Club Bamboo Boutique Resort and Spa

Perched in a leafy jungle on a small hillside with views across Patong Bay, the Club Bamboo Boutique Resort and Spa is removed from the action on the street. Lush trees lend a decidedly wild feel to the property, which tends to draw couples and families with its range of room choices and romantic, secluded setting. The open-air common areas, including the lobby and restaurant, further the sense of being immersed in nature, as views of surrounding hills and gardens are available throughout. Thai decor, including statues and paintings of traditional figures, combines with dark wood paneling and furniture, stone work, and clean white paint for an easygoing sophistication. The leafy pool area is especially serene, lined with a pretty stone wall, and with blue lounge chairs and umbrellas on the deck; fountains spit water into the bright blue pool for an extra-special touch. The spa has a more slapdash, though still pleasant, design scheme, with various, brightly colored and patterned textiles draped across wooden treatment tables, and some traditional Thai touches on the walls. 

The resort is not for those who plan to amble home from nights out in Patong, but rather for guests seeking a quiet spot that's not too far from the action. Set on a hillside, it's a little less than a mile from Patong Beach, which is within a 15-minute walk or a three-minute drive. Bangla Road nightlife and Jungceylon shopping are a little more than a mile away (about a 25-minute walk, or a five-minute drive). The resort offers free shuttle service to these three destinations, as well as paid airport shuttle service -- about a 50-minute drive. 

Guest rooms at Club Bamboo are classic and understated, with lots of natural light. Decor includes dark wood Baroque-style furniture and wall paneling, marble floors, and traditional Thai accents, such as carved wall-hangings. The bedside lamps resemble golden paper lanterns, and bed pillows are pale golden silk with traditional patterns, furthering the homey yet elegant vibe. All rooms have air-conditioning, well-stocked minibars, safes, tea and coffee facilities, and TVs (some are tube-style) with cable channels. Bathrooms have beige marble tiling and white shower/tub combos, with hairdryers available on request. The resort also has rooms with balconies, and Family Suites with space for four. Other options include Bungalow Suites with private terraces, Penthouse Suites with spa tubs, and two- and three-bedroom Villas with private pools. 

The pool is perhaps the best feature at Club Bamboo Boutique, as it offers a place for guests to be fully immersed in the jungle setting while swimming and working on their tans. The Hidden Oasis restaurant serves a buffet breakfast (for a fee), and Thai and European cuisine for lunch and dinner, along with wines, poolside. The daily happy hour at the bar includes discounts on cocktails, beer, and wine. Guests can book Thai massages at the spa or in their rooms, and there's also a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows and an array of cardio- and weight-training equipment. There are computers with Wi-Fi for guests' use in the lobby, and DVDs are available to rent.