Amari Vogue Krabi

Frequented mostly by couples and families seeking a quiet beach vacation, the Amari is compact compared to neighboring properties, but the warm and inviting boutique atmosphere has plenty of traditional Thai ambience. Tucked between the tropical hillside and Tubkaek Beach, the resort lies behind a low orange wall and consists of several steeply peaked Lanna-style buildings lined with ornate wooden carvings. The property is filled with palm trees and lush tropical plants. The lobby features a vaulted wood ceiling with black iron chandeliers and an immaculate mosaic tile floor. There is a tiered fountain that runs the length of the property, and several stairs leading down to the spectacular private beach with white sand and views of the Hong Islands across the water. There are three dining areas. Bellini is the hotel's open-air Italian restaurant with spectacular beach and sea views. Lotus is the indoor Thai and seafood restaurant with warm wood paneling, white pillars, and modern chandeliers. There is also a casual sunset lounge, an indoor/outdoor venue serving fresh fruit juice cocktails, imported beer, and light meals. The pool is small but has several rectangular inlets for private soaking, and like elsewhere throughout the resort, is watched over by a stoic team of blue stone elephants. Breeze Spa is located indoors, behind a pair of stone statues, and features a beautiful stone stacked wall, several private soaking pools, and private massage and beauty treatment rooms.

The resort is somewhat isolated, situated on a narrow local road between the tropical hillside and Tubkaek Beach -- it can be quite hard to find if you drive there on your own. Krabi Town is a 30-minute drive away and Ao Nang is about 20 minutes away by car or shuttle. There are a few other resorts lining the beach, including the Ritz-Carlton south of Amari, about a 10-minute walk down the beach. Otherwise, there are no commercial buildings within walking distance and the nearest village with shops and restaurants is a 10-minute drive from the resort. Krabi Airport is about 40 minutes away by car and Phuket Airport will take nearly two hours to reach by car. The Hong Islands and the iconic karst limestone rocks jutting out of the Phang Nga Bay (a national park) are just offshore. The hotel can arrange boat trips throughout the national park. 

Each of Amari’s 57 rooms are spacious (starting at 42 square meters, or 452 square feet) and feature hand-carved headboards or original Thai paintings above the bed. They have high wood ceilings, many of which are vaulted, plus polished wood floors, and solid wood cabinets and dressers, all combining to create a luxurious atmosphere. Brown and white tones throughout feel rich and warm, with just a few muted purples and reds added for good measure. Beds are plush and there is a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar, safe, and coffee/tea-making facilities in every room as well as a welcome plate of fresh fruit. Each room also comes with a narrow balcony with a cushioned bench and small table, some with views of the courtyard and surrounding hillside, and others with spectacular sea views and the Hong Islands in the distance. The villas are truly a splurge, with a separate living area that includes stylish wicker padded seating and a coffee table as well as multiple decks with benches, tables, sun chairs and private plunge pools tucked into the lush, tropical landscape. A few of the rooms have private jacuzzis that sit on a large patio with tables and cushioned chairs. The marble bathrooms are massive across all room categories and include a soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. Many have lengthy countertops with dual sinks, and all have contemporary fixtures. There is free Wi-Fi access in every room.

Amari Vogue Resort is a small resort with direct access to a private stretch of Tubkaek Beach. There are two restaurants -- an Italian beachfront restaurant and Lotus, a more formal indoor dining area serving Thai and international fare. The Sunset Lounge serves cocktails and light fare. There is a breakfast buffet served in Lotus, but it is not included with most bookings. The outdoor pool, though not large, has plenty of nooks and niches for soaking, plus sculpted elephant fountains. It's surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees, all looking directly out onto the ocean. Elegant, full-service Breeze Spa offers massages and beauty treatments as well as private pools and steam rooms. Thai cooking classes are available as are boat excursions to the Hong Islands and shuttles to Ao Nang (all of these involve fees that can quickly add up). The hotel can also arrange snorkeling and various water activities. There is free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout, and the resort is accommodating with extra beds and children’s needs -- babysitting and cribs are available. Airport transportation and laundry services can also be arranged.