Khaolak Merlin Resort

With a setting removed from the center of Khao Lak's tourist development, the Khaolak Merlin Resort is perfect for travelers who are seeking a beachside escape. In fact, arriving here is like stepping into a nature reserve. The resort is set in 15-acres of lush rainforest and buildings have been built to accommodate the landscape rather than stand out against it. Trees and plants edge right up to seating areas -- indeed, growing through and over the restaurant terrace -- and the free-form swimming pools have a beautiful natural feel, linked down the hillside with waterfalls. A network of paths wind between low-rise buildings and over lawns down to the ocean. It's a big hotel, but feels private and secluded. You can spend a good hour wandering around the grounds alone. Things here are extremely quiet, so it's not the place for travelers who want to carouse and be entertained day and night. It's popular mostly with couples and families, particularly those who like peace and quiet. 

Located on the beach at the edge of the Khao Lak Lum Ru National Park, the resort is just an hour from Phuket Airport by car. It's a three-minute walk along the quiet side street to local shops, restaurants, and mini-marts and about the same from the main reception building down to the shore (though plenty of units overlook the sea itself). A free daily shuttle runs up the coast to central Khao Lak for mainstream chain shops and restaurants, taking about 10 minutes. The visitor center in the national park can be reached by car in five minutes for access to trails around the park. The area was one of the hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami, and the Tsunami Museum is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Pretty Lampi Waterfall -- a popular swimming spot -- is a 20-minute drive south of the resort, while attractions in the Phang Nga region are about an hour away by car.

Rooms are decorated with a contemporary take on traditional Thai decor. The dark wood furniture and tiled floors look fresh and modern, while large artwork creates a statement wall behind the beds. There are mellow colors in the cushions, adding even more serenity to this tranquil property, and balconies with seating are a nice bonus (particularly in sea-view rooms). Interconnecting rooms are available, plus rooms with direct access to the pool areas. However, the most posh of all options here are the beachfront villas, which come with one or two bedrooms as well as private plunge pools. Standard amenities include minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, safes and free Wi-Fi. Pool Access rooms adding robes and villas adding sun loungers and parasols on their pool terraces. Bathrooms are bright, with pale tiling and walls, and feature separate bathtubs and showers including pretty decorative touches like carved stone plaques and handmade soap dishes. Some poolside rooms have freestanding bathtubs and rainfall showers, and the beachfront villas include two bathrooms.

Of course, a main draw of staying here is the hotel's location right on a pretty beach. However, for travelers who prefer splashing around on land, the Khaolak Merlin Resort has four swimming pools spread down its hillside. They're connected with pretty waterfall features and one includes a swim-up bar. There's a separate kids' pool with a water slide and a children's playground. The hotel also offers babysitting services. An attractive spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, plus a sauna, steam bath, spa pool and whirlpool. Massages can also be taken in the pretty outdoor treatment cabanas. For the more active, there's a fitness room and tennis courts, and a reading corner with internet access for any downtime. The Tropical Garden restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, and there's a seafood restaurant and beach bar down on the shoreline. Room service is also available. There are two event rooms with equipment for both social and business events. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.