279 Moo 7, Sunrise Beach, Ko Sarai, Ko Lipe, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
Located on quieter Sunrise Beach, a 10-minute walk to shopping and nightlife
Variety of modern rooms -- most with sea-views
Rooms include air-conditioning, attractive bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs
Two pools, including one with a swim-up bar
Restaurant serving Thai and Western fare all day
Kayaks and bikes to explore the island and offshore areas
Spa treatments can be arranged
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No fitness center
Hillside rooms have many steps
Wi-Fi patchy as reliant on satellite
Three-and-a-half-pearl Idyllic Concept Resort is a laid-back hotel set within pretty grounds on the white-sand shores of Sunrise Beach. It's all about the beach here, and the snorkeling is some of the best on Koh Lipe. There are kayaks to head out to the nearby islands, and two pools -- one with a whirlpool -- for those who prefer to stay on land. There's a poolside restaurant with a well-received menu including Thai and Western dishes. The 62 rooms are spread between low-rise blocks on the hillside and beachfront, and bungalows throughout the grounds. They have a more modern finish than many on the island, so for a more authentic Thai style, a look at Serendipity Beach Resort would be worthwhile. Some of the rooms there even feature private pools.
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Scene
Modern beachfront resort with tranquil, quiet vibe and superb sea views
The Idyllic Concept Resort's best feature -- of course -- is its location on the pristine white sands of Sunrise Beach. Gardens run down to the shore and there are beautiful sea views everywhere. Even so, it's an attractive and contemporary option on the Koh Lipe scene, which tends to be beach-bummed out. The modern, angular buildings are low-rise and spread from the beach around the main pool, and up the hillside. The Cove Restaurant has an open dining area overlooking the pool and beach beyond, and has a relaxed vibe especially at night, when the beach is lit up and the waves lap the shoreline. During the day, guests paddle about in kayaks exploring local islands, and kick back on the beachfront loungers. The resort is most frequented by couples, although the pools make it an attractive option for families with young children.
Location
Set on Sunrise Beach, a 10-minute walk to the shopping and nightlife of Walking Street
Idyllic Concept Resort is located on the eastern coast of Koh Lipe, along the quietest end of Sunrise Beach. This is one of the island's best beaches for snorkeling, and quieter (and cleaner) than the more lively Sunset Beach. It's around a five-minute drive to the ferry port for connections to the mainland, other Andaman islands, and Langkawi Island across the Malaysian border. There are no cars on the island, so transport is by tuk-tuk or motorbike with sidecars. Walking Street, for the island's best shopping and nightlife, is around a 10-minute walk away.
Rooms
Modern, simple rooms and bungalows with private balconies -- many featuring sea views
Rooms come in a variety of configurations, from hotel-style rooms in small blocks on the hillside, to garden and seafront bungalows. All have a modern minimalist finish, with stylish lighting, low-level beds, and private balconies. The look is a far cry from the beach-bum style found at many of the crash pads across the island -- don't expect details like thatched roofs or bamboo walls here. Amenities include air-conditioning (with the exception of i-Leaf rooms), safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, electric kettles, beach bags, robes and slippers. Bathrooms vary between rooms, but are simply designed, with showers or shower/tub combos plus towels and toiletries. I-Pano rooms have whirlpool baths and i-Garden rooms feature outdoor rainfall showers.
Features
Two pools, white sandy beach with kayaks, a restaurant, and pool bars
The main pool is a good size, and features a swim-up bar and views over the turquoise Andaman Sea. There's a second pool farther up the hillside with a whirlpool and poolside bar. The Cove Restaurant sits beside the main pool, and serves food throughout the day, with a buffet breakfast, and a well-received menu of Thai and international dishes. The beach is one of the best on the island, with fine white sand and excellent snorkeling. The reefs are protected by regular beach patrols to prevent damage by tourists. There are kayaks available to paddle across to nearby islands, and plenty of loungers and cabanas both on the beach, along lawns, and near the pools. Bikes can also be rented and spa treatments can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free, and there are a selection of DVDs that are free to borrow. The hotel also offers babysitting and laundry services.
