Coral Bay Resort

The Coral Bay Resort hides down a long private driveway, providing a secluded welcome to its expansive, lush garden grounds. Spread across 10 acres bursting with trees and flowering plants, this hotel's property runs right up to the sea, and low-rise wooden buildings are spaced generously throughout. Common areas are a modern take on rustic -- even it there's a bit of wear starting to show, the hotel's interiors still make a pleasant place to escape for a few days. 

The lobby, a natural wood structure with a tree growing in the middle, is filled with handcrafted furniture, such as chairs made out of rattan, coconut wood, and sea shells, all accented by colorful patterned cushions and pillows. Throw in a bookshelf, newspaper rack, brochure and map rack, and a computer corner for free internet surfing, and it’s an easy place to hang out. For those who cherish quiet, old-school Thai charm, and plenty of garden space, this is an excellent spot. The hotel sees plenty of couples looking to get away from it all, as well as a few families and small groups of friends. 

Coral Bay Resort is located to the north of Chaweng Beach. It sits at the end of a long private driveway, and while there are other resorts on either side of it, the property still feels secluded and private, with no noise from the main road. Central Chaweng is not within walking distance, though, so travelers wanting to step out their front door and into the town's party scene will want to look elsewhere. That being said, taxis and tuk-tuks are available, and the trip only takes about 10 minutes to reach the heart of the bar, nightclub, and restaurant scene. The shops of Fisherman's Village are 15 minutes away by road, while the popular night markets in Mae Name Beach take about 25 minutes to reach. The hotel is quite close to the airport, and travelers should expect only a five- to 10-minute drive.

The 56 bungalows at the Coral Bay Resort are spread out across this hotel's expansive gardens, with the best ones located right next to the beach. Despite the category, all bungalows embrace traditional Thai architecture that includes thatched roofs and beautiful dark-wood interiors. In fact, wood covers almost every visible surface, from the polished floors to elegant closets, loveseats, headboards, and other furniture. The look is heavily inspired by Lanna design from Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, with colorful pillow covers and ornate cloth-lantern slips. Each room also has an artsy accent, like the decorative tree-like panels over the beds in some rooms. All of the deep-toned wood and shaded gardens create a dark environment, which some might find atmospheric, while others might wish they were a bit brighter. 

Standard features include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Some TVs are older tube units. The resort is well suited for families and groups -- extra large bungalows have two bedrooms. Deluxe Family Rooms include a combination of king and twin beds, and the Beachfront Premium Deluxe Family Rooms have two bedrooms with four-poster beds, two large bathrooms, and excellent sea views. All bungalows have private verandas, though Double Deluxe Bungalows are set far back in the garden and lack sea views. 

Bathrooms are stylish and spacious with black-stone tile floors, metal vessel sinks, a good amount of counter space, and waterfall walk-in showers in which the water cascades from a stone tray. Basic toiletries are provided, as are towels.

Plenty of coconut trees and wide expanses of gardens make Coral Bay Resort a great spot to simply chill out, and there's plenty on hand to help in that endeavor. First and foremost is the beach. It's not the widest or nicest we've seen in the Chaweng area, but it's sufficient for catching some sun and taking a dip in the warm water. Keep in mind that the beach is a little rocky, which can be tricky when the rocks are submerged under the sea and not visible. There's a pleasant free-form swimming pool that sits above the beach; it also has a small kids' section. It's surrounded by a large stone terrace and plenty of lounge chairs -- as there's no pool bar, the area stay thankfully relaxed and quiet. There's also a small spa on the property, as well as a tiny kids' playground with swings and seesaws. Table tennis and kayaking are both available as well.

The open-air Pakarang restaurant serves a breakfast buffet that's included in the room rate. The spread is pretty limited, but included cereal, fresh fruit juice, and cooked-to-order eggs among other options. Nice garden and sea views are available. Coco Rock restaurant, below the pool and next to the beach, serves lunch and dinner. The menu is Thai, with international cuisine available as well, and meals are served in a circular thatched-roof structure overlooking the sea. Next to it, the Beachside Lounge has colorful cushioned rattan chairs and sofas, making it a fine spot for drinks and for taking in the uninterrupted beach and sea views. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but can be a little spotty. Parking is also free for those traveling with their own cars. Like most area hotel's the Coral Bay Resort can arrange vehicle and moped rentals as well as local and island tours.