Hotels in Krabi & Railay: the two we would book

Why we picked it

What convinced us is the setting: a resort at the tip of the Phranang Peninsula, among limestone cliffs, with pavilions in 26 acres of gardens, its own pier and an activities centre with guides and speedboats. We would book it for a stay where the boat is part of the arrival, with kayaking, climbing, cooking classes and island trips run from the resort.

• 26 acres of tropical gardens between towering limestone cliffs, on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park
• An activities centre with its own guides and speedboats for Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay
• Four dining venues, a full-service spa, a kids’ club, and tennis and squash courts

• Swimming poolsThe main pool and the Nam Mao Lawn pool
• Four dining venuesWestern and Asian cuisine, from elegant dining to casual beachside fare
• SpaThai healing therapies, massage, facials, wraps and salon
• Fitness roomOpen 24 hours
• Tennis and squash
• Kids’ club“Just for Kids” activities
• Activities centre and speedboatsGuides and trips to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay
• Land and sea excursionsKayaking through mangroves, rock climbing, a waterfall trail and diving
• Southern flavour cooking class
• BeachesOn the peninsula, with beach picnics available
• 26 acres of gardensTropical landscape between limestone cliffs

Why we picked it

We would book it as the relaxed, beach-first base on Railay: cottages by the sand, a pool facing the cliffs, a seafood restaurant with sunset tables and a buffet breakfast. The desk books everything from island hopping to rock climbing.

• A beachfront pool overlooking the limestone cliffs and the turquoise water
• Cottages with a bathtub, satellite TV, a digital safe, a fridge and a coffee and tea maker
• A seafood restaurant with sunset dinners on request, and a Café Amazon on the beach

• On Railay BeachGolden sand and clear Andaman Sea water
• Beachfront poolOverlooking the limestone cliffs
• FitnessFitness equipment in a tropical setting
• RestaurantFresh seafood; sunset dinner set-up on request
• Buffet breakfast07:00–10:00
• Café AmazonOn the beach
• BathtubIn every cottage
• Fridge and safeIn the cottages, with a coffee and tea maker
• Tours deskIsland hopping, snorkelling, jungle tours, the Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave Temple