LANTA

As a professionally managed resort, Lanta Casuarina is, perhaps surprisingly, in the minority in Koh Lanta. This is not to say that other resorts mentioned in these reviews are mismanaged, but that those international travellers who expect a certain standard of service and accommodation will not necessarily find it in the majority of local, family-run bungalow set-ups. Here, however, staff are courteous, discreet and proficient.

With 65 rooms, Lanta Casuarina is large enough to offer the standard 3 star facilities, but small enough not to feel impersonal or lacking in character. The traditional Thai roofed buildings laid out around immaculately manicured lawns give a sense of calm and peace, that is enhanced by the large beachfront swimming pool whose infinity edge meets the blue horizon of the sea in the distance.

The L-shaped hotel building at the back of the resort (or at the front if entering from the road) houses the majority of the rooms. These are further subdivided according to their location - sea view rooms (double and twin) at the front and the standard category, with garden or park view (twin only, beds can be pushed together) at the back. In all other respects the rooms are identical, decorated in a contemporary Thai style, with wooden furniture and cotton / silk fabrics. Each has a balcony, plus air con, fridge, satellite TV, personal safe, IDD telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and hot water shower (no bathtub).

A new block of rooms (2010) houses some family accommodation, each with two double beds. The Family room is slightly larger than the Superior room and also has a daybed so in theory can sleep up to 5 people. In decor, they are similar to the other rooms in the hotel block.

A further 12 villas are located towards the front of the resort, near the beach. These are rather luxurious, with high vaulted wooden ceilings and high quality furniture and fittings. As well as the facilities of the hotel rooms, they also offer a bathtub, bathrobes and slippers and - oddly - a weighing scale. A lot of attention has been paid to lighting, which makes the rooms feel cosy and ideal for honeymoon couples.

The villas have recently been split into 2 categories, following guests' complaints that they were not all "beachfront". Two - directly on the sand - remain in this category; the others, some 10 - 50m behind are now simply called "villas", even though they have a partial sea view from the terrace.

The indoor Ruen Thai restaurant serves Thai and western cuisine, as well as seafood; there is also a beach bar and room service available. Lanta Casuarina offers a conference facilities, tour service, laundry, high-speed internet access (in the lobby), car rental, Thai massage and cookery classes. There is on-site car parking, as well as 24 hour reception and security.