Zanom Sunrise Beach Resort

The little island directly in front of Mali Resort was a great kayaking and snorkeling trip, one of the resort’s strongest points. Sunrise Beach was beautiful too, and the free kayak rental and very good breakfast were appreciated. But during our early February visit, Pattaya Beach by Akira Resort was calmer and better for swimming and relaxing. Sunrise Beach had strong waves that made playing in the water less suitable. We spent five nights at Akira Lipe Resort and three at Mali Sunrise Beach Resort. Mali cost more, yet Akira was better in nearly every way, including cleanliness, pool condition, facilities, and how friendly the staff were. I honestly don’t understand the higher price. The bedding at Mali also wasn’t properly cared for. The outer cover looked clean, but underneath, the duvet was yellowed and visibly stained. The pool was the biggest concern. The water looked dirty to the naked eye. My husband and child swam, dove, and accidentally swallowed some of it, then both developed skin rashes and severe stomach problems. I didn’t swim and was completely fine. Since they had the same symptoms, I strongly suspect the pool hygiene needs urgent improvement. Some restaurant staff were warm and kind, but most others, including reception, seemed tired and expressionless. For the price, I don’t think Mali Resort offers good value and wouldn’t recommend it. With the same budget, I’d strongly suggest Akira.

Borrowing kayaks and snorkelling gear for free made it easy to get out and have fun. The pool was gorgeous, clean, and had little islands and spots to sit. The place was fully booked while we were there, but still felt relaxed, with palm trees right by the beach. The staff were always smiling and helpful, and we felt welcome from the moment we arrived. We also really enjoyed the restaurant, from breakfast to Thai food and Western dishes. The burgers and Thai meals were big favourites with our family.

We were satisfied in every way, and Mali Resort is one of the best places to stay on Lipe Island. It has a calm, well-organized atmosphere, and the children’s pool is a nice thing to have for families. There may not seem to be many accommodation options for an island this size, but I think the number of hotels is enough. It is a bit pricey, though.

After three days at Wapi Resort, we spent one night at Mali and had a very different experience from many of the negative reviews. The pool was amazing, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We got a really delicious welcome drink, and breakfast the next morning was fantastic. It’s pricey and not perfect, but if I’d had the money, I would have stayed longer.