The Narima Bungalow Resort

Narima has it all! Infinity pool, private beach that you can swim in, comfortable beach lounge chairs with towels, and beach bar. We are all our meals here, which was inexpensive but delicious. We enjoyed many Thai dishes and fresh fried red snapper by the beach bar at night. Massages available on the property which was lovely. Reserve bungalow A for Oceanside views. Bungalow was so nice inside, stocked minibar, balcony with two chairs and hammock. Only negative is the firm beds which seem to be everywhere in Thailand and family friendly resort with many children. As a couple, it was no problem though, as we were able to get away peacefully on the beach. Would stay again in heartbeat! Resort is a little out of town which we liked because we wanted relaxation. We only left resort to walk 5 min to the local gas station for cheaper soda/snacks.

Heaven! We loved it so much last year that we had to return and were delighted to find that nothing has changed. It's not 5 star luxury in the way of high end chain hotels but the Narima beats them hands down In our eyes. We were greeted with genuine warmth and smiles and that set the tone for the holiday.....an overall feeling of peace and calm pervades; the beach with its laid back bar is just stunning; the pool area provides shady respite and tends to be where families with young children get together; the staff are all friendly and helpful though not at all intrusive. You can do as much or as little as you want...I recommend hiring a moped from the hotel and exploring the island, it really is beautiful, and traffic is nowhere near as hectic as in other parts of Asia. We pottered along empty roads through coconut and rubber trees, stopping as we fancied for fresh coconut water and to admire the views, particularly heading across to Lanta Old Town on the opposite coast. If you prefer organised excursions such as elephant treks or diving, these can be arranged at reception. I can't praise Koh Lanta and The Narima enough....we will be back.

First and foremost this is an amazing resort with stunning food, great beach (almost private) and brilliant staff! BUT...and this is a big consideration is that this is a FAMILY Resort. As such it seems to cater for the Dutch/German markets of famillies with babies and small toddlers. Whilst I dont mind kids the infinity pool and hot tub are almost always packed full of kids and their subsequent "singing". Breakfasts and Dinners on the beach are great but again only if you can cope with the ever present hordes of children. My partner and I loved our 1st row balcony bungalow as it was a positive oasis of calm and tranquility to watch the sea and the occasional monkey visitor! As I said I absolutely loved our time here as the staff let you run up a tab on everything, so money doesnot have to be thought about at all 2 points I have to make: 1) Get a front row bungalow as these are stunning otherwise you will end up lying in your hammock looking at the back of someone hut and their air-conditioning unit, tather than the waves, palm trees and the glorious sunsets. 2) Whatever you might have read ALL BUNGALOWS HAVE THEIR OWN BATHROOMS! Enjoy!