Layana Resort and Spa

The lap of luxury, the Layana Resort and Spa epitomizes island life. It's a tranquil slice of paradise with contemporary Thai-style architecture, tropical landscaped gardens, and direct guest access to a pristine white sandy beach. Furnishings exude relaxation from the moment guests enter the lobby, with soft lounge-about day beds and armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides that offer panoramic garden views. Sundowners Bar is perfect for couples, with uninterrupted beachfront views shaded by tropical resort trees -- it's particularly romantic at sunset. This vibe continues at Tides Restaurant, a casual open-air venue with paired chairs that face seaward. The romance and peaceful atmosphere of the resort almost exclusively draws couples. Group bookings are also welcome, though all guests must be 18 or above.

Situated on the northern side of Ko Lanta Island, the Layana Resort and Spa has direct access to Long Beach (Pra-Ae), which stretches over three kilometers (nearly two miles). The resort sits just outside of a small village, which is convenient for guests needing to get off of the resort's grounds. Center Bar, San Sun Set Bar, and the T.O. Zone Bar are all a 10- to 15-minute stroll from the hotel, and there is an ATM there as well. Motor bikes and bicycles are also a popular way to zip around the island, and can be arranged via hotel reception. The island itself is modest in size. It takes around 30 minutes to drive from the north, where the resort is located, to the south end, where Lanta Old Town is located. The town features traditional Thai architecture, and an abundance of shops and restaurants. The resort is a 10-minute drive from the ferry pier in Saladan. Krabi Airport takes approximately two hours to reach using a combination of ferries or speed boats and taxis. 

These rooms epitomize what many travelers have in mind when they think of a luxurious Thai beach escape. Even the most basic Garden Pavilion Rooms feature contemporary Thai design, day beds, duck down duvets, and private balconies that look out to the resort's manicured grounds. Rooms are also spacious, with the smallest starting at 49 square meters of space (527 square feet). Decor is relatively uniform across all room categories, with a breezy tropical minimalism displayed in warm hardwood accents, tile or hardwood floors, and a neutral motif that's often punctuated here and there by pops of deep turquoise. Beach and Ocean Suites are more exclusive -- there are only six of these stand-alone bungalows in total. Beach Suites offer uninterrupted sea views from furnished outdoor patios, with outdoor waterfall style showers, and direct access to Long Beach. The La Maison Villa -- a private, two-bedroom home -- is the height of luxury, with a private pool, hot tub, villa butlers, and chefs on call (for a fee). All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite channels on flat-screen TVs, iPod Docks, minibars, and DVD players with an abundance of films available through the resort's library. Bathrooms are luxurious and spacious as well, with sunken baths, granite and marble accents, and separate walk-in showers that feature rainfall showers heads. 

Long Beach is the hotel's main feature, and there are several lounge chairs set up by the hotel along the sand, though some guests have reported biting sand flies to be a nuisance. The water is warm and turquoise, exactly the image of the Andaman Sea held by many visitors to Koh Lanta. There is also a stylish, if small, saltwater infinity pool looking out onto the sea. It's surrounded by a wide terrace with modern lounge chairs tucked under palm trees. Towels and poolside service are available.

The Tides Restaurant offers a beachfront setting and a romantic, semi-formal dining experience for guests. It serves a selection of fresh seafood and meats with international flavors alongside Thai dishes. Breakfast is served daily for a fee and includes a generous buffet of smoked salmon, pastries, Thai curries, waffles, bacon, fresh fruit, as well as a live cooking station, and fresh veggie juice shots. In addition, the Sundowner Bar and Lounge offers a cocktail hour with waterfront views. 

For relaxation the Linger Longer Spa offers an assortment of treatments from a hydro-massage pool, to facials, yoga, a salt room, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. Beyond the spa and fitness center, there’s plenty of active island entertainment that can be arranged via the hotel, including elephant trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and island tours. Bicycles and mopeds can also be hired, and the hotel has a library and DVD library. This is a popular venue for intimate destination weddings, with a capacity for up to 24 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and there is free guest parking on site. Keep in mind that guests under 18 are not allowed at the resort.