The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

Nestled in a tropical forest but with island views and an endless horizon from it's white sand beach, this boutique resort offers a mix of luxury and natural beauty. Built into the hill below Hang Nak Mountain, a series of simple, low-rise structures with pitched roofs comprises the resort. The open-air lobby's ceiling is held up by glazed concrete pillars and wooden beams, giving the space a rustic urban-chic style, while wicker armchairs and potted plants are set about terra cotta and concrete floors. Wooden decks and bridges throughout the property offer nice views of the resort's lush landscape, while the free-form pool serves as the centerpiece of the resort. Decor at the resort is minimal, but stylish, with plenty of wooden furniture and floors, stone walls and canopy roofs throughout. Wooden bridges over streams lead down to the tranquil beach, from where the Hong Islands, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Yao Noi are visible. Restaurants are casual and airy, featuring hand-made twig lamps hanging from the ceilings above their open walls. The gorgeous spa is housed in a pod-like building made entirely of wood with private pools. The resort is frequented mostly by couples and families and hosts its fair share of weddings.

Surrounded by tropical forest with Hang Nak Mountain on one side and Tubkaek Beach on the other, there is not much in the way of commercial offerings within walking distance of the Tubkaak Boutique, save a couple of other resorts -- the Amari Vogue to the north and Phulay Bay to the south. The nearest village with shops and restaurants is a 10-minute drive away and Ao Nang Beach is a 20-minute drive away. Krabi itself is about a 35-minute drive and Krabi Airport is a 45-minute drive or shuttle ride away. Ao Thalene, where kayak trips depart to tour the famous canyons and mangrove forests, is a 40-minute drive from the resort. Ferries and long tail boats to Phang Nga National Park, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Yao Noi also depart from Ao Thalene.

Of the Tubkaak’s rooms, suites, and villas, even the most basic Superior and Garden Rooms are luxuriously designed with warm solid wood, hand-painted accent walls with bold floral patterns, lantern-like bed lamps, canvas petal ceiling fans, and generous windows. Rooms start at 40 square meters (431 square feet), and every unit is equipped with modern amenities such as a high-end coffee machine, minibar, flat-screen TV, safe, and free Wi-Fi access. The first round of drinks in all minibars is free, though the minibar is completely free for the duration of the stay in certain villas. There is a private patio or deck facing the pool, jungle, or beach from every room, while villas have large wooden decks with patio tables and chairs. Bathrooms are exceptional, with rustic brass rainfall showers and separate stone soaking tubs that are open to the sky, plus toiletries and marble sinks. Suites offer additional seating, and have features like low-lying banquette seating, wooden paddle fans, pitched ceilings, and solid wood platform beds. Villas are especially romantic and atmospheric, with orange hanging lamps, vaulted wooden ceilings, and stylish contemporary furniture. Many suites and villas also have private plunge pools nestled in stylish decks and surrounded by the gorgeous jungle setting. Some villas and suites also have outdoor baths and showers, though for those who don’t like bathing outside, they also feature indoor rainfall showers, beautiful inset lanterns in the walls and hanging lights and vaulted wooden ceilings. 

The resort is situated on Tubkaek Beach with long expanses of white sand, gentle waves, and sweeping views of the Hong Islands and Phang Nga Bay's limestone karst formations. Beach towels are provided by the resort. There are two restaurants on-site, both indoor-outdoor and with beach views. Cuisine includes Italian and Thai, and both destinations receive outstanding reviews from guests. A breakfast buffet with hot and cold options is free. The resort offers boat and sightseeing tours in and around the beach, and a range of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and golf outings. Kayak usage along the beach is free for all guests and Thai cooking classes are offered on-site. The spa is also a major highlight -- it's an exceedingly stylish wooden space that features private pools and a variety of massage and beauty treatments. There is a gift shop and meeting room on-site as well as wedding and event services. The hotel's freeform outdoor pool has a shallow area for children and there are several lounge chairs lining the surrounding terrace. There is a library, a small fitness area, laundry service, car, bike and kayak rentals. Airport shuttles are available upon request. The Tubkaak offers free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout, though it can be spotty.