Ao Nang Cliff View Resort: Pictures, Reviews and Rates

Ao Nang Cliff View Resort is a brand new, one of a kind place, at least in the now heavily commercialised Ao Nang area. Its name belies its actual location, directly at the foot of the magnificent rocks that can in fact be seen from all over (a "cliff view" is quite common!). It's a genuine retreat, a little "lost" in the greenery, but in fact within a short drive of the busy beach area. People who might like to stay here include those who like nature and a little peace and quiet, but still wish to be able to go out for a meal, drink and some shopping of an evening; in particular families who wish to avoid the noise and traffic near the beach, but still stay in comfortable accommodation with a swimming pool.

The 21 rooms in Ao Nang Cliff View are eclectic and, refreshingly for a locally owned place, not laid out in rows, but placed higgledy - piggedly around a well tended tropical garden. Some are high, on stilts; others lower down; some are made of wood; others with red bricks. Most have the traditional Thai steeply pitched roofs.

The two deluxe family suites are the most interesting of the rooms. Each sleeping four, one is hexagonal in shape, with two double beds facing each other and a small corridor with kitchen sink leading to the bathroom; the other is a wider room with one double and two twin single beds. Both have a small seating area and a large terrace out front. Another family option, for those who wish to have separate bedrooms, are the two connecting superior rooms. These share a large balcony out front and also an inner terrace between the two bungalows. Can be booked as separate units as well.

The other superior bungalows offer good value for money, with bright, clean, tiled interiors, nice bed linen, a small kitchen sink area with kettle and coffee / tea, and a modern bathroom. There is also a wooden deck for outside relaxation. The two deluxe bungalows are similar to the superior rooms, though are slightly more spacious and contain a personal digital safe.

Last but not least, the standard air con rooms are all on high stilts, accessed by steepish stairs (not suitable for small children). They have more of a rustic feel, with wooden floors and walls and are smaller in size. They do not have a kitchen sink area, only a bedroom and bathroom, both decorated in the same modern, fresh colours as the rest of the rooms.

Breakfast and other meals are served in the resort restaurant, near the reception area; there is also a massage pavilion nearby offering Thai massage. The small swimming pool is a short walk up the hillside. Located right next to the cliffs, it makes for a refreshing swim. There is ample car parking for those who wish to use their own transport to get around; otherwise the reception staff can make sure you are picked up and dropped back after any organised excursions and there is also a free hourly shuttle bus to and from the beach area until 10pm. As the owner of the resort also runs the famous Barracuda Tours, all bookings of 3 nights or more will receive a free "4 islands" one-day tour for one person.

Downsides of Ao Nang Cliff View are few. The main issue is that you are completely reliant either on the shuttle bus, taxis, or your own transport (rented car or motorbike) as there is strictly nothing within comfortable walking distance of the resort and the only facilities inside are a restaurant (no minimart etc.). This may soon change, however - a large new resort, Phu Petra, has just opened next door so more development may be on the way; and we will update if this is the case. Update December 2009: On a recent visit, we saw a fair amount of construction work going on inside the resort - the owner is building some additional rooms in the "pool view" category. He says this will be completed within 3 months, though this is an estimate. You can expect some daytime noise if you stay during this time.

Interested? You can check rates and make a no obligation reservation enquiry now - click the link at the top of this page.