Overview: Beyond is a newly launched brand under the umbrella of the Kata Group. The first Beyond property was opened in Krabi, while this second opening, Beyond Resort Khaolak, aims to revitalize a beautiful beach destroyed by the tsunami in 2004. The property has a wholesome design with natural colors and materials throughout: ochre walls, wood floors and rattan furniture. There are 153 Palm villas (64 sq meters) and five pool villas (114-137 sq meters).

Food and drinks: Apart from the all-day dining (@Beyond café) and beach bar and barbeque, there’s a proper restaurant that’s only open for dinner, @Siam, which focuses on traditional Southern cuisine.

Spa and facilities: The spa located right opposite to @Siam restaurant offers four spa treatment rooms, a gym and yoga room open from 10:30am-9pm. Five connected pools are on the beach side surrounded by numerous daybed. There’s also bicycle rental if you fancy exploring the neighboring area.

Good: The poolside sea view is pretty charming, for those of you who don’t mind getting a tan. At night, the pool bar even has a proper DJ spinning club hits for a beach party that doesn’t feel too sleazy like Phangna or Samui.
Bad: Having visited in the summer, we can’t wait for those newly-planted trees to grow—it can get crazy hot. Also, the “Palm villas” are packed together so tightly as to really stretch the definition of a villa to a new low.

Rates: Palm villas start from B2,400 and pool villas are from B17,000-25,000.
Vasachol Quadri