Ao Prao Resort

Tiered down a hillside, Ao Prao Resort is set on a tranquil white-sand beach, away from the maddening crowds of some of the island’s other areas. As such, there is not a lot within walking distance of the property, but guests wishing to venture out can do so by taxi. Check-in takes place at the spacious, open-air lobby complete with hanging spiral-shaped lamps, unusually shaped seats, and aqua armchairs and sofas. The muted hues of the lobby continue throughout the property, along with splashes of vibrant color and etchings of the morning glory flower -- the resort’s signature motif. Interiors are largely contemporary and incorporate some traditional Thai style such as bamboo headboards and gold-leaf artwork. Designed to blend into its tropical environment, the resort offers a tranquil getaway for couples and families wanting a quiet beach escape. 

As its name implies, the resort is set on Ao Prao beach in a small bay on the secluded northwestern coast of the tropical island of Koh Samet. It's a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok and a 30-minute boat ride from the Seree Ban Phe pier in Rayong. Meanwhile, the Don Mueang Airport is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the pier, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport can be reached in two-and-a-half hours by car. While the resort shares the beach with two other properties, it is not within easy walking distance of many restaurants or bars. The main area around Koh Samet beach, filled with several restaurants, bars, and shops, is a 10-minute drive or 25- to 30-minute walk away. The resort can organize taxis and airport transfers.

Nestled into hillside flora, the 58 rooms, suites, and cottages have been inspired by traditional Thai aesthetic, and feature furnished wooden terraces overlooking the gardens or ocean. Varying slightly, rooms generally feature wooden furniture, floors, and paneling, accented by deep-red or white walls, and green or red throw pillows and bed runners. Some rooms have more elegant white and tan color palettes, and/or feature lofty vaulted ceilings, gold-accented art work, and the resort’s signature morning glory flowers etched onto surfaces. Quality amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and electronic safes. Meanwhile, bathrooms come with walk-in showers, bathrobes, slippers hairdryers, and toiletries. 

Perched on a slope, the Deluxe Hillside Rooms are up several flights of stairs and should not be considered by guests with mobility issues, while the Deluxe Cottages are near the resort’s amenities and the Beachfront Cottages are literally steps from the white sand. The spacious one-bedroom Horizon Suite Hillside and two-bedroom Sea View Suite offer separate living spaces and sitting areas, and bathrooms with bathtubs and walk-in showers. 

Nestled on a hillside, the Ao Prao Resort offers a palm-fringed white-sand beach and calm turquoise waters. A couple lounger line the sand, but more can be found on an adjacent raised terrace. At its back is an infinity-edge pool, offering gorgeous ocean vistas. The surrounding wooden deck has loungers and umbrellas, as well as a pool bar that serves drinks and snacks. The Breeze restaurant, which specializes in Thai, international, and seafood dishes, is composed of an octagon pavilion and a wooden veranda shaded by stately umbrella trees. Overlooking the beach and the ocean, the all-day restaurant serves free buffet breakfasts and barbecue spreads. A lobby bar is also on-site. 

The resort doesn't have a spa or gym, but guests can utilize the air-conditioned gym and Dhivarin Spa by the Sea at the neighboring Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa. A dive center on Ao Prao beach offers PADI courses, and a variety of water sports like kayaking and snorkeling can be arranged. The resort holds regular live music events and fire dance shows. There is also a small store in the lobby selling snacks, games, and beachwear. 

A function space can accommodate up to 80 people and Wi-Fi is free across the property.