Rawi Warin Resort & Spa

Travelers to Koh Lanta fall into a few categories, though most are either in the mood for bohemian beach shacks or sleek luxury resorts. While the Rawi Warin aspires to the latter, it falls just a bit short. At one point in time, this property was probably the top of the line, and while things are still pleasantly modern throughout the resort, it's not the most stylish option to be found. The resort is spread out on a huge hillside property with a pond in the center, and the grounds are lush and well-maintained. The large open-air lobby is lovely, with nice Thai decorative touches throughout. The carved wooden reception desk is off to one side and is flanked by large wooden columns. Upholstered chairs and benches provide places for guests to hang out and take in the view over the pond and hillside. Overall, this is a quiet, relaxing place that's most appealing to couples, but families and groups also make their way here. 

The hotel is situated on a quiet road on the beach in the middle of Lanta Island. The resort is spread out over a large area on a hill. Guests who prefer not to climb the hill can ride the hotel's tuk-tuk to get around. It is accessible by water and land transportation, and Krabi Airport is about two hours away by van and ferry. Boats leave regularly for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other activities at nearby islands. Mu Ko Lanta National Park is about 30 minutes away by car. Many guests opt to rent scooters to pop into the small villages that dot the coasts. The stunning stretch of beach along Kantiang Bay is a 15-minute drive away. It's a 20-minute drive to Lanta Old Town, and takes the same amount of time to reach the Khao Mai Kaew Caves by car. Scooter times will be a bit longer.

The resort offers rooms, suites, and villas that all share a similar style, though of course higher-category rooms have a bit more personality. All are spacious and simple, with a reasonably modern Thai style that includes wood floors, furniture, and artwork, and soft neutral color palettes. Silk bed runners add a little character and the villas incorporate sharper accents like bamboo panels and vaulted bamboo ceilings. While they are all sharp at first glance, some lower category rooms are a bit plain, and some furniture is a little worn. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, air-conditioning, safes, and minibars. Modern bathrooms have separate tubs and showers with rainfall showerheads, plus hairdryers, toiletries, and robes and slippers. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, and nine villas have private pools. The two suites also have private pools. Pond Rooms, in the center of the property, have extra-high domed ceilings and overlook the pond. Rooms higher up on the hill have exceptional views out to sea. 

Given its high-end status, it's no surprise that there are a number of features at the Rawi Warin. Golden Pond serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet. Guests can watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen, and there's live entertainment nightly. The hotel's signature restaurant, Watermark, focuses on fresh local ingredients. The setting is open air, with lovely views over the hillside. The Wave Bar is a hip place with mood lighting over white arm chairs and red stools. There's also a bar by the pool, and Auntie Mae's serves baked goods, ice cream, and coffee. The large Ozone infinity pool overlooks the sea and also has a whirlpool and kids section with slide. Cushioned lounge chairs are lined up on the deck, and umbrellas and palm trees provide shade. Multiple elephant and turtle statues add a whimsical touch -- even if they look a bit dated -- and turtle fountains spray water into the pool. A separate lap pool is close by, and there's another pool on the hillside. A "floating pool" in the ocean is marked off with a net wall. The hotel's beach is private feeling, though some guests have reported it to be a little rough for swimming on occasion. The beach is also a bit rocky.The Warin Spa offers massages treatments as well as posh services like the 24-karat gold-leaf facial and a caviar facial. The fitness center offers cardio and weight training equipment on a polished wood floor with large windows for natural light. There's also a tennis court, and guests can use bicycles and kayaks for free. A library has books and magazines for guests to read in a variety of languages, and there are computers set up as well. The kids' club provides toys and games for the little ones. The Bo-Bo Souvenir and Gift Shop sells a variety of items, including some unique to the island. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.