3 unique beach resorts in Thailand
Thailand is a diverse and incredibly large destination with a mix of unique culture, great food, beautiful beaches and urban cities. Especially because of the number of areas and islands, all of which have something different to offer, it is difficult to make a choice about which ones to visit during your trip. In terms of beach destinations, we chose Koh Samui, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi - three classics that are a great choice for a first trip to Thailand with great beaches and of course some of the most unique hotels.
Imagine staying in a 27-hectare resort surrounded by nature and an indescribably beautiful mountain landscape, located on two of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and which is also completely secluded and can only be reached by boat. Or think about visiting a sustainable barefoot resort with direct access to a white sand beach with crystal clear turquoise water, just a short longtail boat drive from the famous Phi Leh Lagoon and Maya Bay. Last but not least picture a dreamy boho resort on Thailands most famous island with an outdoor shower that reminds of a small jungle. Let’s introduce you to these three bucketlist beach resorts in Thailand!
Rayavadee, Krabi: Nestled between lush tropical gardens and the impressive limestone cliffs of Krabi, Rayavadee Resort offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The pavilions and villas are stylishly furnished and just steps away from the pristine beaches of Railay and Phra Nang. This hotel is also home of the largest bed we have ever slept in. I did not measure exactly but would say the bed was about 4 meters wide. The resort is huge but still has a very private atmosphere. The four different restaurants provide variety even during a longer stay and the surrounding area invites you to enjoy activities such as kayaking, longtail boat trips and hikes to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Islands: This resort on the island of Phi Phi Don combines barefoot luxury charm and sustainability. You will stay in your own villa here, made of teak wood with traditional grass roofs. The resort is reminiscent of a Thai village and blends seamlessly into the tropical surroundings. Zeavola places great emphasis on environmental protection, with initiatives such as the avoidance of single-use plastic. Directly from the resort you can enjoy a variety of activities such as diving trips and of course excursions to the surrounding islands as well as Maya Bay and Phi Leh Lagoon.
Karma Resort, Koh Samui: Located on idyllic Bophut Beach, Karma Resort offers a blend of boho vibes and relaxation. The luxurious rooms and villas are surrounded by tropical gardens and just a few steps away from the beach. The in-house restaurant “Karma Beach” serves culinary highlights and traditional thai cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. If you're staying with a larger group, Karma resort also offers beachfront villas with up to 3 bedrooms and a huge private pool.
Rayavadee in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding - Rayavadee is located on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park, right next to the world-famous Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and lush jungle, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity
Best time to visit - November to April, this is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and little rain, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and hiking
How to get there - The resort is only accessible by boat which departs several times every day from the Ao Nang Pier and is complimentary for guests staying at Rayavadee
Accommodations & chalets - Luxurious pavilions with two floors and villas with private gardens and some with plunge pools, thai-inspired style meets modern comfort
Restaurants - Four restaurants, including the legendary “The Grotto” - a restaurant in a natural cave right on the beach, culinary delights include a mix of Thai cuisine, seafood and international cuisine
Things to do - Kayaking, island hopping, hikes to viewpoints, spa & wellness, romantic beach dinners & simply relaxation by the beach
General information - Only accessible by boat which makes the resort super exclusive, ideal for nature lovers, part of the Leading Hotels of the World
Rayavadee is tucked away in the Krabi Marine National Park, on the stunning Railay Peninsula. Although it’s part of the mainland, it’s only accessible by boat due to the towering cliffs that isolate the area from the road network. This gives it the rare feeling of being both exclusive and wildly untouched.
Surrounding the resort are three world-famous beaches: Railay Beach, known for its golden hour beauty and rock climbing; Phra Nang Beach, home to the famed Princess Cave and dramatic cliffs; and Nam Mao Beach, a quieter shoreline that adds to the almost 360° coastal experience.
Getting to Rayavadee is not complicated but already a unique experince. The closest airport is Krabi but you can also reach the area from Phuket by car or bus since it takes around 2-3 hours to reach Krabi from Phuket by car or bus. The complimentary speedboat transfer for Rayavadee guests departs from the Ao Nang Pier but you have to register for a speedboat in advance. This works easily via email or simply calling the hotel with your arrival information. There is also an airport pickup service available. The speedboat takes around 15-20 minutes to get to the resort and is already quite panoramic because you are already driving past the beautiful rocks of the region.
