Ban Sainai Resort

The hotel is located on a small hill and is nestled among tropical greenery surrounded by coconut groves with a backdrop of limestone cliffs. It's a lovely natural setting that stays peaceful and serene. Guests drive up to a porte cochere with a thatched roof. The open-air reception building also has a thatched roof, along with a bamboo wall behind the front desk. A bench with colorful cushions provides a place to sit in the reception area, and there are wicker tub chairs as well where guests can hang out. The style throughout is a blend of modern and rustic details -- glazed concrete and hardwood details sit next to contemporary furniture, creating attractive places to relax. Ducks, fish, and turtles are all residents at the hotel's pond, and there's a secluded romance to it all. The hotel is particularly attractive to couples, especially those on their honeymoon, but families and small groups of friends pass through as well. It's worth noting that given the hotel's ownership, no alcohol or pork are served.

This resort is situated in a coconut grove in the Ao Nang area, with limestone cliffs in the background. It's surrounded by other hotels and resorts, and several restaurants and bars are within walking distance even though the hotel isn't right in the center of town. Ao Nang Beach is a five-minute drive from the hotel, which provides a free shuttle there and back. Nopparat Thara Pier -- the main pier for ferries to Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Lanta Island -- can be reached in 15 minutes by car. Wat Kaew Korawaram temple is less than 30 minutes away by car. Krabi is a 20-minute drive away, and Krabi International Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes.

The resort's 40 cottages are divided into nine categories: Cliff, Coconut, Pond, Sainai Jacuzzi, Family, Triplet Premier, Cliff View Jacuzzi, Grand Lake View, and Tropical Family. They are all different, but are spacious and attractive across the board. They feature Southern Thai style and come with a private furnished terrace or balcony with lovely views of the pond, cliffs, gardens, or pool. Pops of bold colors help keep things looking fresh, and details range from bamboo panel ceilings to casual daybeds in some rooms. Amenities in all include flat-screen satellite TVs, air conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee makers. Floors are tile, and mosquito netting tops beds. Bathrooms are modern and fresh. Some have showers only, while others have tubs, a few of which are jetted. Robes, slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries are supplied, as are beach bags with beach towels. The Family Cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the Tropical Family Cottage adds a fully equipped kitchenette. Cottages overlooking the pond have hammocks on the balconies. 

The open-air Sai Nai Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and food receives mostly positive marks from previous guests. The free breakfast is either an American-style buffet or a la carte and views are of the pond and cliffs. Fresh fruit and pressed juices are a particular delight at breakfast. Keep in mind that no pork or alcohol are served in the restaurant.

The outdoor saltwater pool is open until late. Tall palm trees, lush tropical vegetation, and Krabi's iconic cliffs surround the pool, and lounge chairs with red umbrellas invite poolside relaxing on the deck. Lunch and nonalcoholic beverages are served at the pool bar.

Guests can book massage treatments at reception, and staff will assist in booking at outside spas and provide transportation. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and parking is also free. Free tuk-tuks also run throughout the day, ferrying guests to Ao Nang Beach.