We stayed at the Baan Mai Cottages for the first part of our vacation and loved it.

When we first arrived, the tide was out so we had to wade in from the boat to shore. This caught us off guard because we were in running shoes (direct from airport) so we had to open our luggage to get out our sandals as there was a lot of rocks and coral when the tide was out that far.

The cottages were basic, but lovely. Each has a front patio with a bench seat and two chairs, perfect for relaxing. There is a screen door if you like to sleep with the door open. We were a bit worried about the Balinese style bathroom, but it was awesome. The sink/toilet/shower area is covered by a roof, so only the outside edges would get rained on if it were raining.

Each cottage has chairs for the beach and either 1 or 2 hammocks. The cottages are set back from the beach only a few feet, so you can hear the waves and see the water. The cottages are set far enough apart so that you can see your neighbors, but not hear them. The mattresses are Very Firm here!

The beach is nice when the tide is in, and the resort will transport you to a beach nearby for free if you want total seclusion or a good snorkelling beach. They'll also pack you a picnic lunch and give you an umbrella for shade, etc.

The resort also offers a cooking class for an additional 10% of the menu cost. We took a course and learned to make Thai Cashew Chicken.

The island is Muslim so a few times a day you hear their call for prayers over the loudspeakers, but we only really noticed it around dusk. The cicadas on the island are quite loud and we were shocked the first time we heard them, but got used to them quite quickly.

The staff were fabulous and we would return here without a doubt. Very private and away from the bustle of the Patong area, but still within easy reach of the shore. The resort's boat will transport you back and forth at any time, and it's only about a 10 minute boat ride to the pier on the other side.

We can't wait to return one day.