Varinda Garden Resort

We stumbled across this place while walking, and I was immediately taken with it. I wanted to spend a whole day there. The grounds are full of little sayings, drawings, and accessories to discover, all put together with so much care. Each accommodation has its own color scheme, and there are plenty of spots to relax. There’s a yoga center too, though it was fully booked when we asked, so hopefully next time. The staff welcomed us warmly, and breakfast was good, even if the choices were limited. I’d definitely recommend it and would gladly stay again.

The resort sits on a small mountain at the southern end of Lamai Beach. It’s charming and quite different, with spacious rooms, good shower pressure, and three small pools, plus sunbeds and a yoga sala. The owners and staff are lovely. The restaurant food is delicious, but it closes at 19:00, and breakfast is limited. There’s no gym. It’s a lovely option for families, though I wouldn’t recommend it for toddlers or small children because there are so many steps and different levels where they could get hurt. Getting to the resort can be a bit awkward without a car or motorbike, but if you’re reasonably fit there’s a stair shortcut to the street and beach. Macro is nearby. It may not make the best first impression when you arrive, especially at night, as there isn’t enough outdoor lighting. But the positive feeling grows quickly over the first few days. By checkout I didn’t want to leave. I love this place and will definitely come back. Recommended for most people.

The hosts and staff made our stay feel warm and easy, and renting a bike was handy. There’s a short uphill walk to reach the hotel, but the water views and pool are lovely. The whole place has a playful, hidden-gem feel, with a different colorful style in every corner. I’d come back and recommend it to anyone after somewhere distinctive.

We loved the private hut-style rooms, even though they’re not at five-star resort level, and the location made it easy to get around without a car. The view was fantastic and the pool just right. Some rooms are nicer than others, but you can see how much care has gone into the property. The restaurant staff were adorable, and the people here are the kindest. Their warmth is what makes this quirky, fun place so special ❤️.