Khaolak Bhandari Resort and Spa

Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa isn't all that different from its three- and four-pearl competition, though the property's village-like atmosphere and traditional Thai architecture certainly makes it a well-liked pick among previous guests. The grounds here are beautifully kept, with brick pathways running through manicured lawns and beside pretty lotus ponds, plus stone sculptures of scattered throughout. The main reception building is guarded by two contented Buddhas, and there are plenty of places throughout the hotel to sits and relax. These include the pool, which is a particularly pretty spot to kick back with a drink. The bar is centered around a huge Banyan tree, which -- as the only tree left standing after the 2004 tsunami -- is considered sacred by locals. You can expect to mostly see couples at this hotel. Some families do pass through, but the lack of direct beach access and kid-friendly features means there isn't much to exclusively cater to them. 

First things first: This resort isn't directly on the beach, which may be a deal breaker for some travelers. However, the property does sit in a peaceful spot away from the main road, making it a tranquil option. It's only a five-minute walk from the sandy beach, and 10 minutes on foot from shopping and dining in Khao Lak center and the hotel provide a free taxi. The visitor center of the Khao Lak Lamru National Park is a five-minute drive along the main road, where you can pick up some of the longer hiking trails, while an entrance a few minutes further along the road provides access to the shorter, more family-friendly trail. The 2004 tsunami decimated the coastline and many villages here, and there's a set of memorial museums including a police boat that remains where it was tossed, about a 10-minute drive north of the resort. A 15-minute drive south brings you to the Turtle Nursery, while attractions in Phang Nga Bay -- like James Bond Island -- can reached in about 90 minutes by car.

Rooms are furnished simply, and while the exteriors are all classic Thai flourishes, interiors are a bit more modern. Dark wood furniture sits next to light walls, and there are just a few pops of color in the local artwork and flowers. There are 29 bungalows set along pretty pathways in the grounds, plus 45 large rooms that are housed in low rise chalet buildings, and three larger suites. All offer outside space with seating and views over the leafy gardens. Standard features include air-conditioning, safes, minibars, electric kettles, hairdryers, umbrellas, and flip-flops -- with bungalows adding comfortable fisherman-style pants and slippers. Bathrooms continue the simple Thai style with dark wood and tiles, counter-top sinks with a range of products, showers and separate soaking tubs. Bungalows have an additional outdoor shower/tub in a leafy terrace adjacent to the main bathroom. Given the hotel's secluded location, things stay quiet here day and night. While rooms are generally clean and attractive, we did spot a bit of wear during our recent visit.

The resort has a four dining areas, mostly arranged around the outdoor pool. Bhandari Restaurant serves an international buffet breakfast and there's a pool bar with a drinks-and-snacks menu. Oregano Restaurant offers a mix of local and international dishes, with a more authentic Thai menu available in Le Siam restaurant. The decked pool area is a nice secluded space, with plenty of palm trees and shaded loungers with surrounding it. The Little Sala is a tranquil open-air reading area and the spa has treatment rooms including an outdoor massage area plus a sauna and steam room. There's a business center with several PCs and Wi-Fi is free. The hotel runs Thai cooking classes just for hotel guests and also offers free use of the neighboring sister hotel's fitness room, with a handful of cardio machines and some free weights.