Whilst it suffers from some of the standard mid-range resort irritations, like staff who speak minimal English, poor Western breakfasts and a policy of charging for breakages which are not the guest’s fault, this is a good choice for couples who want mid-range accommodation and easy access to a quiet beach. It is a small resort consisting of only 10 bungalows, with a small pool and a miniscule children’s pool, so is not really that great for families, unless they spend most of their time by the beach at the Bangtao Lagoon Bungalows. There are always enough loungers for the resort’s guests, so if all the guest wants is to lie by the pool with a book, taking the occasional dip to cool off, then the shady pool is ideal.

The resort is 13 years old but, unortunately unlike this travel journalist, doesn’t look its age. The trees and foliage have had time to mature and enhance the ambience, without excessively enveloping the hotel. The koi carp pond, covered by a beautiful trelliswork sheathed in vines and hanging plants, is particularly beautiful. The spa is also attractively decorated, with a highlight being an elephant fresco that would seem more at home in a 5-star hotel than in the Bangtao Beach Chalets.