Island Living
We stayed here for 6 nights in March 2006. It was a really peaceful place to stay, especially at night once the day trippers had gone home.
The resort is all bungalows and single story rooms. The beachside bungalows are the most popular and they are better decorated than the ones a bit further back (as we stayed in 2 different ones. There are newer bungalows behind the pool - these all seemed empty. They looked very nice but I imagine they are simply not as popular because of their location. Everyone wants to be on the beachside.
Water for washing is desalinated I believe (it still tastes salty but not as salty as sea water). Free water is provided for drinking.
The resort is not plush - it is not too shabby, but definitely not for people who like pampering and 5 star treatment.
The beach is white sand and great for building sandcastles. I would recommend reef shoes though for everyone (not just the children). The sea is clear and good for snorkelling, but you don't have to walk far out before it becomes rocky and the rocks are full of clams, sea cucumbers and, when deeper, sea urchins. Even if you are just going for a swim, reef shoes are advisable.
The service was fairly good - it would vary, depending who was working! There is only one restaurant at night and that is the hotel restaurant. During the day there are a few beachside cafes open, but everyone from them goes home to Phuket island in the afternoon. The food at the resort was good, fresh fish, Thai food etc. There was some Western food and a kids menu too, unfortunately nearly all the Western dishes and kids dishes came with chips.
We would stay here again - we really enjoyed our stay. It is a very relaxing place to stay as there is simply nothing to do except swim, read, sleep and if you are feeling very energetic you can walk around the short headland to the next beach.
Unique Quality: The location is lovely. It is the only place to stay on the island. During the late afternoon and evening it is almost like being on your own island.
The sunset views over Phuket island can be outstanding. Nothing nicer than to sit in your deckchair on the beach with the sea lapping around your ankles, watching the sun set whilst drinking an ice cold Singa beer.
The island is home to wild hornbills. If you sit by the pool especially, you will see them. They don't tend to hang around the beachside.
Transport to the island is via speedboat. It is quite unique to arrive at your resort and hop off the boat into the clear water. They can pick you up the airport if you wish or Chalong Pier and take you across. It takes about 15 minutes. Beware though the times of the tides. If you arrive or depart during high tide you are fine as you can just step onto the speedboat from the shore. If it is low tide, you have to go in a long tail boat, then transfer to the speedboat in deeper water. For this reason keep luggage light and in a few smaller bags, rather than one large suitcase (rucksacks are best).
I would definitely recommend asking at the resort restaurant if they will prepare you a table down on the sand for your evening meal once in a while. There is something very special and fun about sitting on the beach eating your meal, especially if the tide is on the way in!
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