Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Part of the Sofitel luxury chain, buildings look distinctly Thai from the exterior, but interiors are a thoughtful and elegant blend of Thai craftsmanship and Victorian accents. The visual theme throughout is white and hardwood, beginning with the massive lobby, which has white walls and pillars, wooden arches, and a vaulted ceiling hung with black iron chandeliers. There are clusters of teak chairs and cushioned wicker lounge chairs across the dark wood floor and guests can be found hanging out here at any time of day, reading or on their laptops. The grounds are striking as well. The palm-ringed pool is a virtual lake that spreads through much of the property, under footbridges and beside lounge chairs and umbrellas. There is a children’s section with a fountain and an island gazebo. The manicured lawns surrounding the pool includes a children’s playground and the resort has an all-in-one feel, with a fitness center, spa, golf course, and almost any activity imaginable. However, the beach is across the road. There are multiple restaurants on site, including the formal Ristorante Venezia with marble floors and hardwood furniture, and more laid back, poolside Koh Poda, an open-air spot where menus come on pillows. The resort pulls guests from all categories of leisure travelers, including couples and families.

Somewhat surprisingly for a luxury resort in this part of the world, Sofitel is not directly on the beach. The shore is just two minutes from the resort on foot, across the road. There isn't much of commercial interest within easy walking distance, save two other resorts to the north and south, though there are a few restaurants and bars about 10 minutes down the road on foot. Ao Nang Beach is about a 20-minute drive away and the small town near Khlong Mung Beach, which has a few shops, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Krabi town and 40 minutes to reach Krabi International Airport by car. The hotel offers boat trips and excursions to many of the iconic karst islands in Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea, including James Bond Island, which is about an hour away by boat.

Of the 276 rooms, 23 are suites, but all are spacious. Decor is simple, but rooms have a sophisticated polish to them, with heavy hardwood furniture with classic lines, warm hardwood floors, and elegant pieces like upholstered armchairs in soft cream tones. They can feel a bit austere, though, and walls are largely bare except for small, token framed landscape and abstract prints. There is at least one wall-sized window in every room with thick white and sheer white curtains. A welcome dish of fresh fruit awaits guests in every room and all rooms have a private balcony or patio with a pair of wooden chairs and small table overlooking the pool or grounds. Some rooms on the third floor have nice views of the beach and the Andaman Sea. There is free Wi-Fi and a safe, air-conditioning, electric kettle, minibar, and flat screen TV in every room, although the TVs are slightly older models. The suites have huge separate living areas with a second TV and a pair of couches and coffee tables, plus high-end coffeemakers. Bathrooms are all identical, featuring dark shuttered windows to the room over a separate bathtub and a black polished counter, plus a Victorian style sink, huge mirror, and glass cube shower. High-end L'Occitane toiletries are provided.

Sofitel Krabi offers every amenity needed for a one-stop resort vacation, including one of the largest outdoor pools in Thailand (re-tiled after our visit) and a nine-hole golf course. There are also tennis courts, Ping-Pong, a fitness center with Thai boxing, yoga and other classes, plus a free kid’s club with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and daily activities. There are gift shops on site, and tours and excursions can be arranged, but beware that rates will be higher than securing these services from local providers. The spa offers a long list of massages and beauty treatments and there are multiple restaurants specializing in Thai, Indian, Italian, and international fare. A huge breakfast buffet is available, though it isn't included with all room rates. There is no beach directly on the property. The hotel has home to a business center and offers banquet, event, and wedding services plus conference space and meeting rooms. Guests receive a drink upon arrival and fresh fruit in their room, and room service is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and parking is free as well.