When I’m craving peace, quiet and a beautiful beach, where I won’t be assaulted by the sight of millions of shabbily-clad tourists and screaming children, I head to Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s best tourist destinations for people who like more of an unspoiled place and less tourist-style attractions.
That, however, does not stop it from having some of the island’s best resort hotels. These three are lovely.
Ancient Realm Resort & Spa – One of the most unique resort hotels you’ll ever visit in Thailand, the Ancient Realm Resort & Spa is a small beachside resort with just 13 suites and villas. Villas look like small palm-frond beach huts but, inside, they’re quite spectacular.
Each room and villa has what they call “Private Ensuite Tropical Bathrooms”. These are outdoor shower stalls that you step into directly from the bedroom. They’re open to the sky, and gorgeously designed, with natural stones, plants and shells. On a hot morning, what could be better than getting up and walking into your own private outdoor shower.
Rooms and villas have airconditioning, TV with 65 satellite channels, DVD player, free Wi-Fi internet, mini bar, tea and coffee tray, fully stocked fridge, and ocean views. (From some of them, you step right out onto the beach itself).
The hotel has a free DVD rental library, a bar, a cocktail lounge, a nice spa offering Thai massage, and a plunge pool.
You’ll find Ancient Realm at 364 Moo 3 Saladan, on Klong Dao Beach.
Lanta Mermaid Boutique House – This lovely Klong Dao resort hotel is just as pretty as its name, with a most unusual traditional design.
Rooms here are at 4-star hotel quality. Each room has an ensuite bath, and are spacious and spotlessly clean. They have satellite TV, free Wi-Fi internet, coffee and tea making facilitiies, and a small fridge. Breakfast is also included in the room rate. All have either mountain or ocean views, and a private balcony with chairs. Breakfast is included.
The Lanta Mermaid Boutique Hotel’s facilities include laundry, a gorgeous sun garden, and a little library. They also provide free pick-up from Saladan Pier.
The Lanta Mermaid Boutique Hotel is at 333 M.3 Klong Dao Beach, Saladan, and is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.
DR Lanta Hotel – One of the few hotels in the area that has its own private beach, the DR Lanta Hotel has 41 beach-style bungalows in a variety of sizes and levels.
Bungalows are simple in design, but still quite lovely. Each features an en suite bath, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi internet, and a private balcony-patio.
The DR Lanta Hotel offers its guests a beach side dining area, a swimming pool, a bar, a laundry service, and free pick-up and drop-off to and from Saladan Pier.
The staff is lovely, the surrounding area gorgeous, the rooms comfortable, and the food in the restaurant delicious. What more could you want to have the perfect Klong Dao vacation?
DR Lanta Hotel is at 206 Moo 3, Klong Dao.
