The ShellSea Krabi

With a calm atmosphere, high-design common spaces, and beautifully maintained beachfront grounds, the ShellSea brings a fresh, upscale approach to a Krabi getaway that reflects its 2017 opening. The modern, airy look and feel is evident from the moment travelers cross into the open lobby. Glowing wicker lanterns, cushy daybeds (including an enormous one shaped like a conch), and a reflective ceiling designed to look like rippling water give the space the feel of a chic and exclusive beach club. (The presentation of cold butterfly pea tea to new arrivals is a nice touch, too.) A similarly airy and uncluttered design sense is found throughout the resort. On the grassy front lawn, there are two attractive outdoor pools -- one for only adults, one for all ages -- both overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort wisely oriented other main features toward the water, including an all-day outdoor lounge/Italian eatery and a gorgeous modern spa. The resort's top-level villas also have front-row seats to the beautiful sea views. Couples and families alike can appreciate ShellSea's modern facilities, chic style, spacious villas, and daily calendar of activities and events. Clientele largely comes from Asia and Europe.

The ShellSea Krabi's location, in the sleepy village of Sai Thai, is a bit of a no man's land from a tourist's perspective. The only point of interest is Fossil Shell Cemetery, a geological phenomenon of prehistoric mollusk fossils found at the far western end of ShellSea's own beach. To do or see anything else off-site, a car or tuk-tuk is required. It's a 20-minute drive to Krabi Town (which is only about two miles to the east, but it's separated from the resort by enormous mangroves that must be driven around) and 13 minutes by car from Ao Nang. The resort is 27 minutes from Krabi Airport.

ShellSea Krabi's 85 rooms and pool villas are some of the most modern and stylish accommodations in all of Krabi. All are light and airy, with pale-wood-finish floors, wicker partitions, and linen- and earth-toned furniture and decor, including seashell wall art and Thai-made pillows and woven rugs. The hotel offers six total categories: three types of rooms and three types of pool villas. Units start with the 484-square-foot ShellSea Garden rooms, which are located near the lobby and main restaurant. ShellSea Ocean and Sea View Pool Access rooms are the same size, but located in the building next to the sea-facing adult pool. (Children are not allowed to stay in rooms adjacent to the adult pool.) Ocean units are on the top floor and Pool Access units are on the ground, with direct entry into the shared pool. Garden Pool Villa and Sea View Pool Villas are both nearly 1,300 square feet, while the resort's piece de resistance, the two-bedroom Grand Pool Villa, located in the easternmost corner of the property, offers 2,150 square feet of space.Every unit has a balcony or terrace and at least a king-size bed (villas have extra-big "super" kings); rooms have sofabeds, as well. Minibars in the entry-level Garden Rooms have kettles, while minibars in all other categories have coffeemakers. Minibar items are free for the first day for villa guests. All rooms come with two free glass-bottled Crystal spring waters (tap water is not drinkable in Thailand). The lights, Smart LCD TV with satellite cable channels, and (very powerful) air-conditioning all turn on once the key card is placed in the wall slot. Bathrooms are a highlight. In all rooms, there is rainfall shower and a soaking tub, separated from the water closet by a double-sink countertop. (On our stay, we noticed that the water was very slow to drain in the shower, but the area was completely dry by the next morning.) Bathrobes, slippers, and flip-flops are provided, as are conditioning shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, individually wrapped razors (with shaving cream), cotton swabs and pads, and toothbrushes/toothpaste. Additional niceties include Panasonic ionic hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, vanity benches, and scales.The three categories of pool villas add quite a few amenities. All have private gardens with jetted outdoor pools, sunbeds, and hammocks, as well as outdoor whirlpools for two and indoor and outdoor showers. Inside, they have living and dressing rooms and kitchenettes with microwaves, toasters, Nespresso coffee, TWG tea, and extra bottled water.Wi-Fi is free in the rooms. Cots and extra beds available, and children under 12 stay for free with their parents, though an extra-bed fee may apply.

ShellSea sits right above a quiet, 1,000-foot stretch of beach that connects to Fossil Shell Beach, a geological point of interest. It's a short walk to the site, or guests can kayak there using one of the hotel's vessels (free for one hour). Hotel lounge chairs are set on a grassy area overlooking the beach, and it's a short walk down a few steps to reach the sand. Note that there is no lifeguard on the beach, but the water is extremely calm. Guests tend to spend more time in one of the two sea-facing pools, one is an infinity lap pool for adults only, and the other a larger freeform pool for all ages. Both pools enjoy food and drink service from Fin Bar, an open-air lounge with an extensive cocktail list (including sparkling wine cocktails) and an Italian-inspired food menu of seafood, salads, pizzas, and pastas. The hotel's main restaurant is Cerulean, an indoor all-day eatery serving Thai and international food. An extensive breakfast buffet, included in all room rates, is served here. The spread includes bacon, sausage, pancakes, croissants and other breads and pastries with jam, fruit, yogurt, and coffee (even lattes), plus cooked-to-order eggs and Thai options, like boiled rice with chicken. Many guests opt to eat breakfast en plein air at Azure Bar, the adjacent lounge with cushioned tables and sofas. After breakfast ends, Azure Bar serves coffee, wine, and cocktails throughout the day. The hotel can also arrange in-villa barbecues, private candlelight dinners, and Thai cooking classes (all for a fee). The hotel's 24-hour room service menu offers an extensive list of Thai dishes.Otium Spa is a beautiful modern facility with smooth pebble floors, curving white walls, and textured silver ceilings. Of its four treatment rooms, three are designed for couples, and all have steam showers and large windows looking toward the sea. Couples' rooms have whirlpool baths for two. Treatments include Dermalogica facials, salt body scrubs, and 10 types of massages. A huge variety of activities and events are available for adults and kids, most of them free: Bike tours, Pilates, beach volleyball, yoga, and Muay Thai boxing on a sea-facing platform. There is also a small on-site gym, plus bikes (including tandem bikes) are free to borrow. Private boxing and yoga sessions and kayak tours cost a fee. Some kids' club activities, like batik and doll painting, cost extra, too. Babysitting is also available, with 24 hours’ notice. Guided island excursions can be arranged; their rates include hotel transfer, lunch, drinks, gear, and insurance.ShellSea offers free shuttle service into Ao Nang three times a day and Krabi once a day. On-site parking is free, and the hotel can arrange car rentals or drivers for guests. There is a large room off of the main restaurant that can be used for banquets or conferences; catering service is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the ShellSea Krabi.