Layana...well what can I say that hasn't already been said?
It really isa great hotel on a fabulous beach on an awesome island, we will certainly be back.
For us this offers the best of both worlds and here's why:

We stayed in a standard room for 2 nights - great size, beautifully kept, perfectly clean, lovely bathroom. We then stayed in Beach Suite 3 (the one closest to the pool) for 11 nights. It was larger, lovely and symetrical in design, larger bathroom and outdoor shower - gorgeous. Larger terrace overlooking the beach. I would say that this room was 100% worth the extra money, if you can stay in a beach suite, do!

We had breakfast every day which was excellent, the omelettes and fruit were a particular favourite and the outlook is stunning.
We only had lunch twice (and not dinner) and each time whilst the service was a teeny bit slow the food and presentation was perfect, of a considerably higher standard than other places we visited, however, you do pay for the priviledge.

The reason this place is the best of both worlds is that the pool is devine and there's plenty of space. The beach is pristine and right next to the hotel, plenty of sunbeds - although some guests insist that they have to 'bag' their beds at the crack of dawn and not use them until later - very aggravating as there are plenty. And then the beach, ooh the beach! It is 3km long, we walked it every morning and at least once a day and it's wonderful.
Just along the beach are lots and lots of places to eat lunch or dinner which are super-cheap and super-value. We didn't eat in the hotel once as these places were so great and wonderfully relaxed. PLenty of bars with music, live fire dancers and great cocktails. For great atmosphere try the Funky Fish and the bar next door.

We also hired scooters (do it outside the hotel it's much cheaper) and went around the island., This is well worth doing, the more southern beaches are also fantastic and there are again, many many places to eat and drink on the sand or in the shade. Also have a drive towards Lanta Old Town on the eastern side of the island ti's completely different.

Saladan is fun too, again plenty of restaurants and even those that you might think are not special are incredible.

We also went on a fishing trip to some islands and had a great time, We caught a giant makeral (no we didn't know they existed either) and 4 tuna which when we got back was converted into the most incredible supper (we were with friends) even when the power went out on the island the chef kept on cooking! Incredible.

The hotel is very popular with the Germans, when we were there I would say 90% were Germans, and I'm sorry to say that they were the one's that bagged their sunbeds and then didnt use them for hours. I don't think the hotel can do much about this but it was slightly annoying. However, everyone was very friendly and the staff couldn't have been more helpful.

The arrival to Layana is superb too, well worth it when it can take 4-5 hours to drive to the island!

Go to Layana if you are thinking about it, it is a gem and really great value. We drove down to the Pimlai which looked amazing although I'm not sure I would like the very steep walk to my villa and down to the beach. Also, there;s not as much down near Pimlai if you want to eat out.

Our first visit to Layana was in November 2006, and we returned for 10 nights early February 2008 wondering if the holiday would live up to our substantial expectations. It did not - it exceeded them! There had been just a few improvements, such as the new dining room,but we could not expect anything major as the standard was already so high.
Only consider Layana if you want a holiday of total peace, pampering and tranquility.
We booked the Total Relaxation Package for a week and added a few extra nights - fantastic value.
Everyone, at every level of Management and staff , is there to look after you totally, and this they do in a pleasant and genuine manner.
It would, therefore, be unfair to single out any individuals, as they all play their part.
We retired over 12 months ago, and spend most of our time in South of France, and the journey was quite a trial, to say the least - but this was soon forgotten when we landed on the beach to the warmest of welcomes.
A future visit is certain.

My wife & I just spent 6 nights/7 days at Layana Resort. We had a standard garden villa located nearby to the pool area & beach. The room and bed was superb and the bathroom was large, separate shower and albeit a small bathtub, the privacy of one's own small garden behind the glassed in bath was a nice touch.
We suggest that you book a ground floor villa, close to the pool area and don't worry if you cannot get in to one of the beach front villas.
Their Spa staff were friendly and very competent.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful.
The pool area is combined with the bar and the restaurant, with a lounge adjacent. This was all decked in timber and led to the beach directly in front of the decking and pool.
There were lots of staff attending to everyone's needs at the pool and on the beach, including continuously topping up ones glasses of iced water.
We walked across the beach some nights to eat at other resaurants that whilst cheaper, the food was still great. Obviously not the same level of service and finesse, but meant that one does not need to eat in 3 meals a day, everyday.
We arranged a scooter with the hotel and spent a day cruising the Island, having dinner at the local Village (Saladan) and generally having heaps of fun.
Layana arrange all your day trips, diving etc.
We recommend that you use their boat to get from the Port to the Resort and thus bypass 2 ferries via road.
We can't wait to go back.
Beach was also amazing - no coral, stones or rocks to trip over.
Highly recommended.

Mannion - Derby England

Firstly let me apologise for the review being so late to arrive on the screen but hey what can one say about this place that hasn't already been said.

We arrived at the Layan (in the rain) after a very, very long journey but upon arrival in reception and to "friends we made there" (Tracey and Jason) saying enjoy, enjoy and that is excatly what we did.

Our room which was number 1010 was very large, clean and in an excellent position over looking very well kept gardens and very close to the pool. Every morning the pool boys (who could not do enough for you) put towels on the sun loungers (it was never crowded), brougt ice cold water and liked the occasional chat.

Whilst we were there the rugby was on and they let us have the conference room to watch it (2.00am in the morning). They also provded us with a big ice box with beer, wine and soft drinks - very nice. Luckily Bob and Margie were away on holiday as we might have got some stick off them (if you didn't know they are South Africans). It was a shame we did not get to meet them as we left the day they came back.

The food in the reasturant was excellent and as it rained most evenings (we imagined have a few meals on the beach) we ate there. The chef came out every evening and asked people if there meal was alright and did they enjoy it Whilst at the Layana it was my husbands birthday and we had a table overlooking the sea with "happy birthday" spelt out in shells on the table. They also brought him out a cake and sang to him which was a very nice touch. The staff thought it even nicer when he shared his cake between them all.

Michael never ceased to amaze everyone by always taking to people, asking if you were alright, did we need anything doing (all this before 7.30 in the morning) did he ever go to bed!!!!!

All the staff at the Layana were excellent from the gardeners, chambermaid girls, waiters, receptionist and the list goes on - keep up the good work

We did manage to get a trip up with the Layana team to Phi Phi which is what I have always wanted to do and if you get the chance go as it was amazing. The snorkelling with the fish was more than we could have ever imagined and when we arrive at the island you get a sense of well being and cannot imagine how the islanders must have felt with the tsunami, they just seem to pick themselves up and start again.

We made some good friens there so hi to Tracey and Jason how is the scuba diving going?

All in all if you want to think you are in paradise make sure you go but remeber one thing "don't tell everyone" we might not be able to get a room there next time.