Bangsak Village

This lovely little resort is a private, peaceful place perfect for relaxing by the beach. It is designed to make guests feel as if they live in a local village filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's cozy and quiet, especially since no children younger than 12 are allowed. Guests check in at the front desk in the spacious open-air lobby filled with earthy natural materials. There are multiple chairs and benches for anyone who wants to sit and enjoy the beautiful setting, or read the books and magazines from the corner library. A welcome drink is also offered upon arrival. This place is geared toward leisure guests looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and may feel a bit isolated for some (though most travelers come here looking exactly for that). Most guests are couples seeking a laid-back, quiet vacation. 

The resort is located on a small piece of land overlooking the Andaman Sea. There's not much around the resort, but there is a seafood restaurant within walking distance and some casual beach bars along the sand in either direction. Otherwise, for anyone wanting to do any exploring, a car or moped will be necessary. It's about a 10-minute drive to the Sai Rung Waterfall and 15 minutes by car to the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center. The center of Khao Lak can be reached in about 20 minutes by car for those looking for a little more life. Phuket International Airport, the closest airport, is about an hour and a half away. 

Accommodations are composed of spacious cottages, chalets, and bungalows, and while each has a different layout, the style across the board is similar. Decor features soothing soft neutrals, high-pitched ceilings, and earthy textures in artwork, lighting, and blinds. It's a contemporary, almost boho look, with chunky jute throw rugs, bamboo details, matte stone, and subtle tilework. Little details like empty birdcages are a nod to traditional southern Thai decor. Sofa beds in cottages provide additional sitting and sleeping space, and chalets have mattresses atop platforms and padded lounging areas in window bays. 

Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are gorgeous and really stand out for this category of hotel. They have deep soaking tubs, separate showers, above-counter sinks with modern fixtures, decorative tile accents, rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. The bathrooms are separated from the sleeping area by large folding doors that can be left open or closed for privacy. Furnished balconies and terraces look out onto the lovely garden or pool. Two-story bungalows offer views of the surrounding hillsides and the sea. 

Given its setting well outside of Khao Lak, most guests arrive here to unplug and unwind. As such, the pool and beach make up the centerpiece of the resort. The long, rectangular outdoor pool is a lovely space with rich blue tile and surrounded by palm trees overlooking the beach. The pool deck is narrow, but it is lined with cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas. It's suitable for swimming laps, cooling off in the pool, or simply relaxing poolside or in the hot tub. The nearby beach is wide and often completely free of people. The Kala Spa also is a great place for relaxing with a massage, facial, or body treatment in the open air. It also has an herbal steam room and wet and dry treatment rooms. A library offers books and magazines in the lobby. Dining takes place at the Sea View Restaurant & Coffee Shop, which serves traditional southern Thai cuisine, seafood, and international fare in a casual covered space right on the beach. Food gets solid marks from previous guests. The hotel can arrange tours and excursions, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.