We were very unhappy when we first arrived at Narima as we were kept waiting quite long for checkin, while being really hot and tired from the journey there. Then we discovered that our very expensive A-row bungalow was right next to the pool (quite a few kiddies around) and afforded no peace or privacy.

The woman at reception was incredibly unfriendly and bolchy, but the owner herself was nice on the rare occasion she was around. She arranged for us to move to a quieter bungalow the next day, which was much better.

What I can say is that the setting is superb. Yes, quite removed, but we loved it. The beach is very pretty, especially at sunset. We enjoyed the bar, and the restaurant was also excellent, with their Thai options being quite reasonably priced.

The dive centre at Narima is top-notch too.

Although we did have an issue with our booking (I made 2 separate bookings, one for me and my partner and 1 for another couple, the hotel thought I had double booked and only had 1 room reserved, they were VERY apologetic and nice about it) the female owner was svery helpful and sweet. The hotel was what we wanted, away from hustle and bustle, up a mountain, enclosed within a private bay/beach, quiet and beautiful. we stayed in bungalow B3. The main building is a large timber strucure encompasing the rtestaurant, reception and dive centre overlooking the infinity pool and beach bar. The bungalows are set back in the cliff and are accessed by concrete pathways that curve through the wildderness. we saw lots of wildlife but didnt manage to see the monkeys that live near C11. The restaurant was pricey compared to local restaurants so we ventured out instead. The funky beach bar was great though. Rooms are great with a balcony and hammock, large room with fan and air-con and an open air bathroom (and hot shower), just make sure you close the bathroom door to keep bugs out of room. Overall, a great destination on a fabulous Island, couldnt go wrong here really.

I have to say it took us about 24 hours to get into the style of Narima as we had just come from a fantastic beach front resort on a perfect beach. We knew this one would be different, a little more natural setting. But after enjoying the wonderful hammock as the sun set, and having dinner at their beach bar, we were very comfortable here. Tom is the most amazing drink mixer, makes a mean 5-island. Fortunately, we had planned some activities during our 3 days here (scuba diving and elephant trek, massages) or we might have been disappointed with the beach and location. But it was a great location from which to enjoy these little trips.

Narimas...hmmm....not sure that I agree with the raving reviews writtten by some. Yes, the place is in a nice setting but there is not a lot to do in the area, as the beach is rocky and unattractive. Also, the swimming pool is used for diving lessons so not much peace round there or opportunity to exercise.

For a change we had booked accommodation in advance and settled for Narima as our "luxury" reward. What a disappointment! The food was poor - my first meal on arrival was a plate of oil laden, glutinous, turgid Thai fish cakes and things didn't get much better after that, which proved to be taxing as there are no decent alternative food eateries near to Narima.

Furthermore the staff - young girls and boys - were unsurprisingly unprofessional and the owner disinterested.
The dining room is soulless and not conducive to leisurely dining, the rooms are truly basic and as mentioned above the beach is lacking in beauty or functionality.

I have travelled the world many times over, stayed at many places of varying prices and as a result do not understand those who profess Narimas as a the Mecca of Koh Lanta. All I can say is that they need to widen their horizons as there is more to Thailand than Narimas