Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak

The low-rise Centara Seaview Resort comprises just three floors but is spread over an expansive site. The property targets vacationing families with its pleasantly landscaped gardens and pools fringed by Thai-style pavilions. While the resort is not particularly impressive from the front, the large open-air lobby tastefully combines high ceilings of dark wood, and plenty of wooden seating smartened up with plush orange upholstery. Given the resort’s family focus, it’s wise to expect some noise -- particularly around the pool areas. Also note: Parts of the hotel building are not serviced by elevators, meaning the stairs are the only option. 

The Centara Seaview’s location, right on the seafront at Nang Thong beach, puts it just a 10- to 15-minute walk from the center of Khao Lak, convenient for markets and restaurants. There's also a free buggy service that runs to the beach from various parts of the resort complex. It's a 20-minute drive from Khao Lak Lamru National Park. Phuket International Airport is around a 90-minute taxi ride away.

Guest rooms at the Centara Seaview range from the more basic Deluxe Rooms to stand-alone villas. The Luxury Pool Villas get the most positive reviews. These units have pitched wooden ceilings and hardwood floors offset by crisp white walls and olive-green daybeds, with just a hint of Sino-Portuguese influence. Numerous wood-trimmed windows give lots of natural light. Dark-wood furniture is tasteful overall, though a touch dated when it comes to the media cabinets clearly meant to hold an old-fashioned tube TV (but currently have flat-screens). Huge bathrooms include walk-in showers, vessel sinks, and massive soaking tubs big enough for two. Private plunge pools and sun beds on the tree-enclosed patios add to the luxury and seclusion. 

The less awe-inspiring Family Residence units get mixed reviews, largely due to their location a 10-minute walk (or quick buggy ride) from the resort’s main amenities. They do, however, have their own pools and children’s pool, which are also connected by the buggy service. These units are bright, modern, spacious, and airy, with lots of blond wood and bright white linens. Sofas, desks, and furnished balconies or terraces are standard. Units either have a second bedroom or bunk beds separated from the main room with a sliding partition. Bathrooms are large but dark, with brown walls and mosaic tiling, plus spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. 

The lower room categories are similar to the Family Residences, but they're a bit smaller in size and aren't freestanding. Still, they include furnished balconies. And all rooms and villas have minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, hairdryers, and air-conditioning units, although these are reportedly noisy.

The resort’s four pools and children’s pool are reportedly uncrowded most of the time. The large, walk-in beachfront pool features a deck area to one side with plenty of lounge chairs, while the huge lagoon pool has a plume slide and waterfalls at its edges. The hotel looks out over Nang Thong Beach, which is clean, wide and long, with beanbags and lounge chairs on the sand. Private evening meals on the beach can also be arranged.

The free breakfast gets generally good reviews, as do the other meals at the resort’s numerous restaurants. These include the Orchid Restaurant, which offers an international buffet with indoor and alfresco seating, the Talay Thong beachside and poolside restaurant, with a focus on local seafood, and the modern Fun Sport Pub with games areas. Both the Rim Nam Pool Restaurant and Bar and the additional swim-up pool bar offer drinks and snacks until early evening. Room service hours are limited, and it's reportedly slow. 

Yoga, tai chi, and boxing classes are all available. The gym is well equipped, but its fluorescent lighting feels a bit harsh and office-like. There's also a game room with a snooker table, modern tennis courts, a squash court, and a putting green. The spa has elegant decor in a soothing palette of neutral browns and tans, plus whirlpool tubs and garden views from the lounge area. 

The resort also offers facilities for meetings of up to 400 people, and there's a premium lounge, a children’s club, a playground, and babysitting services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.