Gajapuri Resort & Spa

Opened in 2007 and expanded several times since then, this boutique resort is a quiet, peaceful haven set back off of a busy road. The natural setting offers both sea and mountain views, and the property's gardens are filled with lush plants, trees, flowers, and ponds. Don't expect to hear much beyond the sounds of the sea and nature, while fragrant tropical flowers hang all around. Guests are welcomed with a cold towel -- a helpful perk in steamy Koh Chang. The resort is set up like a tropical jungle village, and elevated wooden walkways lined with lush greenery lead from the reception area to the individual bungalows. It's quite secluded and feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of Thailand's cities -- sunsets, in particular, can be astounding. Most guests are couples, but families and groups also are drawn here. 

This hotel is situated on Kai Bae Beach along the western coast of Koh Chang. Restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and shops are within walking distance of the resort, but the property itself is secluded and quiet. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the Ao Sapparod ferry pier to the hotel. The entrance to Mu Koh Chang National Park is about 20 minutes away by car, and Lonely Beach is only an eight-minute drive. The hotel provides airport transfers for a fee. However, keep in mind that the closest is back on the mainland in the Trat Province -- budget around two hours to complete the trip by taxi and ferry.

All rooms here are individual wooden bungalows with Thai-style wooden furniture and hardwood floors. Decoration is minimal, relying mostly on the modern furniture and abundant natural wood, but framed prints above the bed and mosaic lamps add a bit of color. White linens top Sealy mattresses, and ceiling fans hang from pitched ceilings. Flat-screen cable TVs offer domestic and international channels, and all rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, DVD players, safes, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are also crafted from wood, and all have tiled walk-in showers and ceramic bowl sinks. Fixtures are modern. Upgraded rooms add tubs -- some jetted -- while robes and slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries come standard. One of the perks of the bungalows here are their wooden decks, which include benches and -- in some -- lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas. Pool Villas include their own private pools, some with whirlpools. Views are of the gardens or sea, but trees block most of the direct sea views.   

This quiet, secluded place has plenty to keep guests busy if they don't want to venture out. Dining takes place at two restaurants. The Chaan Gaja Beach Restaurant is a lovely space by the beach with indoor and outdoor dining for lunch and dinner. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served daily in Matang Restaurant overlooking the beach. Room service is available.There are two outdoor pools, and the larger one is for adults only. It's surrounded by a wooden deck and overlooks the beach. Although lush greenery and palm trees are all around, there's not much shade there. However, umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided, and there's a covered deck area with lounge chairs and sofas for guests who prefer to avoid the sun. A grassy lawn adjoins the pool area and offers more lounge chairs. A second smaller pool also has a whirlpool. Both pools use saltwater rather than chlorine. The sandy beach is more than 100 meters long, but it's narrow, rocky, and not suitable for swimming at low tide. Beautiful ancient trees provide shade, as well as a place for rope swings and hammocks. The beach is particularly lovely at sunset. Kayaks are available for free, and the hotel offers snorkeling and diving trips to various islands (fee). The small spa offers Thai massage treatments. The resort is proud of its eco-friendly practices. Used bathwater is collected in tanks and cleaned for use in watering the tropical garden and lawn area. The property also uses LED and energy-saving bulbs. Maintenance and renovations are ongoing as all the bungalows are made from wood and require refurbishment every second year.Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.