Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa

Most top class hotels tick all the usual boxes - service, facilities, food, atmosphere, etc. But the Khaolak Bandari Resort & Spa ticks all these and one more - happiness. We stayed for three weeks and came away with wonderful memories of the Bandari's smiling and ever helpful team members. Our immaculate accommodation was in a bungalow and it came with a delightful outside shower and splash pool. Local dishes in the restaurant and poolside café were excellent. As was the location, a short walk from a world-class sandy beach. Architecture is traditional Thai style with beautiful lotus ponds; a much-needed contrast to the other bland 'international' style hotels along the coast. Concerns were minor. Thailand is hot and humid, and there are a lot of mosquitoes; which is not the fault of the Bandari. Western music in the restaurant was not to our personal taste music, and there was the perennial problem of towels on sun loungers at dawn. Not sure what the Bandari or any other resort can do about the latter without triggering World War 3. But those are minor concerns. This is an excellent and highly recommended resort. We came away wanting to return to the happy hotel. Thank you team happiness.

We had an amazing stay. We stayed in a deluxe room, which had everything you need. The bed was big and comfortable. 2 bottles of water were provided daily. It was our wedding anniversary, so the bed was decorated, which was a lovely thing for them to do. Food at the hotel was excellent when we ordered lunch. Breakfast, was also really nice, with the chef doing the best eggs, and being a big character with a friendly hello. I'm missing my morning omelette all ready. Must say a big shout out to Bowling. She always came and found us each day to say hello and have a chat. She is a true asset to the Bhandari, and such a lovely person. I tried the coconut ice-cream with mango on Bowling suggestion, and was so nice 😋. The Bhandari is only a couple of minutes walk to the beach, but is quite rocky, so not the best place for swimming. Best time to go is early morning for a walk along the beach when the tide is out, or around 5 when the tide is out again. You can then stop at a bar to watch the sunset. Every other day we went to a different beach by tuktuk around 4ish. We had dinner on the beaches and came home after the sunset. There is a taxi stand for the tuktuk's just up from the hotel. We used the same person each time as he gave us his number. Very reliable. Beaches to definitely go to are, Memories, Coconut & White Sands. We saw an amazing fire show on Memories. Food was amazing on all 3 beaches. We did a few trips and must admit the Elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting through the rain forest was the best. We also visited the Surin Islands and James Bond island. To sum it all up, the Bhandari is a beautiful peaceful place that embraces nature, from the little Geckos everywhere (not in room), to the chipmunks on the trees. A couple of monitor lizards also wondering around. Only negative, is the mosquitoes, but they are everywhere. We brought the spray with the pink lid from 7/11, which is very cheap and worked a bit. I also went to the chemist and brought 95% deet stuff, but that was very expensive, and I still was bitten a couple of times. I wouldn't hesitate to return.

Absolutely amazing hotel and even better staff Nothing was ever to much trouble couldn’t do enough for you. Our room was lovely pool great had many great pool days. We spent songkran at the hotel and was a great day so much time and effort went it to an amazing day. Thank you for making our holiday so special we have been to Thailand 3 times now and will definitely return to this hotel. Xxx

First time of visiting Thailand, and had done lots of reviewing. Wanted a location that wasn't too busy with the huddle and bustle, and this hotel, suited our requirements. Across the road to beach, and local restaurants, shops and taxi's within 5/10 minutes walk. As for the hotel, a very warm welcome was received by the reception staff! We arrived late morning, and even though rooms aren't ready til 2pm onwards, our luggage was kept in a desperate room while we could use the facilities. Pool : we never had a problem with finding a couple of sunbeds. Plenty of sun umbrellas providing some shade too. Pool bar / breakfast / restaurant : happy hour 2-3pm each day. We didn't eat at the pool bar, but plenty of choice in the menu. Breakfast - was always plenty of choice, to suite every taste. Was impressed to see smaller visitors catered for, with their own crockery (melamine). Booked for the Thai buffet evening and again, plenty of choice and a fun evening had. As for the accommodation, we were visiting for our 30th wedding anniversary, so booked a bungalow. Outside seating and drying rail, then through the door/mosi shutter and into a spacious bedroom/lounge area, where there was a safe deposit safe, fridge, TV, seating area and wardrobe. Separate room with a sink/washing area then into the bathroom where we had a bath, toilet and separate shower. Everything you could need!! Two bottles of free water left each day. On departure day, check out is 12noon but you're able to leave your luggage and carry on using the facilities. There is a shower in the toilets by the pool. In check out day, anything you purchase has to be settled at the time and not added to your room account. Staff : always friendly and everyone always had a smile in their face. Nothing was ever too much trouble!! Would we visit again : absolutely 100%!! We flew from Heathrow, via Singapore to Phuket. Had approx 2hr at Singapore each way, and plenty to look around and see (found the Butterfly Garden too).

t's hard to put into words just how incredible our stay at The Bhandari was. The hotel and grounds are beautiful, the rooms spacious, clean and nicely furnished with a super comfy bed, but what really makes this place special are the people who work there. Everyone smiling, always polite and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Breakfast is good although it isn't a huge spread and you are guaranteed a cheery good morning from the egg chef who will create the perfect omelette for you. We attended both the BBQ and gala evenings and the buffet for both was incredible. The pool areas (including the adjacent sister hotel) are good with plenty of comfortable sun loungers available and shade if you want it. It's also nice to not have loud music all day or an animation team trying to round you up for activities. It's nice to sit back and relax in the beautiful surroundings. Nang Thong beach is just across the road and whether you turn left or right you will find endless beautiful sandy beaches and coves with plenty of bars along the way for drinks and food. I don't normally gush about hotels but the Bhandari and the people who work there have left a very special place in our hearts. Thank you for making our time in