Maehaad Bay Resort

Maehaad Bay Resort is located along Koh Phangan’s scenic and tranquil northeast coast. Set within a sleepy fishing village, the area showcases a more traditional way of life on the island. The Instagram-worthy scene overlooks a quiet bay dotted with small fishing boats and features views of the idyllic Koh Maa Island, which is connected by a sand bridge stretching out across the sea. Guests should note though, the actual beach in front of the hotel is a let down and not suitable for swimming, plus no lounge chairs are provided. However, Mae Haad's long white-sand beach is only a two-minute walk away. The hotel itself has manicured tropical grounds and lots of palm trees and flowers to set the stage for the beach scene. The hotel mainly attracts families and couples looking for some rest and respite from Phangan's noisy downtown hubs. 

Located in a quiet area of northwest Koh Phangan, far removed from the island's party scene. There are a few simple restaurants accessible on foot, but no shopping or nightlife in the area. The main attraction are the beaches: Mae Haad Beach is a two-minute walk from the hotel and Koh Maa Island (great for snorkeling) is five minutes away on foot. The 360 Bar (a five-minute drive) is worth checking out for its truly spectacular panoramic ocean views, though the steep drive up to the viewpoint is a bit hairy. Salad, Chalok Lam, and Malibu Beach are all within a 10-minute drive. The Chinese Temple Guan Yin is 15-minutes away. Sritanu (about a 20-minute drive) is the island's hub for all things healthy and alternative, featuring yoga schools, cultural learning centers, health food restaurants, and shops. Phangan's nightlife scene is concentrated at Haad Rin Beach (a 45-minute drive), where the legendary Full Moon Parties are held. Thong Sala Pier is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel's contemporary and spacious rooms have an elegant aesthetic, and all include balcony seating areas with garden, pool, or ocean views. Interiors have clean white walls and hardwood features throughout, including parquet floors, wooden furniture and trim, plus wood-clad ceilings with woven bamboo accents. A wide range of room types are available to suit a variety of needs, from streamlined Standard Rooms to the sprawling two-bedroom Sunset Jacuzzi Suites, which include large semi-outdoor whirlpools, kitchenettes, and lounge areas. The two-bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suite features a small private plunge pool and ocean views. Rooms are outfitted with platform beds and quality mattresses, comfy bench seats, work desks, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, telephones, umbrellas, safes, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and bottled water.

Bathrooms are spacious and have marble and stone accents throughout, plus plenty of counter space. Roomy soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers are included in higher-tier rooms, whereas Standard and Superior Rooms only have showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and a full set of toiletries are provided.

Maehaad Bay Resort has a slightly limited, yet quality, range of leisure facilities. The most attractive feature is a large oval-shaped infinity pool, centered in the property and lined with lounge chairs and tropical greenery. An outdoor bar sits adjacent and offers service to both the pool and restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a semi open-air space and has an alfresco dining area with stunning ocean views. The menu includes a range of Thai and Western favorites, and all room rates include a daily breakfast buffet, but the selection is limited. There's a modern fitness center, outfitted with some cardio machines, a multi-weight machine, and free weights. On-site parking is available and Wi-Fi is free throughout, but past guests report the connection to be unreliable. Snorkels and kayaks are available for rent through reception. Tour bookings and transport can also be arranged for a fee (note that there isn't free shuttle service into town).