Zeavola Resort

Zeavola Resort's entryway is its wide white-sand beach, doted with rows of colorful umbrellas and cushioned sun loungers. The soft sand covers paths along landscaped grounds that lead to a cluster of black-painted teak buildings forming the central open-air lobby and lounge area, each colored by hand-painted murals and filled with heavy wood furniture topped by charming cushions. 

Totally inaccessible by road, the resort is on the northern end of Ko Phi Phi Don ("Ko" means island in the native language) along Laem Tong Beach. Public ferries leave from Phuket and Krabi on the mainland to deliver travelers to the island's Tonsai Pier, from which guests must travel by another boat along the coast to the resort (no roads connect it to town). Expect a three-hour trip, which includes the 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport to Krabi Pier (also known as Klong Jilad Pier) and the voyage by ferry or private boat to the island. Phi Phi Don is the largest of the Phi Phi Islands, with attractions on the smaller Ko Phi Phi Le, like Maya Beach and Viking Cave, accessible by boat.  

All of the resort's traditionally-inspired teak wood villas are the equivalent of suites, with living areas and large private decks. They're laid out across the grounds like a rural Thai village from a bygone era, with modern amenities tastefully tucked away, letting the rich fabrics and heavy canopied beds set the mood. Flat-screen TVs are placed in optimal viewing positions, but more unsightly conveniences like air-conditioning units and controls are hidden behind drawers or slatted wood cabinets. Other amenities like mini-fridges and automatic espresso machines are kept outside on the private decks. Less expensive Village and Garden villas have bathrooms with connected outdoor rainfall showers (covered by bamboo screens or slatted teak walls). Beachfront villas include tiled indoor showers as well, while the massive Pool Villas have second bedrooms down flights of outdoor stairs, next to private plunge pools.

Laem Tong Beach with its powdery white sand is the resort's main attraction; it's dotted with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas. Guided boat tours of local attractions (like famous film locations), scuba diving excursions, and private day trips (including packed lunches) to neighboring islands can all be arranged for a fee. Farther from the beach, behind jungle hedgerows, the blue-tiled outdoor pool has a beautiful wooden sun deck and is big enough for laps. For less strenuous pursuits, a full-service spa has a sauna and steam bath, as well as the usual range of body treatments and Thai massage. A fitness room provides cardio equipment.For dining, Baxil serves authentic Thai cuisine and an included buffet breakfast, as well as a more exotic breakfast with Thai flavors and sticky rice for an additional fee. The more casual Tacada, is a beachfront restaurant and bar specializing in Italian cuisine; it serves cocktails and light meals throughout the day. It also serves as the in-room dining kitchen and arranges private seafood barbecues.