Boutique Island

Ko Lanta's beaches are relatively pristine despite the fact that they are all riddled with bungalows, guesthouses, resorts, and hotels. One of the best things to do on Lanta is to sit on Phra Ae Beach sipping a fruit juice cocktail at dusk. The Tides beachside bar at Layana Resort and Spa (North Phra Ae Beach) serve delightful sundowner cocktails in either pineapple or coconut (pricey at around B280/US but well worth it!).

Ko Lanta Yai (the larger of the two Lanta islands) spans only about 26km, so it is possible to drive up and down the entire island within a day (motorcycle rentals are about B150/US per day; car rentals start from B1,000/US per day). While the roads are in poor condition, the scenery is breathtaking. Spend some time at every one of the island’s gorgeous beaches, stop by the Tham Seur Cave, explore the National Marine Park at the southern end, visit the lighthouse, and gaze upon the colorful Chao Ley(sea gypsies) fishing boats.

Other enjoyable activities include sea kayaking, diving/snorkeling, boat trips to surrounding islands to explore coral reefs and caves, and mountain biking or hiking the forests.

Quick Tips:

2. If walking on the roads, riding in a motorcycle sidecar, or on your own bike, don't wear your "Sunday best," as many of the roads are not paved and you'll find yourself covered in red dust.

3. If on a motorcycle, wear a helmet! Gigantic potholes are everywhere and often creep up on you.

4. Avoid dehydration — always carry water with you.

5. If you have a camera and/or other electronic equipment you wish to carry with you, purchase a dry bag — available in Ban Saladan (Ko Lanta Yai's main town at the northern end of the island).

6. Be sure to change enough money before arriving, as there is only one bank/money changer on the island in Ban Saladan and hotels and guesthouses will charge higher rates.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a motorcycle or car (preferably something along the lines of a jeep), as taxis are few and fares are high.

This is the newest luxury boutique resort on Ko Lanta Yai. Located on the northern part of Phra Ae Beach, Layana offers different levels of accommodations, from garden pavilions to ocean-view deluxe villas. Nothing is overlooked — it is private, with extravagant views, superior service, and exquisite decor.

The philosophy at Layana is that "the world revolves around you." Few places of this caliber can boast a personalized approach and opportunity for the guests to make acquaintance with the owners, Bob and Margie Guthrie, the idealists behind this paradise. The name, Layana — its origins in ancient Sanskrit — infers a cessation of time, a place where time is suspended, an interlude or resting place. The name befits the experience itself. Whilst sitting on the deck at the restaurant looking out onto the ocean — even though the tide keeps rolling in and back out — for just a moment, it’s as though time stands still.

The pride and joy of Layana is the aesthetics of its landscaping. From the reception area, one has an unambiguous vista of the tranquil infinity pool, which closes the divide between land and sea, becoming one with the ocean in the horizon. From the beach side, two Chao Ley (sea gypsies) sculptures kneel on either side of the pool to watch over the breaking tide. These characters embody the spirit of real-life sea gypsies, as they are watchers of the sea and hold cautionary red flags when conditions are unsafe.

Each of the villas in this resort have open pavilions, some with second-story sala-style lounges that look out over striking scenery — clear blue skies during the day over a glistening ocean and majestic starry nights when the moon casts a mellow glow on the sea. Sundowners (try the Layana Special) at the aptly named Tides Bar and Restaurant (served in coconuts and pineapples) are sheer indulgence.

Even after the tsunami, the Layana Resort and Spa remains operational, with minor damage to the swimming pool and beachside restaurant. Repairs are to be completed by the end of February.