Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

This hotel has an unforgettable wow factor: the entrance has a wide, paved path flanked on both sides by identical white statues of women praying under umbrellas. The glass and wood pagoda-style entrance is surrounded by palm trees and stunning tropical peaks just behind it. Natural beauty and no neighbors gives an air of seclusion and luxury to the resort. Monkeys are commonly spotted on the grounds and in the restaurants, which may annoy some. 

The clientele at the Centara tend to be well-heeled, as a stay at this private resort doesn't come cheap. The property attracts a mix of families and couples and has a casual vibe. The Kids' Club and the O Zone for older children keep families happy, while the abundant array of workout possibilities, from gym to water sports will please athletic types. For couples looking for a romantic escape, there's a charming beach-side restaurant and a long spacious beach. While the rooms are all elegantly designed and appointed, it isn't so much about style as it is location here, the Andaman Sea setting under limestone peaks is simply magnificent. 

The Centara Grand Beach Resort sits on the edge of a large bay hidden around the corner from Ao Nang Beach. The Andaman Sea and a white sand beach are on one side and towering limestone mountain cliffs are on the other, with plenty of green jungle all around, creating a fantastical ambiance. While there is a mountain path that leads out of the bay, it's quite steep, so most visitors rely on the resort's speedboat to transfer them in and out. The boat goes out hourly during the day and evening. However, it stops not in Ao Nang, but at a pier further down the beach, requiring a taxi transfer to reach Ao Nang itself.

All of the rooms at the Centara are spacious, with open-plan layouts and elegant bathrooms with rainshowers and large standalone tubs but tiny toilets. Rooms have dark-wood floors and furniture. Modern art hangs on the walls; white beds are made up with blue-and-gold patterned cushions. All come standard with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and expansive balconies with sofas -- some rooms include whirlpool hot tubs. Private, furnished terraces overlook garden grounds and the ocean beyond. Wi-Fi is free in rooms and room service is available 24 hours a day. 

Unlike most Ao Nang-area properties, the Centara has extensive facilities, including two spectacular swimming pools: a large one with a whirlpool above it and a smaller relaxing pool; both have ocean views and are lined with nice sun loungers. There is also a decent-size and modern fitness center to work out in, a romantic spa with massage services, and a library with books and computers. There is also a dive center and a water-sports area from which guests can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. PADI certification courses are also available. Kids' clubs for younger children and teens provide games and activities. 

There are four on-site restaurants. Rim Saai serves seafood and Thai cuisine al fresco at dinnertime while Hagi specializes in Japanese fare. The biggest restaurant -- Lotus Court -- is open throughout the day and has buffet breakfasts and dinner and a la carte meals. There's also a small beach bar -- On The Rocks -- which serves meals, cocktails, and snacks next to the shore. Deep BLU is the resort's underground cocktail bar, complete with a large fish tank and cool lighting.