The Layana Resort & Spa is consistently voted among the best hotels in Thailand and it was no wonder that I was really pleased and excited to spend a couple nights in this little gem on my Thailand trip in 2017. Talking to other guests we all wondered why the resort is not called a retreat. It is such a peaceful and rejuvenating place that the addition of the word retreat wouldn’t be misplaced. If you Google ‘Thailand adults only resorts’, the Layana Koh Lanta will come up first and after experiencing this top-notch luxurious retreat I can understand that this place ranks number 1 in many lists. I was happy I was able to included this resort in my Thailand itinerary!
May you wonder why I wrote almost 50 different Thailand travel blogs it is because I have lived, partied and backpacked and traveled around for almost 1 year in the Land of Smiles. Need a packing list for Thailand? Click on the link to see what to bring.
Location Layana
The Layana Resort & Spa is located on Koh Lanta an island in the South of the Krabi Province. Located on the longest and most popular beach on Koh Lanta, Layana Resort has a prime location. It has its own private stretch of sandy beach accessible for hotel guests only and well looked after by multiple security staff. From the beach you can walk to nearby beach bars and nightlife can be found within only a couple minutes walk on the beach. Koh Lanta is a popular destination for tourists island hopping in Thailand.
I always tell people that a trip to Thailand can never go wrong! The vibe, the people, the nature, the beaches... all perfect holiday ingredients. I am sure you would have a lot of fun. If you are looking for Thailand travel tips, I made a list of the 62 most important things to know.
How to get to Koh Lanta
Get your tickets online! Reserve boat, taxi, mini vans, bus and mini van seats through the search engine of 12Go Asia! Even domestic flights in Thailand can be found the cheapest through 12Go Asia. Try it yourself below.
Check in Layana Resort
On arrival I was greeted wit a huge smile and welcomed with a necklace made out of fresh flowers. With a buggy I was escorted to the beach where the check in was preformed and welcome drinks were served. The very attentive staff took care of my luggage while a welcome representative explained everything about the resort. This is a typical way of being greeted in a hotel that you will mostly encounter everywhere in luxury hotels when you travel to Thailand.
Rooms Layana Resort Koh Lanta
Layana houses a collection of pavilion rooms, suites and villas all surrounded by lush green gardens. Exclusive private villas are located right on the beach and have fabulous sunset views. My minimalistic style room with private balcony was spotless and came with all the amenities you can expect from such a luxurious resort, including a wine-cooler, complimentary mini-bar, Nespresso machine and daily fresh fruit service. No wonder this place has been voted among the best resorts in Thailand and Asia.
Facilities Layana Resort Koh Lanta
The hotel has a travel desk for tailored trips around Koh Lanta and its surrounding islands. There is also a dive center where guest can book scuba diving trips as well as sailing trips, water sports activities and fishing trips. Layana Resort Koh Lanta also offers a complimentary mountainbike service for its guests to explore the island. Koh Lanta is a very laid-back island and perfect to explore on a motorbike as roads are not too busy. If you decide to rent a motorbike in Thailand check out my tips in the link to make sure you won't get scammed. Fan of exploring Thailand then for sure read my island hopping Thailand Guide.
The Linger Longer Spa
The Linger Longer Spa is a Condé Nast Johansens 2016 Award wining spa where pampering guests is prime business. Upon entering I was presented a wide range of aromas to choose from and a form where I could fill out my preferences and the type of massage. After a 90-minute spa treatment I was directed to a designated relax room to slowly acclimatise to normal life with a plate of fresh fruits and ginger tea. Rejuvenating and fabulous experience!
Welness Zone
The Spa has six treatment rooms plus a Salt Spa, a salt inhalation room and an outdoor Jacuzzi, but that is not it. On top of all that the Wellness Zone also houses an outdoor Olympic sized salt-water pool, a Yoga Sala, a fresh juice bar and a high-tech gym. I was a big fan of the gym as it was bigger than any other hotel gym I had seen so far. The ginger, spinach and avocado smoothie was a perfect blend to regain some energy during an intense workout. Looking to relax in one of the best resorts in Thailand then check out all the places I have reviewed for you.
Swimming pools
The Welness Zone is tucked away in and between palm trees at the end of a massive green lawn and is a designated silent zone. For a more scenic splash there is a infinity pool with unbeatable ocean views plus a separate Jacuzzi to chill in with a drink in your hand.
Restaurants Layana Resort and Spa Koh Lanta
Do not miss breakfast with all the healthy options like smoothies, juices, homemade granola, fresh fish, etc. The serene setting at the beach pavilion restaurant is the perfect start to your day. Of course I liked to set up a table to create a killer shot.
Dining on the beach is an option at the formal Tides restaurant, which serves an array of international and Thai dishes. Choose to sit outside to enjoy the sea breeze or an air-conditioned spot inside. The beach bar is definitely recommended at sunset, not only for the splendid sunset views right in front of the resort but also for the happy hour when prices drop 50% and a cocktail only cost around $3-4. More sunset spots around Thailand on my Thailand page.
How to get to Layana Resort
From Bangkok there are direct flights to Krabi that cost only about $40 - $80 one way and take about 2 hours. For recommendation on what to do in Bangkok, click on the link and discover the best rooftop bars. Where to stay? I reviewed the best luxury hotels in Bangkok for you. Arriving on Krabi airport you will be welcomed by a representative from the hotel. From there it is only a 45-minute drive and a 20-minute speedboat trip straight to the resort. So from the moment you arrive at the airport your luxury getaway will start. There is also public transportation available from Krabi airport to the island. There are minivans that take you directly to the resort for $6, though this is of course shared transportation and takes around 2 hour and includes a public ferry ride.
Best Thailand Hotel deals
Wonder where to find the best deals for Thailand hotels? Agoda is the largest hotel booking website in Asia and compares prices for Booking and other hotel search engines and gives you the best deals possible!
Review Layana Resort & Spa
If you are looking to celebrate your holiday in style then the Layana Koh Lanta is your place to be. The lush green gardens, their Wellness Zone, multiple pools, outdoor Jacuzzi, swiping sunset views, a high-class restaurant, a beach club and a private stretch of white sandy beach are all designed to make the world revolve around you. With all these fantastic facilities I would like to call Layana Resort one of the best hotels in Thailand and the no.1 ‘Thailand Adult Only Hotel’ for sure.
I have already sent so many people on a trip to Thailand and it is always a winner. Everyone has always thanked me for bringing them to the land of smiles. Over the years I collected more than 40 stamps of Thailand in my passport and I can give you every Thailand itinerary you want. As I have explored them all myself I know exactly which island in Thailand to go for luxury, for scuba diving, for party or for relaxing. Just drop me a line...
If your budget is not this big than no worries, in Thailand luxury is affordable. A couple miles north you can find the romantic sunset villas of Crown Lanta. If you are also heading towards Ao Nang then you should definitely check out my reviews of Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort and Alisea Boutique Hotel. In Phuket I can recommend Samsara Phuket, the same villa Rihanna stayed in as well and the amazing private pool villas in Phuket: Sri Panwa.