Bliss Resort Krabi

Bliss Resort Krabi doesn't look like much from the road -- just a tiny building tucked between tour operators and beach bars, with an entrance that's all but concealed by banana trees and thick foliage. But the hotel harbors a secret superpower: its back opens up to the sand and sea. Beachfront access may not sound like a superpower in coastal Thailand, yet the vast majority of hotels in Klong Muang and Ao Nang to the south are across the street from the beach, or inland. Neighboring properties Krabi Sands Resort and the Pelican are all located on the far side of the road (though Krabi Sands' restaurant is on the beach) and even the upscale Sofitel Krabi doesn’t have its own beachfront. The upscale Beyond Resort Krabi and the luxurious Nakamanda and Dusit Thani are all on the beach, although their rates are much higher than those at Bliss.Consisting of a small lobby, a dozen rooms, and a breakfast room, Bliss is much more of a guesthouse than a resort. Ikat pillows, woven baskets, and vintage-style lightbulb pendants decorate the two common areas and rooms. The highlight is the pretty beach, where bamboo lanterns hang from tree branches, long-tail boats stand by in the water, and a rope swing waits for twosomes to plop down and watch the sunset (this has been the site of at least one proposal). It may not be much, but Bliss is a great home base for independent travelers looking for a deal, a beach, and some distance from chaotic Ao Nang. 

Bliss is located on Klong Muang beach, alongside tour package kiosks, beach bars and cafes, laundry drop-offs, and massage parlors. There are several other resorts in the area, but Bliss is one of the few actually on the beach -- and the only one at its price point. Travelers able to rent a motorbike from one of the nearby tour operators will probably be happiest, as the immediate area can feel pretty dead during low season and Ao Nang Beach and all of its shopping, dining, and entertainment are a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Long-tail boats near the hotel can get to Ao Nang in about the same time, or Railay in 30 minutes. Krabi town is 30 minutes by car or motorbike, while the drive to Krabi Airport takes 40 minutes. A word to the wise for returning to the hotel via taxi or tuk-tuk: drivers might not know Bliss, but they know Krabi Sands and Sofitel, so let them know it’s near those hotels. 

Bliss Resort has 12 rooms, but not all are equal. In fact, the discrepancy between Bliss' "cheap seats" and upgraded rooms is important to note. Beachfront rooms and the second-floor sea-view rooms above them are very much worth the upgrade, as the entry-level rooms face a narrow alleyway that is perpendicular to the beach. Little natural light can get to these rooms, plus they're exposed to other guests walking through the corridor to the street or beach, and past guests have said drawing curtains in these already-dim rooms triggers claustrophobia. Beachfront rooms, however, offer an altogether better experience. They have terraces that lead directly to the sand, and sea-view rooms have balconies overlooking the beach.Beach proximity and view are the main differentiators, as all rooms have air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Coffee and tea (upgraded rooms have espresso machines), bottled water, safes, and Wi-Fi are free in every unit. Open-design bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, and pump bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Woven beach bags with beach towels are provided.

More of a tiny inn than a resort, Bliss has hardly any common features to speak of. The main feature is the beautiful beach with plastic loungers, a rope swing for two hanging from the trees, and long-tail boats in the water (not affiliated with the hotel) that can be hired for transport to Ao Nang or Railay. Two blips on the scene are a rocky jetty that prevents full-on swimming and commercial ore carriers heading to a quarry pier less than a mile away, to the north. Bliss has a free breakfast buffet, which has seating right on the beach. The spread consists of toast, juice, coffee, fruit, chicken sausage and ham, and cooked-to-order eggs. Note that no pork is served, as the hotel is run by a Muslim family. Bliss doesn't serve lunch or dinner, but there are several restaurants and cafes within a short walk.Laundry, car rentals, shuttle service, and tours are available through the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.