Sala Talay Resort, Ao Nang

Introduction

The urban-minimalist architecture of this resort won’t be to everybody’s taste, but the open design means that a very welcome sea breeze almost constantly blows through the resort. This is a relief, especially to roasting travel journalists in the steamy month of May. Gently swinging back and forth on the wonderfully airy lobby’s swing-seat, it is no trouble at all to wait for check-in or check-out, but this is rarely necessary, as the staff here have already gained the reputation of being efficient as well as extremely friendly.

This resort has only been open for 6 months (since Dec 08) but has already established a good name for itself – all the ‘Pool Access’ rooms were full in mid-May 09, the depths of the low season, when many hotels have minimal occupancy rates. It is located on quiet Nopparat Thara beach, which is a 2 minute tuk tuk ride from Ao Nang beach and town, or a fifteen minute stroll.

The resort is a great choice for children as, in addition to the decent-sized pool, there is a sizeable garden for them to run around in. The Luna bar, Ao Nang’s late night dancing hot-spot, is 200 metres away, making it easy to get back to the resort after a good night out. Click here for a map. This means that parents of older children can leave them to dance, secure in the knowledge that they will get back to the hotel safely. The music from the Luna bar is not audible inside the rooms.

The pool has a bar adjacent to it with the customary underwater bar-stools, meaning that guests who stay in a ‘Pool Access’ room have water-borne access directly from their room to a gin and tonic!

Restaurant

The restaurant is well-situated at the breezy front of the resort and has a lovely sea-view, and a superb sunset view. The breakfast is adequate, but the bread accompanying it might not be to everyone’s taste, as they don’t provide brown bread, just white and granary (neither of which are as good as Western bakery bread).

If you book this resort on this site, we’ll deliver a loaf of your choice to you on check-in, then ask the kitchen staff to slice it for you for breakfast (you’ll have to toast it yourself, though, as the breakfast is buffet-style). The lunch menu is adequate for pool snacks, but the guest is recommended to eat dinner out at least sometimes, as the restaurants in the town are more varied and better value then the resort’s restaurant. The superb Wang Sai Seafood restaurant, with its live seafood pens, is within easy walking distance. Maybe take in the sunset over a drink in the resort’s restaurant, then head on out for dinner. Click here for a map of restaurants, nightlife and amenities.
 

Accommodation

Some rooms have a better sea-view than others, so contact us and we’ll pop over there and make sure you get the best room possible. Our office is only 2 minutes’ bike ride away, so we can offer this service, unavailable through any other company, completely free – and accompanied by a hopefully unbeatable price.

'Deluxe'

Immaculate throughout, these rooms have tiny or non-existent sea-views.

‘Pool Access’

The same size and style as the Deluxe Rooms, these are great rooms, especially for families, as parents can supervise their children from their terrace, whilst immersed in either the pool or a good book. The Pool Access rooms also guarantee that the occupants will get loungers, which can be difficult, next to the pool, in peak season.

‘Grand Deluxe’

These rooms have a large breezy balcony, so are good for those who want to keep cool without jumping in the pool every half hour.

‘Penthouse Pool Suite’

This single suite is very grand, but doesn’t work well architecturally. The high ceilings mean that the modernistic and minimalist approach becomes overpoweringly spare and barren. There are basically too many large areas of polished concrete on display, so we don’t think many people will like feel this is good value for money. The private pool is, of course, popular with honeymooners.

Ao Nang

Click here for everything you need to know about Ao Nang - beaches, sports, things to do, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, getting there and away.

Prices

The above rates are net per room per night and inclusive of service charge and breakfast for 2 people.

Compulsory gala dinner :

Compulsory gala dinner on 31 Dec 09 is Baht 5,000 per adult and Baht 2,500 per child

In addition, on this site we offer the following free benefits:

• Airport transfers at only THB 500 for a taxi or THB 1,000 for a minivan.
• If you book your transfer to the airport with us, we will take you to the Tiger Cave Temple, for free, en route. If adults want to climb to the top and need child-minding help while they do so, contact us.
• We’ll personally inspect the available rooms at the resort for the dates you require, then report back to you with details of the available rooms that best meet your requirements.
• We’ll give you a free quality bakery loaf of bread on arrival.
• You will be able to take advantage of unlimited travel advice before arrival – we know southern Thailand intimately and so can organize all your accommodation, travel, sports and activities. This personalized and customized service comes at no extra cost to you – we get our commissions from hotels and activity/transport providers, not from you.

Hotel website: www.salatalay.com. Click here for more on Ao Nang, here for holiday packages, here for other destinations.

Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 23/8 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Thailand