We have a pretty wide knowledge of destinations in Thailand, having been in the Land of Smiles five times already, but we hadn’t had the chance to explore the southern province of Krabi yet.
Finally we decided to give it a go and opted to stay at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa, a big structure located right in front of Ao Nang Beach, overlooking the renown Andaman Sea.
CENTARA AO NANG BEACH RESORT&SPA KRABI
The south of Thailand is known worldwide as a holiday destination thanks to its several kilometres of golden coastline, dream islands, and marine national parks.
People often refer to Krabi albeit the city itself doesn’t have a proper seaside. The charm of Krabi province is mostly due to its spectacular limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, plus over a hundred offshore islands.
The best beaches spread some km’s around, with the town of Ao Nang being the real hotspot within Krabi province.
From Ao Nang, longtail boats leave daily to reach the best islands and beaches around such as Koh Poda, Koh Phi Phi, and Railay Beach.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa sits in the very best spot, with the choice whether to stay put and enjoy the beachfront resort, or walk a few meters to catch a boat and join an island hopping tour.
The resort is about 30 km far from Krabi International Airport.
RECEPTION
A spacious open air reception welcomes guests to Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa Krabi, together with the many “swasdee ka” from the smiling staff. They let us sit on the sofas and serve us a refreshing lemongrass drink.
The resort is easily accessible. As a matter of fact there are two entrances: the main one from the road where minivans and taxis do their drop offs, and a secondary way directly from the beach, where guests can freely come and go on foot.
As we are taken to our room, we notice that the structure looks brand new and well kept. It is quite a big resort too, rooms extend over five main buildings, some facing one of the two pools, and some other the beach and sea as well.
BEDROOM
Our room is a Plunge Pool King Bedroom, we couldn’t be happier! We have our own pool on the terrace, which brings the total of swimming pools available to us to three. That will do.
The room is very spacious and modern, offering everything we need and more: a large smart TV, a sofa, plenty of space for clothes, shelves, night stands, complimentary fruit and water, other than the huge king size bed and of course air conditioning.
The terrace has two long-chairs in front of our plunge pool, with views over the swimming pool, the palm fringed Ao Nang Beach, and the sea.
Another bonus point for the bathroom too, which features a wide wall mirror and a fantastic rain shower.
SWIMMING POOLS & BAR AREAS
MAIN POOL
The multiple swimming pools at Centara Ao Nang deserve their own paragraph.
The main one, just a few steps from the reception building, branches out to reach four of the five buildings. There are plenty of things to do in addition to simply laying on the pool side chairs. Coco Pool Bar is the place to go to get your refreshing drinks without having to leave the area. There is also a small kids pool, but the biggest attraction are the two slides. Of course we can’t refuse to have a go or two (five)!
BEACHFRONT POOL
The other swimming area is the beachfront pool, the one in front of our room and building E. This way, each building has rooms facing a swimming pool. Here too, plenty of long chairs are available for guests. Besides, Sands Beach Club is the best place to sip a cocktail while enjoying the view. Icing on the cake here at Centara Ao Nang are the tables and chairs straight in the sand of Ao Nang Beach. A perfect spot to enjoy a romantic Thai sunset.
BREAKFAST & RESTAURANTS
VERANDA BRASSERIE
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a notion that is well known at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa.
A generous morning buffet is set up daily from 6.30am to 10.30am at Veranda Brasserie, by the main pool. Here you can find various options, from continental to Thai and Asian breakfast. The seating area is wide too, with tables within the glasshouse brasserie, and some more al fresco and on the terrace next to the pool.
Veranda Brasserie works as all day restaurant as well, with à la carte menu featuring local and European dishes, and options for kids and vegetarian guests.
SANDS BEACH CLUB
A further alternative is represented by Sands Beach Club, located right on the beach. Besides a selection of Thai and international classics, barbecue seafood is a nice event taking place every Friday night.
Come here anytime to enjoy your favourite cocktail while dipping your toes in the sand.
Food is served until 11pm at all premises.
CONCLUSIONS
To be honest, we would have stayed at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa for much longer, even weeks. It’s one of those places where you can always find what you need, may it be relaxing by the pool, sipping a cocktail, swimming, going for a walk on the beach, keeping fit at the gym, having good food, or just sun bathing. All these activities combined with the high standard of service by the staff, can satisfy everyone’s needs.
On top of that, the perfect location of the resort is ideal if you like to explore the surrounding areas too, being at walking distance from the beach and tours leaving zone.
As you may have noticed, we truly loved our stay at Centara Ao Nang and can sincerely recommend it to everyone looking for an ideal holiday in Krabi and southern Thailand.
Don’t just take our word for granted though, go ahead and book your next holiday at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa!
BOOK HERE
You can check the rates for Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort&Spa and book your next stay by clicking here.
Check our Thai itinerary guide to plan your next trip to Thailand!
