Havana Beach Resort

Havana Beach Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located on a tranquil bay on Phangan's northeast coast, away from the party scene. The bay is one the island's most idyllic, with postcard white sands, clear blue waters, and a wide long beach perfect for swimming, walks, or just chilling. The hotel itself is essentially a low-key base to enjoy the beach. Guests booking a stay here shouldn't expect much out of either the rooms or the facilities. The property is long and narrow and has little to no greenery, with two large main concrete buildings housing the rooms. The restaurant and bar spaces are also a bit shabby, but feature a more natural open-air wood construction and are housed right on the beach. Regular seafood barbecue nights are held and alfresco dining is set up on the sand. The pool is the only other space for guests to unwind besides the beach, and it offers plenty lounge chairs and room to stretch out. The pool's intentional phallic shape makes for an interesting conversation starter, though isn't for everyone. Mainly couples and families come for a quiet beach vacation, though solo travelers also tend to frequent the hotel.

The highway leading to the hotel passes along pristine natural scenery and multiple waterfalls, the most famous of which is Than Sadet, located a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There are a few restaurants and bars walkable, plus multiple resorts dotted along the beach, though the immediate area offers little to see or do, which is part of its charm. Flip Flop Pharmacy is a popular eatery and bar on the beach (a two-minute walk away), and the 2C Bar (amazing views) is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, though the road is steep and hairy. Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, on the next bay over, (a five-minute drive) is the busier of the two bays and has way more dining options, local pubs, spas, and shops, though it's also a sleepy little beach town. The island's main port, Thong Sala, has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and is located a 35-minute drive away. Most of the Koh Phangan's nightlife scene (Full Moon Parties) is concentrated at Haad Rin, also a 35-minute drive from the hotel. A pickup service from the pier can be arranged through the hotel for a fee.

Guest rooms at Havana Beach Resort are a bit dated (especially some of the bathrooms), but are fairly clean and outfitted with standard amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TVs, mini- ridges, kettles, and safes. Also, all rooms include balcony seating areas, but none of the rooms have particularly nice views, and balconies don't offer much privacy. Deluxe Beachside Rooms do have partial sea views, but are obstructed by other buildings, though they're only around 50-feet (15 meters) from the beach itself. Most room interiors have light colored walls, hardwood parquet floors, and large glass windows that let in lots of natural light and airflow. The Aquarium Suite is the only room with a theme, which is quite tacky, with ocean scenes painted on the walls and an overwhelming amount of blue. Furnishings in all units include double or twin beds with firm mattresses, balcony seating, and wardrobes, but no work desks. Most rooms have almost identical features, though higher-tier rooms have larger floor-plans and the Havana Suites include separate lounge areas.

Bathrooms are dark, dingy, and rundown, plus have no counter-space, with just a small free standing sink and mirror. Deluxe Rooms and Suites have shower/tub combos with jets, but all other room types only have showers. Toiletries are provided, but bring your own hairdryer.  

The resort has a limited set of leisure facilities, as most guests are here for the stunning white-sand beach location. Features include a beachfront restaurant and bar, plus a large outdoor swimming pool set centered in the property. The pool (with an intentional phallic shape) has a long main lap section and shallow kids' pool, plus plenty of lounge chairs to relax on, though no lounge chairs are provided on the beach. Ash - Indian Beach Restaurant is one of the few Indian eateries on Phangan. It also serves classic Thai dishes and some Western favorites, plus hosts a regular seafood barbecue on the beach. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served buffet-style. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free.