The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

The Khao Lak by Katathani occupies a vast, grassy property on the beach, with lovely views of hills in the distance. Three-story tan buildings hold the guest rooms, while entrance is through a low-lying concrete structure protected by a glass awning. Palm trees dot the grounds and there's plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing in the fresh air. A massive lagoon at the center of the property is filled with koi fish and guests can help out with morning and afternoon feedings -- a nice touch for the many families that stay here. Interiors are spacious, open, and airy with plenty of natural light and trendy, modern decor. A huge centerpiece in the lobby features several dangling industrial-style black lanterns. Slim gray sofas and chic natural wood tables sit against the windows. Lattice designs decorate some walls, offering glimpses of the tropical landscape outside. While typically quiet and calm, the property can get overcrowded at breakfast and sometimes at the adult-only pool. 

The hotel has a convenient location on Nang Thong Beach in the center of Khaolak, on the west coast of Phang-Nga. This is a low key area with white sand beaches and considerably fewer crowds and development than the bigger resort towns of Phuket. The property is on a main road and there are several other hotels in the neighborhood, as well as a good number of restaurants, bars, and tourist markets within a five to 10 minutes' walk. Car rental companies are located within a five-minute drive, and families can head to a mini-golf venue about 25 minutes' drive away. The International Tsunami Museum is around 15 minutes away on foot. Most guests linger on the resort grounds and beach, but Similan Island is an easy day trip, as is Khao Sok National Park, located an hour and 15 minutes away. Phuket is around two hours' drive, and its international airport can be reached in about 90 minutes. 

Rooms are bright and clean with a relaxed and modern feel. An earthy palette of beige and white is accented with tropical touches and pops of light gold, pink, or turquoise. A different leaf motif decorates each building, one of which holds rooms that open directly onto a shared pool -- although guests note that balconies here can lack sun. Other rooms have views of the lagoon or gardens, and there are comfy settees placed by the large windows. Family Rooms sleep four and include a separate nook for kids, separated by a sliding door. All rooms have private balconies, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, safes, and air-conditioning. Additionally there are mini-fridges and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms have a fresh tropical feel with bright green tile in the rainfall showers (soaking tubs in some). Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Some guests have complained of slight odors in the rooms from cleaning supplies, as well as minor wear and tear. 

Features here are convenient and mostly focused on families and relaxing. There are two pools, including an adult-only pool and a kiddy pool -- be advised that there can be a mad dash for sunbeds in the morning and that staff doesn't enforce the adult-only policy. There's also a sandy beach and spacious lawn for relaxing and catching rays on sun beds with umbrellas. The property has a bright, modern fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment, plus a spa that offers massages on the beach or in an indoor treatment room. Additional activities are available for a fee and include tennis, Thai cooking classes, yoga, Thai boxing, and beach volleyball. The kids' club is free, and there's also an outdoor playground and a large rec room with couches, bookshelves, and billiards. Dining at the resort includes Talay Restaurant, a beachfront venue serving fresh grilled seafood throughout the day, and The Floating Market, which overlooks the lagoon and serves international buffets for breakfast (fee) and dinner. The swim-up Coconut Bar is located steps from the ocean in the adult-only pool. Mango Bar has nightly entertainment, and Pineapple Bar in front of the lobby serves drinks next to a reflecting pool. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.