Forra Diving Resort - Sunrise Beach - Koh Lipe

We'd love to come back. The staff were polite and attentive everywhere, the Wi-Fi was strong, and the room was clean with good air conditioning and bathroom facilities. Nights were quiet apart from the little ocean waves, which is part of the appeal. Breakfast had eight or nine choices, plus juice, yoghurt, muesli, tea, coffee, and fruit at the buffet. The beach area was cleared and looked after each day. Our beachfront bungalow was excellent, about 20 meters from the Andaman Sea, and the location right on Sunrise Beach was one of the best.

The beach got a bit crowded during the day, but it was high season and all the rooms were booked, so that probably explains it. This was my third visit to Lipe and I still love it as much as the first time. Choosing this resort for the trip worked out really well. The view is just crazy good, and Lipe is beautiful as always. Our standard AC room was perfect, even though we didn't have many choices left when we booked. I'd like to try another room type next time. Breakfast had plenty of different choices, and we loved the cat at the resort too.

We ended up eating at the hotel most nights because getting to the busier part of the island wasn't always easy. The place felt more remote and cut off than we'd expected, with no convenient roads or paths. Walking farther down the beach for around ten minutes connects you to a smaller road, but tides can make that route awkward or impossible, especially when heading out for dinner. The food at Lipe Beach Resort was very tasty, high quality, generously portioned, and good value. The cocktails were strong and well made. Music from the bar played through the day and added to the island feel. We skipped the massage station because it sits right beside the restaurant and bar, where people eat and drink with music nearby. The steps up to the shacks, reception, restaurant, and bar were also quite steep. Our beachfront shack was lovely, with a spacious patio, hammock, table and chairs, and a water station at the bottom of the steps for rinsing sand off feet and shoes. Inside, the bed and pillows were comfortable and a good size, with a mosquito net that had a few holes. There was also a couch, fridge, and kettle. The large bathroom had a shower taking up almost half the space, with strong hot water, and it was great for rinsing off after the beach. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, cotton buds, and shower caps were complimentary. Wi-Fi and air conditioning were included, but both were temperamental. One night the air stayed cool only for a few minutes before turning hot, despite switching it on and off several times. Check-in was quick and smooth, and the attentive, friendly staff carried our bags and offered welcome drinks. We were dropped off on the beach less than a two-minute walk from the hotel. All in all, it was a relaxing, enjoyable stay.

There are no air conditioners, but the two fans were enough for us. The beach is very close, as is a small street full of local restaurants, and there's a 7-Eleven too. It's near the pier, with a ride there costing only 50 baht. If you're after somewhere unusual and different, book this resort. Sleeping upstairs is a good idea, and you might get a surprise with all the cats around. Highly recommended.