Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Villas

Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort feels somewhat secluded, as one drives down the short steep hill separating it from the main road. The entry is just a small driveway, with the main property farther down the street. The traditional sloped-roof Thai buildings are largely hidden by lush foliage that comes right out to the road, which sets the tone for the resort's tropical allure. Verdant grounds are complete with rushing streams and cascading waterfalls that lead up through the property, all creating an intimate, tucked-away vibe. A brick walkway leads from the dead-end road through the grounds, opening up to the infinity-edge pool and seaside restaurant. Inside, the reception area is simple: just a few wooden desks and some tourism brochures. Likewise, the seaside restaurant has fairly basic patio furniture that allows the gorgeous sea views to shine. Overall, this is a peaceful and relaxing place, and the lack of a sandy beach and slight distance from downtown Chaweng keep the party crowd at bay. 

Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Spa is located along the seaside just north of Chaweng Beach proper. One has to dip off the main island ring road to reach the property, which sits down a short but steep hill, slightly hidden off a dead-end road. Unfortunately, there is no beach here, as the sea water comes right up to the hotel's rock wall -- though it's fine to jump into the water for a swim. Guests need to go further down into Chaweng for a beach, and the resort runs a free shuttle a few times each day. Central Chaweng -- home to a huge number of restaurants and bars, plus wild nightlife -- is a 10-minute drive down the road, and the airport is about five minutes in the other direction. Additionally, there a handful of restaurants and shops just a five-minute walk up the street -- just keep in mind that the trip out will be uphill.

There are 58 rooms at the Baan Haad Ngam Resort, all of which are sharp and stylish. Decor is contemporary, with understated Thai flair, and all get plenty of natural light, with large sliding glass doors leading to either balconies, terraces, or private plunge pools. Design varies from category to category, but guests can expect wood or tile floors, teak accents, funky wall art and fabrics, and on-trend color schemes (the chocolate and gray palette in the Executive Pool Villa we visited was particularly nice). Lower category rooms are simpler, with pops of bright orange and pink complementing a more straightforward array of white and wood, but all make a fine place to bed down for the night.Standard features include huge flat-screen TVs that range from 40 to 52 inches, along with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, minibars, electric kettles for coffee and tea, and iPod docks and speakers (except in entry-level Superior Rooms). Electric mosquito repellers are also provided. All rooms have balconies or porches -- Deluxe Villa and Superior Rooms overlook the garden (as do most), while others offer distant sea views. Beach Front rooms are available as well. The Deluxe Pool Villa has a private plunge pool on the deck, and the Executive Pool Villa has a large backyard pool and terrace. Both of the Pool Villa categories have pod coffeemakers and free daily soft drink refills in minibars. Bathrooms are lovely, especially by Chaweng standards, though they range from simple units with bright paint jobs to more sleek tiled units in higher-category rooms. All include both walk-in rainfall showers and large jetted bathtubs across all categories. We did spot a bit of wear in Superior Room bathrooms when we visited, and bathrooms in villas are predictably larger.

Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Spa, in spite of its name, does not have a spa. However, it does have a couple of excellent facilities for guests. The highlight of the property is the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. Here, guests will find plenty of lounge chairs with both shaded and sunny areas to suit everyone's taste. The pool also has a fairly large kids' section on one side as well. While the hotel is seaside, and guests can feel free to jump in the water, there is no beach. Instead, the sea comes right up to the hotel's sea wall. Next to the pool is Olivio's, an Italian restaurant that has tables adjacent to the water, as well as a covered section. The restaurant does buffet breakfasts and eggs cooked to order, and serves good Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner that's well reviewed. They do have some Thai dishes on the menu as well, but unfortunately breakfast is only included with some room rates.The resort has a fitness center that opened in early 2016. There's also a small parking area outside, which is a must, as there's nowhere else to park on the narrow dead-end road outside. Fortunately the resort has guards to help navigate vehicles into the small spaces outside. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Laundry and car services can both be arranged and the front desk is manned around the clock.