It is on the beachfront where you could soak up the sun, read a book away from the maddening crowd. It is a good place for reflection. Stayed for one night, it was a bit quiet for us. I would recommend this place if you have the correct expectation.

After reading the reviews I was excited to get to Dawn of Happiness. And walking through the lush garden setting I was quite happy. We had a delicious lunch in their outdoor restaurant before heading to nearby Railay beach. It's a good thing we didn't have our hearts set on beaching at Ao Nam--it's not a good beach! The tide goes out in the afternoon really, really far leaving lots of rock exposed. And, as we walked along the beach we saw that there were about a half dozen drainage pipes running from businesses/houses out into the ocean. Ugh. That night we found a cockroach in our bathroom. I tried to tough it out through the night (they have those nets over the beds), but in the morning we heard lots of scratching sounds in the ceiling. My husband talked to the staff and they said they'd take care of it while we were out for the day. We returned in the late evening to hear the continued noises, and to find mouse poo on the freshly made bed! Eek! We requested to be moved, which they did in a heartbeat with a good attitude, but still. I wouldn't bother staying here. Yes, it's secluded--but for what purpose?

We had a lovely three night stay, the bungalows which were right on the beach were clean with fan and shower. There was a great little restaurant and the food was really good. looking forward to our next visit. The Hudsons

We spent 4D3N in Dawn of Happiness, taking the sea front room with air-cond (1300 bht per night) Though facing the sea, the windows of our room were never opened as there are chair and table and swings just in front of the room and people are hanging around there most of the time. Luckily for the air cond which had saved us from mosquitoes bites at night as I heard the ladies next door made a complaint with red dots all over their limbs and they checked out soon after that.

Food is great but you have to give it a few try to adjust the flavor to your liking. For me, I love extremely spicy Thai food but what they served the first time felt like it was a toned-down version of Thai food for Westerners. But after I asked for the local taste, they immediately fulfilled my wish! I got the most spicy food I was looking for! And I love the bread!!! A must-try.

I especially enjoyed the horse riding session in the evening watching the sunset. 700bht per hour is all worth the money!

First down side for staying at Ao Nammao was the transportation, which I find "not expensive but not cheap either". One taxi trip to Ao Nang (7km away) cost 300 bht when booked through the staff and One trip to airport is 600 bht. Well, I guess I have to make other arrangement with the transport next time if I were to go there again.

Secondly, we only found out on our last day there that breakfast was not included. We did ask about it during our first meal, but it seems like there was a miscommunication with the staff who is, maybe, not so affluent in English.

Thirdly, the room and toilet were not cleaned everyday during our stay. They only made up the bed and provided fresh towels. They also did not remove the used towels. So by the third day, it was getting dirty with sand and mud.

Lastly, the call-in massage service is not worth trying although it was cheap. You pay what you get, but I never expect to pay for a swollen toe and sprained back.

All in all, it was a fair price for a decent place.