Khaolak Bhandari Resort and Spa

Khaolak Bhandari Resort and Spa is a smaller garden resort with a distinctly Thai character. Its 74 rooms are mostly Thai-style bungalows and deluxe rooms set among tropical grounds, and the resort has direct access to a private beach, a spa and a pool, which together give a relaxed, unhurried feel that suits couples and independent travellers. It is the sort of place where the days settle into a pattern of beach, pool, massage and a long dinner, and where the staff soon learn your name. The location is a real strength. Nang Thong Beach is only a couple of minutes away on foot, Sunset Beach is about ten minutes' walk, and the centre of Khao Lak is about a fifteen-minute walk, so it is possible to reach shops, restaurants and the supermarket without a vehicle. That is not always true of beachfront resorts in the area, many of which sit apart from the village. Here you can enjoy a quiet garden and still wander out for a plate of noodles or a fresh juice.

Facilities are generous for the size. There is an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a children's pool, a full-service spa with three treatment rooms, plus a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub, two restaurants and a bar, a poolside bar, a garden and a terrace. Free Wi-Fi and free self parking are included, and rooms are air-conditioned. Laundry and dry cleaning, luggage storage, a business centre and a safe at the front desk are available. Buffet breakfast and the airport shuttle are charged separately.

Think about the kind of room you want. The bungalows are the heart of the resort, with a Thai look and a garden feel, while deluxe and triple rooms suit families who need more space. Ask about the distance to the beach for your room type, because the resort is large enough that some rooms are closer to the sand than others. If you enjoy early morning walks, ask for a room on the beach side, and if you prefer quiet, request one away from the restaurant and bar.

As a base for exploring, the resort works well. Tour operators collect from hotels in Nang Thong for the Similan and Surin Islands, Khao Sok and Phang Nga Bay, and the front desk can arrange private cars, motorbike rentals and cooking classes. The drive to Phuket International Airport is a little over an hour. Evenings are pleasant, with Bang Niang market and the Nang Thong restaurants within easy reach by taxi or on foot.

Rates vary with the season. The peak runs from about November to April, with the highest prices around the end of the year, and the green season from May to October brings good value and fewer visitors. Sea conditions can be rough in the wet months, so the pool and spa matter more then. Check what your rate includes, read recent guest comments and confirm the cancellation terms when you book.