The staff:
Some of the most helpful people I've met. As soon as we arrived they pointed out brochures for their best recommendations for excursions: elephant trekking, walking through the jungle, kayaking, feeding monkeys, Thai cooking classes, and more. The hotel has good relationships with the people who run these excursions and I think that plays a valuable role. At the (included) breakfast each morning, they come and take your order and bring you something delicious in return. On the second day I asked for a glass of water and for the rest of the week they remembered that I would appreciate a glass of water alongside my fresh orange juice. Perfect. Probably one of the most helpful things was that when you want to book an excursion, you can just tell the staff and they will take care of everything for you, including being picked up and dropped back off at the hotel.
The location:
The beach is right across the street. It's not overcrowded, and at this spot, the sun sets right behind the water, in the center of the horizon. The street is not over-crowded or busy, but there are still plenty of places to get sunscreen, snacks, dinner, shopping, ice cream, medicine, ATMs, you name it.
The beach:
There is a lot to do along the beach,but there was plenty of space for everyone. We had a lot of fun digging for starfish and throwing them back in the water for our morning of "save the starfish," It was a good beach for running if you're into that. It was beautiful and clean and clear. A few jellyfish but nothing terrible.
The fun:
All the excursions we went on were amazing, and very reasonably priced. Along the beach, there is plenty to do. Thai massages, paddle board and other water-sport rentals, more shopping, more restaurants, and fish spas (a very ticklish 20 minutes. Not sure if it helped my feet but it was worth the experience. I got a pedicure afterwards anyway).
All in all, I have every intention of going back when I can. The hotel is nice and clean, in great spot and there are great people taking care of you. At a time when my friends and I needed fresh clean air and relaxation the most, we got it all right here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC