Prana Resort Nandana

From stepping into the lobby space, it's clear the hotel has tried to combine a modern aesthetic  with traditional Thai design elements, though overall the themed look is poorly executed and a bit tacky. The compact property lacks garden space, giving it a cramped almost urban feel, which isn't what most imagine when they think of a tropical island resort. Those looking for peace and tranquility will want to look elsewhere, as the hotel is undergoing major renovations next-door on it's sister property Prana Beach Villas, as of September 2018. In addition to the noise, the construction is an eyesore on the beach, and the beach area in front of the hotel is dirty and uncared for, with just a few lounge chairs to use set alongside the construction site. The hotel's large central swimming pool with a swim-up bar is a favorite feature with guests, but can get crowded at times and there aren't many lounge chairs to use. Other common areas include a poolside bar and rooftop restaurant but both spaces lack ambience, with most guests choosing to dine out instead for most of their meals. The hotel is mainly frequented by families, couples, and the occasional business group.

Prana Resort is located on a busy main road across the street from Bangrak Beach, a narrow white-sand beach which is shallow and not entirely scenic. The immediate area has little on offer for those navigating on foot except for a few restaurants and local bars. For those with their own transportation, the area is central and only a five-minute drive from Fisherman's Village, Samui International Airport, and Big Buddha Temple -- one of Samui's most iconic temples and attractions. The vibrant Fisherman's Village tourist hub features quaint walking streets lined with trendy boutiques, coffee shops, and beachfront restaurants. Chaweng (a 25-minute drive) is where the island's nightlife scene is concentrated and it has many nightclubs, cabaret shows, and local bars on offer, as well as a huge selection of restaurants and shopping. The free shuttle service to Fisherman's Village operates only a few days a week and leaves one time in the evening, with no return. To Chaweng, there's a daily return shuttle service, which is charged, but the minimal 50 Bhat one-way fee is well below a private taxi fare.

Rooms at Prana Resort have a chic contemporary aesthetic, and all include balcony or patio seating areas with views of the pool or street. Floor plans are a bit small, but the well laid out design doesn't feel overly tight. Deluxe Rooms don't have pool views but families should note that they are the only option with connecting doors. An attractive feature of the Nandana Pool Access Rooms are the submerged patio seating area with steps leading straight into the pool, though the downside is the noise from other guests using the pool. Interiors have clean sparsely decorated white walls, parquet wood floors, and glass sliding doors. Wood and rattan accents add some natural warmth to the otherwise minimalist spaces. Rooms are furnished with double or twin beds, balcony seating, work desks and chairs, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, telephones, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safes. Bathrooms have plenty of countertop space, huge mirrors, walk-in rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Though Prana Resort Nandana is a fairly compact hotel, it manages to squeeze in a nice range of leisure and business facilities. Set centered in the property is a large outdoor swimming pool with a sunken swim-up bar. Dining facilities include an all-day poolside restaurant and bar, and the dinner-only ZAMA Rooftop Kitchen/Bar. Both restaurants have a mixed menu of Thai and Western Cuisine. The large buffet breakfast spread is included in all room rates. Amezcua Spa offers beauty and massage treatments, with five private treatment rooms, two of which include whirlpool tubs and steam rooms. There's also a gym outfitted with basic cardio equipment, as well as a kids' club, though both are small and underwhelming. The hotel doesn't have a business center but it does include a large multi-purpose conference space (150 people), and a second smaller meeting room that can accommodate groups of up to 15 people. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free.