Rayavadee

While there are newer luxury offerings in Krabi and the nearby islands of Koh Lanta and Phi Phi, it’s hard to picture any that could rival Rayavadee.

Nestled between tropical peaks and two beaches on either side, the setting of Rayavadee may be unmatched. You arrive by boat and are greeted at the end of a short pier off Phranang Beach and are politely escorted to open lobby for a breezy check in. Every room here is its own spacious private bungalow set amidst the tropical forest grounds, decorated in a suitably island style. The accommodations are spectacular, but I’m not sure why you’d spend much time inside when the resort’s beauty is right outside the door.

The sprawling infinite pool, set against the limestone cliffs, is the signature here. Everything flows from it. The wonderful Raitalay restaurant is just off to its side offering views also of the resort’s private slice of popular Railay Beach. Here you’ll likely spend many a morning enjoying a Thai breakfast before wandering a few steps for a dip.

But it’s The Grotto, hidden in a cave on Phranang Beach where I spent much of my time. To get there you wind around garden paths, encountering the many monkeys that call Rayavadee home. From The Grotto you’ll watch countless boats cross the turquoise waters and the sun set behind the limestone rocks emerging from the sea.

Hotel Website: Rayavadee