Mandarava Resort & Spa

We stayed her for a four-night cruise extension, and chose Mandarava resort for its peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort. We were not disappointed: beautiful small buildings each housing around four elegant,spacious and comfortable rooms, set in huge landscaped tropical gardens, with multiple swimming pools dotted around. Reception and the restaurant were housed in separate open-air buildings, to which you walked although bear in mind in some cases the distances are quite considerable, and when it rains (which it did frequently and very heavily in early December) you can get very wet indeed although umbrellas are provided in each room. The frequent downpours do massively increase both humidity levels and mosquito numbers in the dining building, so don't forget your insect repellent. It's worth noting that if you have any mobility issues, getting around the various levels of this hillside resort can be challenging, so asking for a room on the same level and close to the restaurant might be a good idea. There are however golf-carts to ferry guests around if you ask - nothing is too much trouble here, and the Reception team is outstanding. A regular shuttle service into the main resort is also provided free of charge - it's a ten-fifteen minute ride, or a thirty to forty minute walk, but again the terrain is hilly close to the resort. The restaurant food service is amazing, with special themed evenings where stunning, freshly-cooked food is served up by smiling, helpful chefs and waiting staff who all seem genuinely concerned to know you are happy with your food. We found everything faultless, although there can be quite a crush at breakfast at several pinch-points in the restaurant layout - my tip is to go in early and beat the 9am rush. Cost-wise, it's what you'd expect to pay in a top-end resort hotel. If you want cheap, you'd be better off elsewhere. We felt Karon Beach resort itself lacks character and, apart of course from the stunning beach and clear blue ocean, has nothing else remarkable about it. There seems to be endless massage parlours, excursion vendors and shops selling mass-produced beach gear, rather tacky souvenirs and clothing, although there is an interesting temple towards the back of the town and just around the corner from there we found a very nice, spotlessly clean, small restaurant called Karon Smile, with obliging staff and excellent food at reasonable prices served in air-conditioned premises. Overall we would return to the hotel because of the exceptional service, but would probably look for a resort which has rather more Thai authenticity.

We stayed here for 5 nights having booked direct with the hotel and as part of a combo package with the sister hotel in Khao Lak. Arrival was slick and a nice welcome whit small drink, we were then transported to our room via the hotel shuttle bus service. The room was excellent and luxurious- almost a suite in size (We stayed in a Coral Grand room) the room was at the top of the hill and whilst the walk down to the breakfast room was fine, the slog up the hill was a real effort during the day. Breakfasts were buffet style and were excellent. Pools were well kept and there was a bar at each pool. We ate out in the evenings in local restaurants most evenings but ate in the hotels a la carte one evening (Again as part of our combo package) and this was a lovely meal, very well presented and excellent service. When eating out of the hotel we generally walked out and back but the hotels transport was always on hand to return us from the reception to the room, which was very helpful! I would return again but if you have any mobility issues this is probably not the hotel for you!

First thing at check in you are greeted with a friendly genuine smile and welcome. Seated in a comfy chair and everything is done so you're comfortable. We were offered an upgrade and asked if we could view first and off we went on a tour of the grounds and our different options. Well the landscape and setup are stunning as are the views. 5 different pools to choose from, all beautiful with infinity edges and waterfalls. We chose a room with a rear deck with direct pool access and a front balcony with sea views, what can I say " spectacular ".