After spending 3 weeks travelling through China and Thailand we spent 5 nights at the Layana resort to recover. We could not have chosen a better place.

Because of a delayed flight and problems with the ferries/tides we did not arrive at the resort until 1.15 a.m. We were taken straight to our room and advised to check in the following morning.

Our room (garden pavillion) was spacious and beautifully furnished with an extremely comfortable bed. The bathroom was large and well equipped. Bed linen was changed daily and the bathroom was cleaned and towels replaced once again at the evening turn down. There was no shortage of bottled water.

The grounds were well maintained and the pool and dining areas were all very clean. Iced water was served to everyone round the pool and on the beach and replenished regularly and plates of fruit also appeared.

At breakfast the buffet was enjoyable especially when it was possible to sit outside overlooking the beach and sea. A new and improved dinner menu was in the process of being sampled and evaluated. There were also themed food evenings which were interesting and enjoyable. There was an all day menu of snacks or light meals and dinner was served from 7.00 p.m. Between 6 and 7 p.m. the drinks were half price.

Because of the weather in low season some of the on-site activities were not available but we hired bikes from the resort (A1 quality) and explored the island.

At all times the staff everywhere were pleasant, helpful and friendly and well supervised. There was constant attention to detail from Bob, Margie and Michael who were available and around the resort throughout the day. On our departure we were once again met by the resort rep. at Krabi airport who organised our check in.

The smooth running and excellent standard of the resort meant that we had a memorable stay at Layana.

5 star resort, 6 star service! The staffs are friendly, attentive and cheerful. Sunset cruise is really nice. The rooms are spacious and clean.

This was our second time at Layana and it is just such a wondeful, magical place! Our welcome back from Bob & Margie & Michael and all the beautiful staff was fabulous!

Bob & Margie have a real attention to detail, they are warm, professional and are very hands on.

The rooms, resort, restaurant etc are great as described in many of the reviews. I love the pool, a perfect temperature and size with beautiful views. Plus iced towels, water and fruit are brought round the pool & beach area just as you need them - wonderful! (note, beach towels are provided).

We did a few of the trips. Snorkling at Phi Phi was fantastic but the Island had gone very busy - we last stayed there 10 years ago and it had changed a lot. Koh Lanta is much nicer, as long as you like a peaceful, calm, friendly Island. We also did a great Eco trip through the mangroves in a long tailed boat and hired a car for a day and had a scoot round. The locals were all so friendly and we did not see any one begging or on the make.

I made the effort a couple of mornings and braved the aerobics at 7.30am - good fun but do ensure you book the day before.

The restaurant at the hotel is lovely and there is an excellent variety of food but we also got out to the beach shacks and to Lanta Seafood in Saladan (good food).

15 months ago we met 2 great couples, Steph & Ralph & Else & Ollo. This time we met another 2 great couples, Debbie & Don & Hilary & Sam. We are not normally ones for meeting people on holiday but Layana attracts lovely, like minded travellers from all over the globe!

We are missing Layana already and hope to be back in the future!

Diane and Bob

Generally we are difficult customers to please when it comes to hotel accommodation but I can say that without any hesitation the Layana resort exceeded all of our expectations on all levels. The resort itself is small, intimate and perfectly formed. The pool area and beach are perfect. The staff in all circumstances provided the highest and most sincere level of support and service. All excursions and activities including hiring mopeds and diving etc is all taken care of seamlessly by the staff and is charged to the room. This really is a cashless resort. Transfers are excellent and very reasonably priced and the restaurant, albeit the only one on the resort was very pleasant - good quality and variety of food and ambience. If you are a couple looking for a relaxing and pampered stay on a relatively undeveloped Thai island, then I would have no hesitation in recommending Layana as a perfect solution.