Rayavadee

As guests disembark from the hotel’s speedboat or a traditional Thai long-tail boat -- the only modes of transportation to Rayavadee Resort -- they are greeted by idyllic surroundings that resemble a quaint southern Thai village, with smart pavilion-style suites that are topped with conical shaped tile roofs. The resort spans from the west to the east side of the Railay isthmus, with one main pathway lined with coconut palms running through the middle of the resort. Expect to see exotic jungle flora, butterflies, native birds, and to hear the sounds of monkeys. This pathway, which is delightfully lit by Thai lanterns hanging from trees in the evening, links the resort to its trio of nearby beaches, which include Railay, Nammao, and Phranang. The atmosphere throughout is luxe without pretense, and the tropical-escape ambience is never far away. Breakfasts are taken overlooking Nammao Beach, while at the end of the day, sunsets are spectacular from the Grotto Restaurant which sits just under a towering limestone cliff and is a particularly romantic vantage. This resort mainly draws couples and families, and it's especially popular with honeymooners seeking a romantic, luxurious getaway.

One of the resort’s main selling points is its idyllic, remote location. Although day trips can be arranged to surrounding islands, which include Koh Phi Phi or the islands in Phang Nga Bay, staying put is an equally attractive option. Near the shores of Phranang Beach, behind the Grotto Restaurant, guests can hire sea canoes from the resort’s Water Sports Center to explore the ancient rock formations and mangrove forests that hem the peninsula. Hikes and elephant treks through the Phranang Peninsula are also available. There’s a strip of comparatively less expensive restaurants and bars on the Nammao Beach side of the peninsula, and from Railay Beach guests can stroll down Walking Street, lined with local craft shops, bars, and casual restaurants. Guests are a 30-minute boat ride from the Krabi town pier, and should budget up to 90 minutes to reach the Krabi Airport by a combination of boat and taxi.

The rooms here are undeniably luxurious and include 98 stand-alone pavilions and four ritzy beachfront villas that are spread out across the resort’s expansive grounds. From the outside, each pavilion or villa reflects the resort's Thai-village motif, with tiled roofs and greenery shading much of the exteriors. Interiors are sleek and sharp, with subtle rustic touches. Each two-floor pavilion or villa has hardwood floors, cane and bamboo accents, and abundance of white and natural tones alongside polished dark teak furniture. Wall art and decor is kept to a minimum, though the sculptural pieces over the beds -- a white-on-white cluster of tree trunks -- is a nice touch.There are several categories of rooms to choose from, but all area exceedingly spacious, from the basic Deluxe Pavilions that measure 90 square meters (about 969 square feet) to the Phranang Villas that offer a staggering 417 square meters of space (4,489 square feet). All include landscaped outdoor space and large patios or terraces, as well as separate living rooms and bedrooms. Terrace Pavilions are geared toward families and groups, with outdoor barbecue areas for socializing. Spa Pavilions are styled with couples in mind, offering twin sun beds and private, romantic jet spa baths. Villas are equally elegant, each with their own private pools and direct access to Phranang Beach.Bathrooms are chic and high-end -- some have dual vessel sinks on long vanities and others have freestanding baths with garden views and separate large glass-framed showers. All rooms have large flat-screen TVs with cable channels, minibars, and air-conditioning. Extra touches include honeymooner welcome flower-drawn baths, baked cookies, and fruit baskets replenished daily. Free, if somewhat spotty, Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. 

The Rayavadee Resort offers access to three beaches, which include Railay, Nammao, and Phranang. The resort features two swimming pools, with the main pool -- located on the edge of Railay Beach with uninterrupted sea views -- including a shallow kids' section and a whirlpool. The Water Sports Center offers free use of sea canoes, snorkeling, and windsurfing equipment, and the hotel's concierge can book excursions throughout Krabi, including trips to the islands dotting Phang Nga Bay and elephant treks. The Spa offers an extensive range of beauty and wellness services, and there’s a fitness center with cardio and other aerobics equipment plus squash and tennis courts.There are four restaurants at the resort, all of which have sea views. Options include traditional and modern Thai cuisine as well as international dishes, and there are multiple bars as well. The Grotto, a seaside cave, is a particularly unique setting for a meal and frequently hosts seaside barbecues. Breakfast is included in the room rate and features a large selection of items like French toast, cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, meats, pastries, Thai specialties, and freshly made juices. Twenty-four-hour room service is available. Wi-Fi is free, though not completely reliable. Mosquitoes are a known pest on the peninsula, though the resort does its best to combat this by providing bug spray at all hotel restaurants. Airport transfers are also included in the room rates.