Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa

Situated in a large cluster of traditional Thai buildings with sloped red roofs and an entrance marked with a pair of gold-plated white dragons, the Emerald Resort has a classic look. The open, airy lobby and reception features several traditional statues and colorful vases. The reception desk is a broad wooden table where arriving guests sit across from the staff member checking them in. There are several long wooden couches with blue cushions and pillows arranged throughout the area and patio-style tables lining the balcony area overlooking the resort's dense landscape of tropical trees and plants. A large pond serves as the resort's centerpiece where guests can be found kayaking in the mornings and afternoons. There hotel's restaurants all sport a similar look. Tables and chairs are made of solid wood and the high-ceilinged spaces are open with wooden ceiling fans overhead. At the beachfront restaurant, tables stretch out to the deck on the beach. Decor is minimal, with a few potted plants on the tile floor and paper lanterns hanging along the beams. The clientele here is primarily families from Asia, North America and Europe.

This resort sits on a narrow street in a small area of development south of the main town of Khao Lak. Its grounds stretch all the way to the beach and there are several restaurants and other resorts within easy walking distance of the hotel. There is a convenience store and massage shop five minutes down the road on foot. Ton Phing Waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Khao Lak town and Kha Lak National Park are a 10-minute drive or shuttle ride from the hotel, while the Ton Chong Fah Waterfall is 40 minutes away by car. The beaches of Khao Lak are more sedate than those in Phuket, it's neighbor to the south, so guests looking to party hard should check locales there. Phuket Airport is an hour away by cab or car, while notorious Patong Beach will take an hour and 40 minutes to reach by road.

These aren't the most stylish rooms to be had in Khao Lak, but they are clean, bright, and cheerful, with tiled floors and colorful orange or hardwood accent walls. The generically contemporary dark wood furniture has seen better days, and Buddhist-inspired wall art looks straight from any of the stalls selling art to tourists throughout Thailand. Deluxe Rooms lack comfortable seating -- they feature wood or bamboo chairs only -- while Family Rooms and Villas have banquette seating. Villas are also available that look out onto the ocean and have outdoor showers. Of course design in Villas is a bit more up-to-date, with platform beds and plenty of space to spread out. Every room has a balcony looking out upon the pond or grounds, while some on higher floors have views of the beach and ocean. Each room also has a flat-screen TV, safe, mini-fridge, safe, air-conditioning, and an electric kettle. There is no in-room Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a little dated in some rooms, with green tile around the tub/shower combos and ornate basin-style sinks, but they are clean and spacious, and toiletries are provided.

The Emerald Resort has many amenities, including free parking and Wi-Fi access, although it's only available in the lobby and public areas. There is a free shuttle that takes guests to and from the small town center and airport shuttles available for an extra fee. Guests have free access to the hotel’s two outdoor pools, one of which features a large water slide and fountain play area for kids. Family-friendly activities include cycling, scuba diving excursions, kayaking, ping pong, billiards, and a game room and playground for children. There is a fitness center and full-service spa on site featuring a large selection of massages, facials, and body treatments. There are two restaurants on the property, one serving buffet-style western fare and the other equipped with a full bar and serving a variety of local dishes and western favorites (hamburgers, pasta, etc). A buffet breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, meats, coffee, and juice is included in many room rates. There is a currency exchange on-site as well as an ATM, tour desk, and banquet and meeting facilities. Laundry and childcare services are available upon request.