Avani+ Khao Lak Resort

I’m going to miss the sunsets at the beach bar, especially the lovely happy hour. Thanks so much for an incredible stay! We were travelling with a baby and a toddler, so I was a bit apprehensive. This wasn’t our first-choice hotel, since several others were fully booked, but we had a fantastic time. The resort is a great size, compact but cleverly arranged and gorgeous to walk around. At nap time it’s hilarious to watch all the dads doing their nap laps. There’s loads to keep kids of all ages busy: several pools, a splash pad, a kids club indoors, outdoors, and on the beach, plus the beach itself. The staff are genuinely friendly and always trying to help. It’s a 15-20 minute drive out of town, but there are several great local restaurants a very short walk along the beach, so you don’t have to go far. The hotel also runs a shuttle to the night market. The hotel restaurants are all excellent, though about twice the price of a local place. That felt reasonable for what you get, and we ate at both.

There was so much to do during our four nights, and we’d absolutely come back. I stayed with my parents, my husband, and our two-year-old. We loved the kids’ pool and the different ice cream shops, and the beach was stunning. Our room’s private pool was wonderful, too. My mom and I both got massages, the best we’ve ever had. This is easily the most family-friendly hotel we’ve stayed at.

There are countless activities and attractions for kids and adults, yet the atmosphere still feels calm and relaxing. It’s a great place to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time together, especially for families. We had a wonderful stay. The cleanliness was outstanding, and our villa was maintained to the highest standard. Everything felt cared for and thoughtfully managed. Highly recommended.

The food service could be better. The options felt quite limited, and the dining rules were strict enough to make meals less enjoyable than we expected. A broader menu and more flexibility would improve the experience. Management could look to Barcelo Coconut for ideas on offering more variety and flexibility while keeping quality. With a few changes here, this could be an even more outstanding place. We had a wonderful stay otherwise. The room was spotless and comfortable, with a breathtaking ocean view, and the beach was beautiful and relaxing. Special thanks to Bella, Rafael, and Meen at the beach bar. They were friendly, fun, and welcoming, and their service and energy really added to the resort’s atmosphere.