The hotel is a slow-paced, idyllic sanctuary, spread across 54 acres of tropical landscape. The relaxed lobby is outfitted with traditional dark teak accents and contemporary wicker furniture alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a view of a quaint wooden walkways that stretch over a pond. Like any tropical resort worth its salt, the Crown Lanta offers plenty of ways to unwind, including two pools, one of which has a swim-up bar, and spa services are available in a number of locations throughout the resort. Guests are often treated to traditional Thai dance performances when dining at the hotel's Cliff Restaurant, and the beachfront Reggae bar, which features waterfront cabanas and tree-house seating, is a vibrant evening destination for live music. This is a hotel is frequented mostly by couples seeking seclusion and romance, but families make their way here as well.

The Crown Lanta Resort and Spa is perched on a steep hillside in the northwest corner of Koh Lanta. Klong Dao Beach is nicer than the hotel's own private beach and has a a vibrant selection of shops, seafood restaurants, and bars -- it's a five-minute walk from the hotel. Guests are a seven-minute drive from Koh Lanta’s main ferry port in the buzzing little hub of Saladan town. The hotel's steep hillside location can be tough for some guests to navigate, and a free buggy service ferries guests around the expansive grounds, making things a bit easier. Krabi Airport is 90 to 120 minutes away by a combination of ferry and overland transport, while Phuket International Airport is significantly further and can take up to four hours to reach.

Rooms and villas come in a variety of configurations ranging from the fairly standard to the more elaborate, but each has modern Thai style and a bright motif that gives them a fresh -- if somewhat straightforward -- appeal. All are spacious, with the smallest -- Gazebo Deluxe Rooms -- starting at 50 square meters (538 square feet). Decor includes mid-tone wood laminate floors and contemporary furniture with clean lines. There is generic abstract art on the walls in most Deluxe Rooms, and soft colors appear in the soft furnishings to offset the otherwise neutral motif. The overall ambience is warm, featuring laze-about day beds and large terraces or balconies with fans. Views vary -- some look onto the pool or grounds, while others offer great sea vistas. Bathrooms are smart and contemporary, with lower-level bookings sporting walk-in rainfall showers and high-end villas offering jetted spa baths with Andaman views. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, digital music players, and minibars. Villas offer a step up in decor and space, with glazed concrete providing a muted dose of urban-chic style along with more vibrant artwork on the walls -- some villas have private plunge pools. 

The hotel features a private beach, though it's a bit rocky and nearby Klong Dao beach is nicer for swimming. There are an abundance of vantage points throughout the property for sunset views over the Andaman Sea, including two pools, one of which has a swim-up bar. Guests are treated to a welcome drink, and the hotel's friendly hospitality continues in a multitude of thoughtful guest services, from a free buggy service around the resort's expansive estate, to a wine and cocktail hour, daily turn down service, and free breakfast at the hotel's Peak Restaurant every morning. The poolside Cliff Restaurant features Thai dance performances regularly, and the beachfront Reggae Bar hosts live music of an evening, though reviews for food across all venues are mixed. There's an extensive spa menu and a fitness center as well. This is a popular destination for weddings and events, with specialized packages, a theater, and several conference rooms available on-site. The resort runs free shuttle services to and from Saladan town. Airport transfers and same-day laundry service are both available for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel and free parking is available on site.