Islanda Hideaway Resort

Only reachable by boat, the Islanda Eco Village Resort delivers a low-key hideaway on Koh Klang, where guests -- mainly couples and families -- experience the local lifestyle on this island with nearly 5,000 inhabitants. A thatched roof pavilion serves as the lobby, offering views of the sea and gardens with cushioned wooden seating. To take advantage of the tropical weather and gorgeous views, the buildings utilize open-air architecture. Pathways cut through the colorful landscaping, where neighboring goats sometimes graze. Built in 2008, this four-pearl hotel features well-maintained thatched-roof buildings on stilts, so guests should expect to climb stairs. In respect to the local Muslim customs, the hotel asks guests to dress modestly and not bring pork on the island.

Getting to this resort from the Krabi Airport is a three-leg journey that begins with a 15-minute car trip to Krabi town's Tara Pier, then a 10-minute boat ride across the Krabi River to the Koh Klang dock. Bicycles and tuk-tuks are the only mode of transportation on Koh Klang, so the last leg of the journey is a 25-minute tuk-tuk ride to the hotel. There are no markets on the island, so guests typically grab supplies in Krabi town, where there’s nightlife and restaurants. The resort can arrange boat trips to Tiger Cave, local hot springs, and the Emerald Pool. Guests can also visit the village to fish or do batik painting. Island hopping packages, with packed lunches, are also available through the hotel. The hotel sits on a sandy beach, but with dramatic tidal fluctuations in this part of Thailand and extremely shallow waters, this isn't the best spot for a dip. The nearest swimmable beaches can be reached by long-tail boat.

Inspired by local fishing village homes, 30 bungalows are constructed on stilts with thatched and tin roofs that overhang terraces. Bungalows are arranged in three rows: Ocean Front (directly on the shore), Ocean View (the second row), and Ocean Breeze (the third row). The six Ocean Front Bungalows have 70 square meters of space and seafront views from verandas, which offer soaking tubs. One Oceanfront Bungalow is tucked away from the other units by the hotel's vegetable garden for more privacy. The other categories are slightly smaller, but the urban-chic design -- expect polished concrete floors and headboards with bamboo poles that mimic rebar -- makes them feel bright and spacious. Inside the bungalows, air-conditioned bedrooms have flat-screen TVs and DVD players plus handsome mid-tone wood furniture with clean lines and colorful textiles. There are open-air bathrooms, though the exterior showers won't be for everyone, and larger units feature kitchen areas with minibars, kettles, dining tables, and sinks. Interiors are inviting and modern with light wooden furniture, bamboo touches, and vibrant Thai textiles. All bungalows have safes, hairdryers, bathrobes, umbrellas, beach baskets, and free Wi-Fi, which sometimes runs slow.

The Islanda Eco Village Resort impresses guests with its beachfront pool that features an infinity edge, hot tub area, and section for kids. Lighted pathways on the other side of the pool lead to the Village Bar, which has bean bags in the TV lounge and a coin-operated pool table. Next door is the Sea Breeze Restaurant, a thatched roof pavilion that serves Thai cuisine with produce from the resort’s vegetable garden and locally caught fish. Breakfast is not included in room rates. Red and white vino is sold in the Wine Gallery. The hotel doesn’t have a spa, but massages can be arranged and the hotel runs various health and nutrition programs, including detoxes. One meeting room is at the rear of the resort, and wedding ceremonies for up to 40 people can be held on the property. Bikes and kayaks are free to borrow and the hotel can set up beach volleyball as well as arrange trips to neighboring sights and islands. A free DVD rental library is a nice perk and spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.