Nora Buri Resort & Spa's high-ceilinged, pavilion-style lobby -- filled with plenty of cushioned wooden chairs for guests to lounge on while waiting for taxis and free shuttles into town -- sets the stage for a breezy and relaxed tropical resort. Its lush, manicured grounds run all the way down a hill to the ocean, and pathways can be steep, so golf carts are available to shuttle guests around the resort. A major road bisects the grounds, but a tunnel provides easy access between the upper and lower parts of the property. The two ocean-view infinity pools -- both with lounge chairs and bars (including a swim-up bar) -- attract guests to lounge all day long, but rarely feel overcrowded. The restaurants are spacious and airy and share the open-air pavilion style found in the lobby. Restaurants can get lively as the often cater to large groups of business travelers, wedding parties, and families. 

Nora Buri Resort & Spa's location is somewhat removed from the main action of Chaweng, and the immediate area feels quiet and somewhat isolated. Guests can rent scooters from the hotel, and a free shuttle makes the less than 10-minute drive into Chaweng multiple times a day. It is worth noting, though, that shuttle spaces are limited and times can be inconvenient, so many guests end up getting a cab. The airport is a five-minute drive away. Parking at the resort is free. 

Rooms are modern and understated, with muted tones, walls of windows, and polished wood floors. Thai decor includes dark-wood furnishings and platform or four-poster beds and some rooms have seating areas. Bathrooms are spacious, if spartan, with tiled floors, soaking tubs, and walk-in rainfall showers, although some bathrooms show signs of water damage. Higher-tier villas are more modern and luxurious, with more recently renovated bathrooms and perks like coffeemakers and outdoor showers. All rooms and villas have private patios with seating areas; lower categories look out on the lush grounds while higher-tier rooms have views of the water. Pool Villas also have private pools and lounge chairs; the beachside ones have unobstructed sea views. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, slippers, sandals, and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is free. 

Nora Buri Resort & Spa not only has two infinity pools overlooking the ocean, each with its own poolside bar and plenty of lounge chairs, but also has a small private (albeit pebbly and hard to walk on) beach. There are also three restaurants and a lobby bar. The Manora serves an included buffet breakfast and a la carte international food throughout the day. The Barge serves a la carte and buffet lunches and dinners and offers nightly entertainment that's popular with families, and the Rice Barge & Terrace serves Thai specialties on the waterfront. The hotel also has a modern fitness center, spa, library, computers with internet for guests' use, free Wi-Fi, and on-site water sports such as kayaking.