Ananti at Namhae

A perfect 10 for me. There are two room styles: the smaller rooms, which aren't actually that small, and little private houses. The pools are huge, with more than three of them. You can shop for books, dolls, swimsuits, and other swimming gear too. I'd especially recommend it to golfers or anyone who enjoys golf. It's considered the number one golf hotel in South Korea.

I was lucky my in-laws got us access. If you travel to play golf, this course belongs on your must-play list. The caddy said hardly any foreign golfers come here, even though the resort was recently rated Korea's top golf course. The greens were firm and quick, around a 12 on the stimpmeter even in cold or damp weather, and the fairway grass is unusual and seems well suited to the coastal setting. It reminded me in some ways of Oahu in Hawaii. Long par 4s into the sea wind and rolling greens kept things interesting. My caddy spoke good golf English and could give distances in yards. I enjoyed talking with him, and he lined me up for a birdie putt from 25 feet. The rooms were clean and well furnished, with fluffy pillows and supportive beds. There's no gym. There are indoor and outdoor pools, busy with families, and the little shops have plenty of books and children's items. For food, there's an international buffet with Korean, Chinese, and Western choices, an Italian restaurant, and a comfort food spot serving things like pizza.

If golfing isn't your main reason to come, I'd stay somewhere else. The value felt awful for a five-star hotel at this price. Our room was gloomy and didn't feel luxurious, and there were bugs along with crumbs left from earlier guests. That's not okay at this rate. Service was also disappointing, with staff seeming uninterested in giving a five-star experience. They even wanted to charge $5 for ice, which felt ridiculous after what we were already paying. I wouldn't recommend staying here unless you're focused on golf.

The pool and courtyard are lovely for families to spend time together, and it works well for golf groups too. It's pricey, but the accommodations have a luxurious feel, and the service was great. Everything was clean, and the food was good, though expensive. For dinner, try nearby restaurants if you want something cheaper. Some need reservations made in advance. The breakfast buffet, though, is hard to beat.