The Leaf on The Sands

The family-oriented Leaf on the Sands’ minimalist decor begins in the large lobby, which is partly open-air with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. Neutral shades on the ceiling and floor are combined with dark wood paneling and floral stencil detail. Circular, cream-cushioned seating makes for the centerpiece of the lobby, while the resort’s unassuming exterior entrance is somewhat hidden among grass and trees. Pleasant outdoor spaces are landscaped to focus on grassy areas, while the spa is housed in a traditional Thai-style outdoor pavilion. The Rice Barn restaurant has terra-cotta brick-effect walls coupled with dark-wood tables, wicker-backed seats with red upholstery, and a long, attractive bar with rustic wooden frontage; wood-beamed, vaulted ceilings maximize the sense of space in the main interior, while an attached sunroom-like extension lets in brightness through a skylight ceiling. 

The Leaf on the Sands is located just off the highway, in the center of Khao Lak; there's little but a convenience store on the street immediately in front of the resort, though shops, restaurants and bars are a short walk away. Phuket Airport is around an hour and a half south by taxi, while Phuket’s famous nightlife along Patong beach is farther still, around two hours away by car. Note that the property is not beachfront, but Nang Thong beach can be reached on foot in five minutes; access is through the neighboring sister property, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani.

Rooms are spacious and feature simple, yet attractive, leaf-themed decor. White walls are offset by lovely, large headboards edged in wood and featuring delicate leafy branch outlines on a cream or pale green background. Floor-to-ceiling windows lead to a balcony with twin wooden seating and pleasant views thanks to the resort’s low-rise architecture. The small tables and chairs inside the rooms are slightly dated, but overall the spaces are fresh and pleasant. The subtile leaf motif pops up again in oval-shaped mirrors, pendant lamps with a foliage pattern, even little leaf-shaped cutouts in the wardrobe. All rooms have work desks, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Large, chic bathrooms are outfitted with modern vessel sinks and spacious walk-in showers. Note that there are some reports of rooms with insufficient power points.

Each of the resort’s two outdoor pools has a slightly different ambience; while the larger pool has a swim-up bar and is popular with families, the smaller pool is quieter. Both pools close in the early evening, and there are often only a limited number of loungers available. The spa and air-conditioned fitness center get good reviews; the latter is small, minimally decorated, and only contains a limited amount of equipment, but it is still pleasant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering garden views. There is also a Thai-style outdoor massage pavilion. The Rice Barn restaurant, with both indoor and alfresco seating, gets decidedly mixed reviews, as does the breakfast that's included in room rates, though the selection of available dishes is generally good. The resort provides beach towels on a daily basis, and Wi-Fi access is free and reliable, though only available in-room and not in communal areas. Room service is available, but not 24-hours.