If you are looking for a sanitised, manicured resort, free from jungle wildlife and with all mod cons, read no further as the Narima is probably not for you. If, however, you are looking for a unique, friendly resort with a "real" feel and in a beautiful location I would heartily recommend the Narima. We stayed 7 nights with our nearly 3 year old son and we all loved it. It is a bit secluded, but that's what we wanted. There were basic shops, the odd bar and cheap restaurant along the road within walking distance but we didn't feel the need to venture out often (contrary to our usually adventurous spirit). The food at the Narima was very good with a fairly broad menu; Thai food was particularly good. The staff in the large open restaurant area were fantastic, and kept our highly excited young son (and a few friends he met there) well entertained. The restaurant area is great for lounging, chatting and passing the day (as we did on the one day it rained). Some of the wooden furniture is very rustic, made from old tree trunks (and a little dusty). If you need mod cons there's wireless internet, internet computers and mobile reception. The infinity pool is not huge but adequately big and has a great view overlooking the sea, especially at sunset. Also there's a jacuzzi and childs pool. The small beach is "natural" and we also loved this. It is very tranquil with sandy areas and rock pools teeming with sea life to keep children amused. It is easy to walk out on the sandy areas through the rocks to deeper (but mostly calm) water for swimming, once you figure it out. Snorkeling around the rocks off the beach was OK, plenty of fish but visibility was not fantastic when I tried (you'd be better off on a boat trip).There's plenty of shade around the beach from trees and the beach bar seating areas (also with unusal rustic wooden furniture) . Didn't use the beach bar much as, when we were there, it was only open in the evenings and with a young child you have to retire early. Bungalows are basic but are fairly well equiped (incl. a/c and fridge) and furnished, clean and reasonably spacious and have large balconies with seats and a hammock for viewing the awesome sunsets. Would have prefferred if the bathroom wasn't open to the outside (and mosquitos) but it's a minor niggle. We stayed in a front row bungalow and would recommend this. The bungalows further back might be a bit more gloomy given they are located in fairly dense "jungle" vegetation. You are likely to encounter plenty of jungle wildlife as you make your way along the paths to the bungalows in the evening, but its all harmless. We walked 10 minutes up the road (north) towards the next beach (beautiful) and encountered a troop of monkeys. Recommend you stop at the small bar on the cliff top (with sign "Have a Brake") for a drink and fabulous views. There are elephants for trekking (we didn't try it) just a short walk to the south of Narima. Best of all was the diving. I completed my PADI open water course and the staff at Narima Diving and the associated Scubafish (at the Baan Lanta Resort 5 mins drive to south) were great. So a big thanks to Yodchai and Nopawan and their staff for looking after us during a lovely relaxing stay.
