The Haven Khao Lak

The Haven Khao Lak mostly lives up to its name, as it's a secluded resort set on Khuk Khak -- a narrow peninsula that runs along the main coastline. As well as the sea and lagoon, the hotel has a long swimming pool that extends the length of the resort, which works with the many palm-thatched buildings to create a real tropical-island atmosphere. The lobby and bar area are filled with comfy rattan armchairs, and look out over the leafy grounds through glass screens. While it's an attractive property, some of the furniture throughout is a little old school and could use an upgrade. Steps and walkways lead down to the pools, gardens and accommodation buildings, with pools in every direction. The restaurant sits beside the palm-fringed main pool, with views over the pool and the sea beyond, and has a laid-back style, with a beamed ceiling around a bright skylight. The resort allows only children over 12, so attracts mostly couples with some family groups. 

The Haven Khao Lak is perched on a spit of land between sea and lagoon, in the center of the Khao Lak coastline. The resort provides a free shuttle twice a day to and from the main shopping center of Khao Lak in Bang La On, or it's a 15-minute trip by car. Attractions such as the moving Tsunami Museum and busy Bang Niang market are a 10-minute drive away, while Thap Lamu Pier for boats to the Similan Islands is about 30 minutes away by car. The entrance to Khao Lak Lum Ru National Park is a 15-minute drive, with treks of varying lengths inside the park's boundaries. Popular swimming spot Lampi Waterfall takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. Expect around a 90-minute drive to Phuket's airport. 

Rooms here are never far from the water, though most guests swoon over the sea-view bungalows and the first-floor pool access rooms. Decor is simple, but attractive, with wood flooring and hardwood furniture that's brightened with some Thai-inspired decorative pieces. These livelier patterns appear in places like upholstered headboards, that make a fine complement to additional details, like pitched wood ceilings in some room. Some of the seating, like wicker chairs, do look a little too old school for our tastes. Standard features include minibars, safes, large 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, plus umbrellas, beach bags, and beach mats. All have a private terrace with sun loungers. Poolside rooms have direct pool access and bungalows have a private outdoor hot tub. Bungalows also have a beautiful curved window looking out onto the terrace and main pool with the beach beyond, and add Nespresso machines and pillow menus. Bathrooms are modern, with pale mosaic tiling, large rainfall showers, and counter-top basins. Private butlers can be arranged. 

The Haven Khao Lak's network of pools run the length of the resort, curling around beside the main buildings. A swim-up bar can be found at the center, and the infinity edge looks out across the beach. There's a poolside gym with a selection of cardio machines and a free weights area, and a spa on the upper levels, with beauty and relaxation treatments and superb views out to sea. Free classes including beach yoga, Tai Chi, and various Thai crafts, plus free bikes and kayaks to explore the area. A buffet breakfast is served in the Sundial restaurant with views of the sea, with lunch and dinner available in the Thai-Italian restaurant beside the main pool. Drinks are served in the pool bar and in the lobby bar, where light snacks are also on offer. Breakfast is included in rates, but food doesn't get the best response from previous guests. The resort offers room service and can arrange private dining areas, plus wedding packages. One meeting room has high-tech equipment and capacity for 100. Wi-Fi is free throughout.