Railay Bay Resort & Spa

Set on expansive landscaped grounds, this relaxed resort nearly spans the width of the Railay isthmus, from the gorgeous beach on the west side, to the slightly livelier east side of town. There are walled walkways throughout the property, and glimpses of Krabi province's iconic limestone karsts (cliffs) all around. All in all, this is a pleasant place for a tropical retreat, but the look isn't the most contemporary, and there are some minor upkeep issues throughout, like wood that could use re-staining and general datedness issues. The lobby is decked in plenty of teak, as are many resorts in the area, but the star here is the beach. The resort takes advantage of its waterfront location -- there are lounge chairs at the water’s edge, a waterfront swimming pool, and a waterfront restaurant for alfresco dining. Because of its size, walks from the eastern side of the resort to the western services can be long. Guests should expect visits from local wildlife, which includes squirrels and dusky leaf monkeys, though some monkeys can be a little aggressive and are best enjoyed from a distance. The hotel is popular with all types of guests, from students on holiday to wedding parties, honeymooners, and groups of friends.

Railay is a friendly and laid back area of Krabi that's home to plenty of resorts and backpackers hotels. The isthmus is only reachable by boat, and ferries depart from Krabi town and Ao Nang. From almost any vantage in the area, there are picturesque views of huge limestone rock formations at the beach bars that come alive in the evening with fire shows and live music, making it a popular pick for student breaks on holiday. Cheap eats and shopping are just five minutes from the resort on foot along Railay's Walking Street, which leads to east Railay, with a boat pier to the mainland and a large selection of restaurants and bars. Everything is about the sea here, and the Andaman is peppered with hundreds of islands. Koh Phi Phi is a 45-minute speedboat journey for those looking for excellent diving, and Railay itself is a magnet for rock-climbing enthusiasts. Budget at least an hour to reach the Krabi Airport by a combination of ferry or long-tail boat plus car, though it can take longer depending on boat timetables -- check ahead. 

There are 130 rooms available in the resort, with five varied room configurations -- rooms are dated and generally look a bit worn, but all are spacious. The most basic Deluxe Rooms have simple interiors, with white marble floors, rattan furniture, and mid-tone wood accents in white walls and embedded in the ceiling. Wicker paneling adds a local, tropical touch, and these rooms have small terraces and garden views. There are plenty of standalone villas at the resort as well. Garden Pool Villas feature varnished hardwood floors and slightly more modern furniture as well as cushioned day beds and private walled pools with lounge chairs. Railay Privacy Cottages sport artsy bamboo headboards, and have dark wood veneer and black furniture with clean lines. All rooms include platform beds, free Wi-Fi, old tube TVs, a mini-fridge, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and a fruit basket on arrival. Bathrooms can be a mixed bag. Some guests have reported upkeep issues, and all are tiled with marble or ceramic tiles, and have large walk-in showers or shower/tub combos (many rooms have both). Like the rooms, they are fine, but not the freshest when it comes to style. Suite Cottages sport jetted spa baths and outdoor showers -- bathrooms in these rooms are generally more pleasant and have contemporary fixtures and luxe elements like granite countertops. 

Without a doubt, the highlight of a stay here is the white sand beach at the hotel's western doorstep. Views of the limestone karsts, sunsets, and full moons can be spectacular, and the resort smartly uses the location to its advantage (just keep in mind it can take five to 10 minutes to walk to the beach depending on which room a guest is given). The resort has one beachside pool lined with lounge chairs, though no umbrellas for shade, and the restaurant offers beachside alfresco dining for seafood, Thai dishes, and western plates as well. Meals can be expensive, and there are cheaper options in town, but breakfast is included with room rates. Room service is available. There is a second, more private pool with a shallow area for children as well. The hotel has a spa for massages and beauty treatments, and a Discovery Center Service counter that can help guests with excursions, tour bookings, and local knowledge. Free high speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and airport transfers can be arranged via reception, though are subject to fees.