Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

In 2015, Dusit International took over this property from the Sheraton, but besides eliminating the Sheraton signage, towels, and toiletries, it still looks like a Starwood property. This means that compared to locally and independently owned resorts in Krabi vicinity, the place has less authentic Thai character than nearby properties. That said, it is a sharp luxury resort and the surrounding landscape is stunning and meticulously maintained. The resort sits on an expanse of vibrant green dotted with trees, foliage, streams, and ponds full of lily pads. The property holds several white, three-story buildings and the striking lobby has a traditionally vaulted pagoda ceiling held by white pillars over black-and-white granite floors. The combinations of white, deep browns, and black create a luxurious atmosphere, though it is a bit austere. Several small seating areas with hardwood, low-slung furniture are grouped around the perimeter, in front of recessed displays holding backlit vases. The grassy grounds surrounding the hotel feature a set of tennis courts, two pools, and plenty of sun chairs stretching to the long private beach with immaculate white sand and gentle waves. There are several dining and drinking options on site, including Martini's Bar, which offers live music in the evenings, and Malatai, a traditional Thai restaurant with walls of windows and an eye-catching ceiling made from decorative screens. The resort offers all of the typical luxury trappings as well, from a stylish spa to a modern fitness center, and the clientele ranges tremendously from business guests to wedding parties to families and honeymooners.

Situated about a 35-minute drive from Krabi Airport, between the main coastal road No. 6024 and Klong Muang Beach, the Dusit Thani is somewhat isolated. The property is within a five-minute walk of Klong Muong Plaza, which has a few shops and cafes, but the popular Ao Nang Beach and its many restaurant and shops is about a 15-minute drive away. There is a 7-Eleven about a five-minute walk down the street from the entrance of the resort and another resort – Nakamanda – lies about 10 minutes (walking) north of Dusit. Krabi town itself is about a 25-minute drive away, as is Chaofa Ferry Station.

From Deluxe Rooms to Premium Suites with private pools, each of the Dusit’s 240 rooms is stylish, if predictable, due to its former life as a Sheraton resort. All rooms are equipped with everything from a minibar to free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, private balcony or patio, and reliable, modern air-conditioning. The look is bright and refined, but beachy, with light wood furniture, dashes of weathered cobalt blue, and white tile floors. Small, bright flower arrangements or bamboo serve to brighten up the space. The rooms are relatively uniform and still resemble that of any high-end Starwood property throughout the world. Many of the rooms on the lower floors don’t offer the same amazing views of the green landscape and beach as those on higher floors, but the suites are equipped with enormous patios, many featuring private swimming pools. The suites also have a separate living area with a second LCD flat-screen TV with speakers and dock station, sofa bed, coffee table, work area and high-end coffee machine. The massive suite bathrooms have a separate whirlpool tub, large glass shower, and enough space to conduct a yoga class should the mood strike. Even the most basic rooms have separate jetted tubs and glass showers. In spite of lacking Thai character and decor, the rooms are unquestionably serene and attractive.

Equipped for a self-contained resort vacation, the Dusit Thani features four full-service restaurants serving Thai fare, plentiful international buffets, and many Italian, European and American-style dishes. Additionally, there are multiple bars, including one by the pool for guests looking to relax in the sun with a cocktail. An excellent breakfast buffet is available with a wide array of hot and cold dishes, including western and Thai specialties, but it is not included with most room rates. Club Room guests have access to the Club Lounge, including free happy hour drinks and free breakfast. There is regular live entertainment in Martini’s Bar and the hotel arranges boat trips, tours, golf outings, bike, and car rentals. Room service, laundry, and dry cleaning are available upon request. There are two large outdoor pools, and the hotel has a gorgeous private beach that stretches for over a mile plus a water sports center offering snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Yoga and aerobics classes are offered at the fitness center, which is well-equipped with every possible type of cardio and weight machine and is open 24/7. There are also tennis courts. The hotel has a kids' club with supervised activities including local arts and crafts for guests with children and there is a shallow area in the hotel's pool. The property is equipped with a business and banquet center and also a full-service spa that provides several massage and beauty treatments. Airport shuttles and other transit options are available for an extra fee. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in rooms and throughout the property and free parking on-site. Pets are not allowed.