The visitor’s first impression of the pricey Baan Khao Lak is a mixed one – whilst the lobby is stylishly presented, the staff can’t be bothered to close the sliding doors behind the front desk, revealing the messy and rather grotty office behind, and rather spoiling the good impression the lobby would otherwise have made.
The impressive grounds, which are not over-densely populated with accommodation units, are particularly atmospheric when the manicured foliage is softly lit by a myriad of small lamps illuminating the trees and shrubbery from behind.
The resort’s facilities, including the restaurants, the exciting small children’s playground and the large pool, are well designed and in perfect condition.
The accommodation here is expensive when compared to other Khao Lak resorts such as the Orchid, La Flora or Seaview resorts, but this resort is a good choice if the better value places are full.
The resort's rooms are not as tastefully decorated as are the resort’s villas – whilst they are in immaculate condition, the décor is uninspiring, particularly considering their price.
www.tripadvisor.com contributors report that the resort has a reasonable reputation for service ....
... and food ....
... and that it's a good place to get married
Accommodation
Beachfront Villa
From the loungers on the villas’ fairly private terraces, newlyweds and other couples can watch the waves lap the shore (or noisily pound the beach during the low season, when the sea is almost always rough). Lush foliage enhances the ambience but does not envelope these lovely bungalows. Each bungalow’s bedroom is centred on an oversized bed, but is big enough not to be overpowered by it.
With polished hardwood floors and wall panels, these rooms will impress all but the most blasé of eyes. Each features a large window alcove to the front, overlooking the beach, with large windows on three sides and containing two Thai-style loungers – the perfect place for a game of backgammon – or for games of a more romantic nature. Each villa’s bathroom is as well-appointed as is its bedroom, with a tub and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor. These villas are highly recommended for romantic breaks.
Seaview Villa
These are similar to the ‘Beachfront Villas’, except that each features a circular combination bath/shower, which surely poses all sorts of fun permutations for the many honeymooners who are these villa’s frequent occupants.
The sea-view isn’t as good as it is from the ‘Beachfront Villas’, and the terrace isn’t at all private, but these are still an excellent choice for honeymooners for whom the ‘Beach-front Villas’ are too expensive.
Cottage
These are up-market 2-bedroom family bungalows, expensively furnished and elegantly decorated.
Standard Rooms
These are well presented, without being luxurious. They are built in blocks of 4, two-up and two-down. For a lighter, airier atmosphere, book an upstairs room.
Superior Rooms
These are larger than the standard rooms and have day sofas. They are built in a block of 24 – 12-up and 12-down, with the upstairs rooms being lighter and airier.
Superior Suite
These are a step up from the Superior Rooms. The extra living room area provided with the suites isn’t particularly useful, though, and doesn’t fit well architecturally with the rest of the unit. These rooms are not recommended.
Prices
The above rates are net per room per night and inclusive of service charge and breakfast for 2 people.
Compulsory gala dinners:
Compulsory gala dinner on 24 Dec is Baht 3,000 per adult and Baht 1,500 per child
Compulsory gala dinner on 31 Dec is Baht 3,500 per adult and Baht 1,750 per child
