Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

The beachfront area of the hotel is a pretty happening place. The small pool, bar, and lone restaurant of the resort are all packed together here, which can make it seem hopelessly crowded at times -- it's not the tranquil scene one might expect on the remote northeast corner of Koh Phangan. Even though it's compact, though, everything is beautiful and luxurious, from the chic infinity pool to the gourmet ocean-view restaurant. The nearby Santhiya has a much larger property footprint and is more secluded, but it's also a steep property on a tiny sliver of beach. The Anantara sacrifices a bit of space for its location, but for many, being right on the fine white sand of Thong Nai Pan Noi is a worthwhile tradeoff.Despite the crowded beachfront facilities, couples can definitely still find seclusion here. Every villa and suite has a private garden and plunge pool, which makes the size of the public pool less of an issue. There are family villas here too, but families might be more likely to mind the size of the main pool; this resort is probably best-suited for an adult vacation. And even though the main hub of the resort lacks a bit of wow factor, the spa set completely in the jungle behind the resort definitely impresses. 

If location is everything, then the Anantara Rasananda gets the gold medal on Koh Phangan. The property is set right in the middle of gorgeous white sand Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, probably the best on Koh Phangan. Not only is the resort on the beach, it takes up a good 70 percent of it, so guests feel like they own the place. You do have to work a bit for this piece of paradise though, as the resort is in a far corner of northeast Phangan, accessible via a 40 minute private speedboat transfer from Koh Samui, or else a ferry ride and then transfer across the mountains on the island.

The 64 villas and suites at Anantara (there are no "rooms") are truly superb. They start at 80 square meters (861 square feet), and every unit has a private plunge pool in a garden setting -- a clear highlight. The interiors are also quite impressive, with rich wood floors, king-size beds with delicate mosquito netting, red accent walls, and dark wood furniture. The rooms at Santhiya are arguably prettier thanks to their intricate wood carvings, but guests seeking a more modern feel might prefer these. Amenities include 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite cable channels, DVD players, iPod docks, and espresso machines. To top it off, the resort provides each room with small carafes of free gin, vodka, and whiskey.

While the Anantara doesn't wow guests with the extent of its facilities (there's only one restaurant, one bar, and one pool, and they are all very small), its spa is a true standout. The Rasananda Spa is set behind the resort in the jungle and accessed by a flight of stairs that disappear into the foliage. Inside, guests cross rocks and wood bridges to reach the charming treatment rooms, outdoor herbal bath and shower, and tropical steam cave. There's also a large yoga platform above it all.Back on the beach, the bar is a happening spot, as it is both small and perched right on the edge of the sand, making for a lot of action. There are few seats right at the bar, but it does also have one side propped up against the swimming pool, with seats in the water for those who really want to beat the heat. The restaurant is one of the more upscale eateries on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, with dishes such as seared scallops wrapped in prosciutto.