Cape Panwa Hotel

It's more than obvious that Cape Pawna Hotel sits on the site of a former coconut plantation thanks to groves of swaying palm trees, lush overgrowth, and tropical flowers leading downhill to the beach and Andaman Sea. Those who don't want to walk to the sand can take the unusual funicular car down to the water. The hotel's public buildings take advantage of tropical breezes and warm weather with an open-air concept and thatch-style roofs. Guests are greeted in the lobby with chilled welcome drinks and cold towels upon arrival. A school of blue and brown straw fish hangs from the ceiling. Wood and wicker sofas topped with colorful cushions are often filled with guests taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. There's a birdcage-like structure around a circular couch near the tour desk. 

Most of the guests here are couples or families with children. The overall vibe is laid-back and relaxed, with most guests spending their time on the beach or near the pool, though both areas can get crowded. 

Guests can choose from several types of lodging options at Cape Pawna Hotel including rooms, suites, villas, and a stand-alone luxury lodge. Each accommodation is decorated with dark wood furniture; some have Colonial touches like four-poster beds and wood floors. Drawings of Thai women dressed in traditional clothing are framed and hung on the white walls. Furnished balconies are standard; most rooms have views of the beach. The Pool Villa has a private infinity edge pool and a kitchenette, though an upgrade to the Pawna Lodge is required for a full kitchen. Even the most affordable rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, a pillow menu, and a full range of luxe toiletries. There's a charge for Wi-Fi, and past guests have reported that housekeeping is inconsistent and some furniture shows wear.

Guests who want to take advantage of fun and (mostly) free features will find a lot to do at Cape Pawna Hotel and the nearby sister property, Kantary Bay, which houses some of the restaurants and activities. The real jewel of the property is the white sandy beach with calm, blue water. Tide times are listed in each room so guests can figure out the best time of day for a swim. Sun loungers are grouped together under a grove of palm trees. There's a gorgeous outdoor pool with an adjacent kiddie pool surrounded by sun loungers and chic daybeds. Daily snorkel and boat excursions depart from the hotel, or staff can arrange further afield activities at the tour desk in the lobby. Cultural offerings at the hotel include Thai cooking lessons, napkin folding, and vegetable carving.

There are a small fitness center, sauna, and massages on the beach. Dining options include five restaurants ranging from traditional Thai to seafood to upscale Italian, though many of the restaurants are open only for dinner. Pawna House, a Sino-Portuguese mansion, is often used as a movie set and serves upscale Asian cuisine. There's a free breakfast buffet that gets high marks for variety and quality. Private dining can be arranged on the beach, with advance notice. Happy hours are served at Dolphin Bar and Otter Bar, and live music is a regular occurrence.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, though guests have to ask the front desk for new log-in information every day. Parking is free and there's a free shuttle to Phuket and the sister property.