The main pool at Rayavadee is a true masterpiece – it is surrounded by lush greenery, unique views of the cliffs and Railay Beach just beyond. It feels more like a hidden lagoon than a pool, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings.
Rayavadee’s pavilions and villas are scattered across beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, giving you the feeling of being immersed in the jungle. No high-rise buildings here — only graceful Thai-style architecture with peaked roofs, sun-dappled terraces, and interiors that blend luxury with tradition. Inside the pavilions you’ll find split-level layouts with lounging areas and huge king-sized beds, a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and rain shower, some even have a private pool! Rayavadee also offers private villas located directly at the Phra Nang beach with private pools and a stunning beachfront view. Whether you choose a romantic pavilion or one of the villas, everything is designed to dissolve stress and immerse you in nature.
Dining at Rayavadee is as enchanting as the setting. Each of the four restaurants offers a different mood and menu:
The Grotto: Dine under a natural limestone cave, just steps from the sea. Perfect for sunset drinks and romantic dinners with flickering candlelight.
Raya Dining: Elegant breakfast and international fare in a breezy space with garden views.
Krua Phranang: Traditional Thai dishes served on a seaside terrace. Don’t miss the green curry or the traditional Pad Thai.
Raitalay Terrace: A relaxed spot right on Railay Beach — great for cocktails and casual bites.
Rayavadee is a place where time slows down. It’s elegant but never pretentious, adventurous yet deeply serene. You’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to birdsong or the monkeys on their daily morning adventure. It’s perfect for honeymooners, nature lovers, or anyone who wants to unplug from the world — in serious style.
Zeavola in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding - Zeavola is located on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don, nestled in tropical jungle directly on the white sands of Laem Tong Beach - far away from the hustle and bustle
Best time to visit - December to March, dry season with the best conditions for diving trips and island explorations
How to get there - Flight to Krabi, then ferry to Phi Phi Don and a longtail boat transfer to the resort or flight to Phuket with a speedboat transfer to Zeavola
Accommodations & chalets - Rustic-chic garden, beachfront or pool villas in traditional Thai style, built from teak wood, with open-air showers and plenty of privacy
Restaurants - Two restaurants, one for breakfast and a beachfront restaurant with a focus on Thai dishes and BBQ on the beach
Things to do - explore the surrounding islands by speedboat or longtail boat, diving and snorkeling
General information - One of Thailand's leading eco-resorts, sustainable barefoot resort, very quiet, no party island vibes, beautiful sandy beach, only accessible by boat, member of small luxury hotels of the world
Zeavola isn’t just a resort — it’s like a calming retreat to relax and unwind without missing the possibility of exploring the Phi Phi Islands region. Located on the remote Laem Tong Beach on Phi Phi Don, Zeavola is about connection: to nature, to the moment, and to yourself. No shoes, no schedule, no stress. Just sandy toes, sun-warmed skin, and the gentle rhythm of island life.
You won’t find loud parties or tourist shops here. Instead, Zeavola offers total seclusion surrounded by dense jungle, coral-rich seas, and coconut palms. It's located on the northernmost part of Phi Phi Don, far away from the backpacker scene — making it one of the most peaceful places in the Andaman Sea. The beach here is wide and calm, perfect for morning swims and long barefoot walks. At night, the sky lights up with stars and the soft sound of waves and birds becomes your lullaby.
We visited Zeavola directly after our stay in Krabi which made the journey quite easy and fast since the Koh Yao Sun Smile Speedboat departs directly at the East Railay Pier which is located at our previous stay Rayavadee. Otherwise there are plenty other Ferry and Speedboat options from other areas in Krabi which will take you to the Main Pier in Koh Phi Phi. From there you have to take a longtail boat to Zeavola which you can either book on your own or spontaneously after the arrival at Koh Phi Phi or you can let Zeavola arrange the longtail boat transfer for you which is almost similar to the local fares at Koh Phi Phi when it comes to pricing.
