Mali Resort Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe

Set directly on the beautiful shores of the Andaman Sea, amid a tropical garden lined with palm threes, the Mali Resort offers a romantic getaway for couples, or a decent vacation spot for families and groups of friends. The lack of a pool may be a significant downside for some, but the lounger-lined beach is enough for most guests, and free use of water-sports equipment is a pro. Guests are welcomed at an appealing thatched-roof beachside bar -- there is no true lobby -- and lead down a winding path to either Bali-style bungalows with outdoor bathrooms or slightly more basic Garden Wing cottages. The overall design is simple but attractive, with rattan hammocks hung between palm trees, hanging lanterns, and jewel-tone bedroom accents. A quiet atmosphere pervades the property, yet travelers are within easy walking distance of lively attractions.

Mali Resort Pattaya Beach is set along the more tranquil side of Pattaya beach on Koh Lipe, just off the southwestern coast of Thailand. It's around a 10-minute walk from the restaurants, bars, and shops of popular Walking Street. To reach Koh Lipe, travelers must take a boat from Pakbara or Langkawi in Malaysia. Bellboys are on hand to carry luggage from the jetty. 

Mali Resort Pattaya Beach features 26 charming Bali-style bungalows and 25 slightly simpler Garden Wing cottages. The Bali-style bungalows feature vaulted thatched roofs, hardwood floors, dark wood furniture, and mostly neutral decor aside from attractive maroon bed runners and throw pillows, plus gold-accented paintings. Also in typically Balinese fashions, bathrooms are outdoors and feature rainfall showers and double vanities. Garden Wing cottages are a bit simpler in terms of decor and have concrete ceilings, though they're still attractive and contemporary. Their bathrooms are indoors and more compact, with showers positioned way too close to the toilets. 

Both room types feature the same amenities, consisting of air-conditioning, fans, flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels and DVD players, free but spotty Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided. There are also furnished patios that overlook either the beach or garden, although the ocean-view bungalows have views obstructed by palm trees. While there are no in-room coffee- and tea-making facilities, the bar offers free coffee, tea, and water. Some guests have complained of signs of wear and tear, and lack of maintenance in the rooms, such as broken safes or decking and grubby bathrooms.

The crowning feature here is the lovely palm-fringed, white-sand beach lined with loungers under umbrellas. For most guests, this makes up for the resort’s lack of a pool, plus visitors can use snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks for free. The all-day thatched-roof beachside bar doubles as both the reception desk and restaurant. An adjacent wooden deck has tables and chairs where guests can eat their free American- or Thai-style breakfast. Thai and Western dishes are also available for lunch and dinner, and food is well-regarded. Staff can arrange Thai massage along the beach, but there's no gym.