spa is a top luxury choice in the area. The property is stunning inside and out, with gorgeous grounds, beautiful Thai architecture, and high-end features that make for a relaxing, upmarket experience. Rooms are some of the nicest around, featuring elegant Thai decor, great amenities, balconies or patios with direct pool access, and wonderful bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Food gets great reviews, especially breakfast, which offers a massive spread that includes fresh fruit smoothies and gluten-free options. The huge, lagoon-style pool meanders throughout the property and has adult-only and kiddy areas, plus two swim-up bars and several whirlpools. Another highlight is the hotel beach, with white sand, a serene atmosphere, and sunset views. The Khaolak Paradise Resort is a good alternative for those on a tighter budget.
The 297-room JW Marriott Khao Lak resort & Spa is a top luxury choice in the area. The property is stunning inside and out, with gorgeous grounds, beautiful Thai architecture, and high-end features that make for a relaxing, upmarket experience. Rooms are some of the nicest around, featuring elegant Thai decor, great amenities, balconies or patios with direct pool access, and wonderful bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Food gets great reviews, especially breakfast, which offers a massive spread that includes fresh fruit smoothies and gluten-free options. The huge, lagoon-style pool meanders throughout the property and has adult-only and kiddy areas, plus two swim-up bars and several whirlpools. Another highlight is the hotel beach, with white sand, a serene atmosphere, and sunset views. The Khaolak Paradise Resort is a good alternative for those on a tighter budget.
The three-and-a-halfpearl Khaolak Laguna Resort has the best of both worlds. Its leafy, tropical grounds give the impression of being more remote than it is, as the center of Khao Lak' is only a 10-minute walk away. The elevated lobby and restaurant building have great sea views, while a additional restaurant sits right on the beachfront, as do some of the pretty villas. A serene spa and two oceanside pools take advantage of the tropical setting, and the beach is pretty, if a bit rough for swimming. The 154 simply styled rooms are well-equipped, with air-conditioning, minibars, and balconies. A variety of available configurations -- plus options for connecting rooms -- are helpful for families and groups. For a smaller boutique experience in the same area, consider Chongfah Beach Resort instead.
The three-and-a-halfpearl Khaolak Laguna Resort has the best of both worlds. Its leafy, tropical grounds give the impression of being more remote than it is, as the center of Khao Lak' is only a 10-minute walk away. The elevated lobby and restaurant building have great sea views, while a additional restaurant sits right on the beachfront, as do some of the pretty villas. A serene spa and two oceanside pools take advantage of the tropical setting, and the beach is pretty, if a bit rough for swimming. The 154 simply styled rooms are well-equipped, with air-conditioning, minibars, and balconies. A variety of available configurations -- plus options for connecting rooms -- are helpful for families and groups. For a smaller boutique experience in the same area, consider Chongfah Beach Resort instead.
Raya Buri Resort is a mid-range resort in the Thai countryside in Kanchanaburi province, within a 30-minute drive of gorgeous Erawan National Park. Set on a pristine lake, it offers kayaking, paddle-boating, and swimming as well as excursions to waterfalls, temples, and other nearby attractions. The 79 rooms are decorated in simple Balinese style and come with mini-fridges and TVs. Many have great views of the lake, and some are even built over the lake, though these rooms could use an update. Wi-Fi reception is spotty, and there's not much to do in the surrounding area at night. The resort's restaurant serves a breakfast buffet plus Thai and Western fare into the evening, though breakfast isn't included with room rates.
Raya Buri Resort is a mid-range resort in the Thai countryside in Kanchanaburi province, within a 30-minute drive of gorgeous Erawan National Park. Set on a pristine lake, it offers kayaking, paddle-boating, and swimming as well as excursions to waterfalls, temples, and other nearby attractions. The 79 rooms are decorated in simple Balinese style and come with mini-fridges and TVs. Many have great views of the lake, and some are even built over the lake, though these rooms could use an update. Wi-Fi reception is spotty, and there's not much to do in the surrounding area at night. The resort's restaurant serves a breakfast buffet plus Thai and Western fare into the evening, though breakfast isn't included with room rates.
The 40-room luxury boutique Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa offers a high level of comfort in a quiet, somewhat isolated location on Khok Kloi’s Natai beach. The resort’s minimalist, low-rise white-cubed exterior looks almost Mediterranean, and rooms are similarly chic. While there's little in the immediate area -- making it ideal for those looking to escape Phuket's loud nightlife scene -- the landscaped grounds are beautiful, and the beach has sofa-style seating, along with bean bags and parasols. Breakfast gets particularly good reviews; the same is true of the food at the Natai and Edge restaurants, the latter of which has impressive sea and pool views, though there are reports of uneven service. Note that the most expensive rooms -- villa which come with chef, chauffeur, and butler service -- are some distance away from the main facilities, while Pool Residence Rooms have private pools and more seclusion. Travelers could compare rates with the similarly luxurious Six Senses Yao Noi, which also offers a yoga pavilion and boxing ring for fitness buffs.
The 40-room luxury boutique Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa offers a high level of comfort in a quiet, somewhat isolated location on Khok Kloi’s Natai beach. The resort’s minimalist, low-rise white-cubed exterior looks almost Mediterranean, and rooms are similarly chic. While there's little in the immediate area -- making it ideal for those looking to escape Phuket's loud nightlife scene -- the landscaped grounds are beautiful, and the beach has sofa-style seating, along with bean bags and parasols. Breakfast gets particularly good reviews; the same is true of the food at the Natai and Edge restaurants, the latter of which has impressive sea and pool views, though there are reports of uneven service. Note that the most expensive rooms -- villa which come with chef, chauffeur, and butler service -- are some distance away from the main facilities, while Pool Residence Rooms have private pools and more seclusion. Travelers could compare rates with the similarly luxurious Six Senses Yao Noi, which also offers a yoga pavilion and boxing ring for fitness buffs.