If you’re planning to get to Zeavola from Phuket the journey is even faster since Zeavola offers a daily speedboat transfer from the Royal Marina in Phuket directly to the resort. You can find the schedule for the speedboat here.
Zeavola is known for its eco-luxury villas that are inspired by traditional Thai village homes. Built with local teakwood, they’re open, airy, and beautifully minimalistic, perfect for slowing down. You can choose between one of their garden villas, beachfront villas or even a more spacious pool villa which is locates a bit more on the hill. Each villa features a private outdoor spaces with daybeds, an open-air bathroom with a rain shower surrounded by greenery and a separate indoor bathroom. No TV, no other noise than birds singing — just the luxury of stillness and authenticity.
Breakfast is served daily in the form of a mix between buffet and a la carte. The buffet definitely leaves nothing to be desired so you wouldn’t even miss the a la carte choices if they weren’t there – the selection is huge!
For lunch or dinner you can visit the Tacada beachfront restaurant. Make sure to order their signature Pinapple Fried Rice and the Pad Thai – and don’t miss out on the Sticky Mango Rice!
If you’re planning on exploring the Phi Phi Islands or the surrounding parts Zeavola offers private longtail or speedboat tours with various durations fron 2 hours up to 8 hours and plenty of routes to choose between.
Zeavola is definitely the perfect place if you crave peace, simplicity, and sustainability. It’s a resort with a soul and a deep respect for the environment.
Karma Resort in a nutshell
Location & Surrounding - Located directly on tranquil Bophut Beach in the north of Koh Samui. The vibrant Fisherman's Village is just a short walk away - perfect for evening excursions
Best time to visit - December to April - sunny weather, little rain, good conditions for the sea
How to get there - Direct flight to Koh Samui (e.g. via Bangkok or Singapore), then only a 15-minute drive from the airport to the resort
Accommodations & chalets - Boho-style rooms and modern villas with pool access, unique style with tropical flair, perfect for couples, digital nomads and boho lovers
Restaurants - The “Karma Beach” restaurant serves daily a la carte breakfast as well as all day Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in a stylish ambience right by the sea, also various vegan options
Things to do - Yoga, stand up paddling, spa & massages, excursions to some sights, also ideal for digital nomads
General information - Boutique resort with personalized service, chic, relaxed and very instagrammable, adults-friendly, calming atmosphere
Karma Resort is where unique boho design meets tropical ease: Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Bophut Beach in the northern part of Koh Samui, Karma is a small, personal, and effortlessly elegant resort — the kind of place that instantly makes you feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome.
Karma is located just a short walk from Fisherman’s Village, a charming area full of cafés, street food, boutiques, and beach bars. But back at the resort, it’s all about calm: quiet beach, swaying palm trees, and nothing but sea in front of you. It’s the perfect balance between being connected and cocooned.
Getting to Karma is just as peaceful as the stay at the resort. It is located just a 15-minute drive from the Koh Samui Airport — no boats, no stress, no prior transfer booking necessary. You can easily grab a bolt (simlar to Uber) or Taxi at the airport if you don’t want to arrange a pick-up through the hotel.
Karma’s rooms and villas are chic, bright and stylish — think clean walls, natural wood, boho vibes and huge windows that let the island in. They all have private terraces surrounded by greenery, some of the rooms even have their own pool. Each room includes outdoor & indoor rain showers, an indoor bathroom with a glass front to the shower, cozy king-size beds and a seating area.
The Karma Beach is the only restaurant at the resort but convinces with a fantastic sea view and all-day dining. Start the day with an a la carte breakfast consisting of healthy choices with Mediterranean-Asian flair. For lunch and dinner you will find dishes like bowls, fresh seafood, thai tapas, traditional thai cuisine and lots of vegan options on the menu.
Karma is modern, soulful, and incredibly photogenic. It is the kind of place where you feel recharged, calm and and yet full of energy.
From the dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi to the barefoot serenity of the Phi Phi Islands and the chic calm of Koh Samui, these three hotels offer more than just a place to stay — they’re destinations in their own right. Each one invites you to slow down, tune in and experience Thailand in a way that feels both deeply luxurious and soulfully grounded.
So — what are you waiting for? Thailand is calling.