So after some research on the islands in the area, we decided to check out a more secluded resort than where we had been. Racha Island was s great pick. Ban Raya is, as far as I know, one of two resorts on Racha. Ban Raya is not directly on the beautiful beach, but it is a 15 minute walk or a short ride away (that the hotel can arrange at a minimal cost). The resort itself has an amazing pool, great views for the sunrise, good restaurant, and clean rooms. The service was great and the price was worth it. I definitely recommend this hotel.

Great resort for couples and families with kids just 40 minutes by boat from Phuket.

Quiet and secluded, near to nature and wild animals. Great snorkeling and for strolls through the jungle pathways. Good diving at adjacent island Koh Racha Noi. Good restaurant with decent prices and good room standard (we lived in a Deluxe room).

No actual shopping possibilities and no traffic at all. There is no cash machine/ATM on the island so bring enough Baht (the price level are a bit higher than on Phuket).

Good alternatives to the hotel restaurant is the one on Siam Beach, the one in the town in the middle of the island (Father Raya) and at the far end of the Batok beach.

Bring a flashlight and real shoes if you are going to leave the hotel premises after the fall of dark (which I really suggest that you do, for a richer experience).

There are hiking trails on the island but the hotell staff will not recommend it. Talk to the diving shop at Batok Beach (by the luxury hotel The Racha) for more information.

Siam Beach is by far the best and most beautiful beach on the island. Hardly no boats and few people and the best restaurant on the island.

Good and "cheap" massage is located just beside the restaurant Father Raya, although Ban Raya Spa is also good but a bit more expensive.

This family run resort is very laid back and friendly. The snorkeling off the beech in front to the resort kept our two 16 year olds happy for hours. There were great fish and an odd turtle to keep us amused. The resort is beautifully laid out and maintained with a grove of palm trees leading to the beach and a fabulous infinity pool. The cabins are clean and comfortable and have a nice private balcony but could do with a little updating and the food was good if a little slow to arrive. The breakfasts have changed to a la Carte and were fine. A bonus was the wildlife around the resort (huge monitor lizards, colourful birds, frogs and wild peacocks.) The speedboat ride to the resort (40 mins) was fun but beware of the wobbly pier when you arrive!

Rooms. The hotel positions itself as an eco-place and this is realy case in point. Very basic furnishing, but you anyway wouldn't spend a lot of time in your room, believe me. Room was clean. We had AC in our room that works from 8pm to 8am (superior room) but for higher grade rooms AC would work 24h. No AC in standard room. In the evening we discovered two small lizards in our room, but it is eco place, you need to be ready for that.
Swimming pool. THE BEST swiming pool I ever seen. Only swiming pool worth to go there :) Wouldn't describe it, you need to see it on your own.
Staff and our expirience. We had an acident there - during snorkelling wave through us to the sharp rock. My girlfriend seriously damaged her leg. First of all staff arranged and payed for all local medical service (there is only one doctor at Racha hotel there). Then owner of the hotel sent his boat to pick us and some employees up. Then they arranged taxi at Phuket and medical service at local hospital. And I didn't payed anything, hotel has insurance for all guests (not sure that it is common practice). So if you have acident (hope it wouldn't happen) at Ban Raya hotel you could be sure that staff will help you and do all their best.