Opened: November 2010

Overview: A retired engineer has revamped a 14-rai former SCG staff resort, creating a 16 room and villa complex nestled in a lush, decades-old garden. Featuring a prime location, Raya is one of the few high-end retreat options on Cha Am’s beachfront.

The décor: You won’t find any sleek contemporary lines here. Instead the emphasis is on preserving the vintage façade and ambience through the renovation of the existing twelve two-story wooden row-houses and four two-story villas. Inside, you’ll find reflections of bygone days in the warm green colors and wood details. Each room has a separate living room and balcony and comes with all modern conveniences. A large swimming pool is also available.

Food and drink: The beachfront Raya Restaurant and Seafood, which is also open for non-guests, serves up Western dishes by European-trained chef Susie Nilklad, as well as fresh seafood and hot and spicy Thai dishes.

The good: With a giant space and so few rooms, you do truly get privacy and a peaceful ambience. The row house rooms are comfy and have a nostalgic ambience. The pool villa is so big it can actually host a party of fifty. And thanks to Susie’s years living in Europe, the Western food is impressive, from mains to desserts, and really worth the money.

The bad: With a huge garden and tall trees between your room and the beach, there’s no sea view to be had. Finally, perhaps a reflection of the old school authenticity, the bathrooms in the row houses are too small and the hot water a little tepid. At these prices, we expect more comfort.

Rates: B5,500-25,000. Special 30% off rates till Nov 30. Rates are net and include breakfast for two people (or six people for the Pool Villa).