Ailay Resort

The food was delicious and the staff were lovely. Our simple bungalow was clean, the air conditioning worked well, and they cleaned the room every day. We also loved the black dog that sometimes came by looking for pats. My partner and I spent four nights here and had an amazing time. The beach was beautiful, and our little bungalow was right on it at the quiet end, with more bars and restaurants an easy walk away when we wanted them. It was perfect for us xx

We stayed for two weeks after covid in 2021 and were generally happy. The owner, a woman, overreacted by telling us to wear masks when speaking with her or while in the restaurant. We also learned we couldn’t cancel after arriving and finding we didn’t enjoy it at first. The tide was at its lowest for the season, so there was literally no sea, though things were okay in the end. I’d recommend booking only the first or second row by the beach. Behind those rows there was trash and debris lying around.

The beach is gorgeous, the air conditioning worked well, and the women who cleaned every day were great. But the huts are poorly built and very basic, and the prices don’t reflect that. The bathroom had pieces of plastic shower curtain stapled to the wall, the shower was only a trickle, the sheets were stained and torn, and the bathmat was basically a cut-up towel. The blackout material used as curtains was dirty and torn. It all made Ailay feel very overpriced. Everything costs extra, including breakfast, a pickup from the pier, and even ice: 5 baht for a glass, 10 for two, and 20 for a bucket. I’m surprised toilet paper was free 🤣. The manager leaves aggressive comments in response to people with negative or constructive feedback about Ailay. That’s extraordinary for a quality resort, which should be polite about past guests’ experiences. I wonder if she realizes prospective guests notice those replies. I wish we had and booked somewhere else. Lesson learned 👍. Be aware of what you’re paying for.

A scooter makes getting around a bit easier, though you can walk or take tuk-tuks. Other bars and restaurants are within walking distance along the beach if you want a change. Ailay is a very calm spot for that classic bungalow-on-the-beach experience, run by kind, respectful people. The bungalows are comfortable and have the basics, with daily cleaning by respectful staff. It’s an island surrounded by nature, so the place is simple and you might occasionally have animal or insect company. I liked hanging out at their restaurant-cafe and chatting now and then with other guests or the lovely people running it. Thanks to the staff and management. Go stay there if you can :)