Narima Bungalow Resort

The Narima Bungalow Resort has a stylish air of eco-chic about it. The owners have an obvious love of well-preserved wood, as fine teak and petrified wood pieces can be found throughout the property. The lobby and restaurant area has huge tables made of handcrafted and finely finished teak, and there are funky chairs made of petrified wood. A large carp pond sits right at the entry to the resort, making for a very natural feel. The main building, which houses the lobby and restaurant, is a work of art in itself, with high-arched ceilings and a grass-woven roof. The bungalows sit amid a rain forest, and a coconut palm plantation, so there is plenty of tropical greenery, with trees and foliage reaching all the way down to the beach.

Narima Bungalow Resort is located in the south of Koh Lanta, down the main road that runs the length of the west coast. The resort sits along tiny Klong Hin beach, and is very secluded. The entry to the resort is next to the main road, but the rest of the property is either in the forest or along the beach. This is an extremely quiet area, with no other restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance, meaning guests need to rely on their own cars or tuk-tuk taxis. It's about a 20-minute drive to the far end of the island and the National Marine Park, and in the opposite direction to the north, it's a 25-minute drive to the ferry pier and main town of Saladan.

The 32 bungalows at the Narima are all the same inside and out, with category and price determined by their location in the forest. They all have traditional thatch roofs and fine wood floors, and come with heavy-duty fireproof safes, minibars, electric hot-water kettles for making instant coffee and tea, ceiling fans, air-conditioners, and mosquito nets above the beds. Large French windows and screens open onto terraces that have hammocks and teak chairs. Bathrooms are traditional Thai style -- they're open-air and utilitarian with showers but no counter space, with shell-framed mirrors the only decorative touch. All bungalows include free breakfast and Wi-Fi, but they do not have TVs (a pro for those looking to unplug). The C Bungalows sit farthest from the sea, and the B Bungalows are in the middle of the rain forest. Only the A Bungalows offer beach views -- but the views are limited, so the jump in price might not be worth it.

The Narima is a small property whose stand-out feature is its secluded, rain forest beach setting -- it's the only resort on this beach. A small spa on the beach gives Thai massages but operates only during high season, and it's the same with the beach bar. There's a small three-tiered swimming pool with a tiny whirlpool on the top level -- the bottom tier has a kids' pool and a sunning area. The large, airy restaurant is where guests gather and socialize -- it has an open-kitchen, and offers an a la carte Thai and Western-style menu for lunch and dinner. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.