Mai Khaolak Beach Resort & Spa

One of the largest resorts in the area, guests enter through a minimalistic set of stairs leading to a short hallway. The lobby is housed under a distinctively pitched wooden roof that soars above the grounds and is open on all sides, allowing the sea breeze to sweep through the space. Low seating with turquoise cushions surrounds a decorative arrangement of pots and pillars at the center of the space. Paths lead throughout the landscaped grounds and most of the buildings are clustered around the hotel's pools. There are three on-site restaurants, including the casual, beachy Meal, which is open to the rest of the property and set up next to a quirky van-turned-bar, the kind found all over parts of Bangkok and cities throughout Thailand. It's a cute detail. The beach lies at the back of the property. It takes a few minutes to walk to the sand from the main area of the resort, but there are several sun chairs available. Guests here are mostly couples and families on holiday, and the pool can get a bit rowdy with kids depending on the season. 

Situated at the northern end of Khao Lak, on Thailand's Andaman coast,  there is not much within easy walking distance of this resort. There are a couple of other resorts nearby -- Hotel Royal Bangsak to the north and Hotel Pullman to the south -- along with a minimart about five minutes away by car. There are a few local restaurants about 10 minutes away by car. Sairung Waterfall is also a 10-minute drive away and Khao Lak View Point is about 15 minutes away by car. The small town of Khao Lak, which has tourist stalls, restaurants, a few bars, and shops, takes 15 minutes to reach by car. Phuket International Airport is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi and the city of Phuket about two hours.

This being such a massive property, there are also a large number of room configurations and arrangements, though they break down into Deluxe Suites or Villas. All are large, with Deluxe Suites starting at 55 square meters, or 592 square feet, and Deluxe Suites have either sea, garden, or pool views, some with direct pool access. The resort's turquoise motif runs throughout all rooms, and Deluxe Suites have turquoise accent walls and outdoor furniture plus tile floors and warm hardwood accents throughout. Nature-inspired wall art hangs throughout the room and there is a separate sitting area with low, gray, contemporary sectional couches. Bathrooms are large and dimly lit, with long wooden vanities and raised sinks plus sleek modern fixtures, toiletries, and mosaic-tiled showers. All rooms feature modern comforts like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, microwaves, free Wi-Fi access, and coffee/tea-making facilities.

There are also luxurious Villas, with pool, garden, and beach views. Striking hardwood ceilings hang over white granite floors and rooms are arranged so that everything faces out sweeping wall of windows. Futuristic, organic shapes are employed throughout, from the roof to the seating to the granite bed frame that melds seamlessly with the floor. Bird of Paradise plants and chic sculptural pieces of art stand throughout. These rooms feel like exclusive tropical bungalows and most have private outdoor jet tubs and showers or pools, along with the spacious indoor rainfall showers. Bonus features include yoga mats, bathrobes, and slippers.  

Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa is a large resort situated on a huge piece of land filled with every amenity for a self-contained beach vacation. There is, of course, a beach occupied almost exclusively by hotel guests and lined with lounge chairs. The resort offers free Wi-Fi in rooms and throughout the property, free parking, and a large breakfast buffet (fresh fruit, eggs, meats, yogurt, juices, coffee, etc) that is included in most room prices. There are multiple outdoor pools that stretch throughout the property, though they can get noisy with kids -- guests looking for a tranquil escape may want to keep that in mind. There are three restaurants serving everything from Thai dishes to Western fare and tapas for lunch and dinner, and chefs offer Thai cooking classes for guests. The resort also has coffee shops and bars throughout. There are tennis courts on the property that are free for guest use, as well as mountain bikes and kayaks available to rent. All guests have free access to the large fitness room equipped with modern treadmills, bikes, and weight machines. There is a full-service spa offering a variety of massages, beauty treatments, and facials. Yoga and Thai boxing classes are offered regularly. Babysitting is available and everything from airport transfers to car services can be arranged. The hotel also runs a shuttle to shopping centers and there is a computer station on-site for guest use.