Tropical Herbal Spa & Resort: Pictures, Reviews and Rates

First and foremost a spa, then a resort, Tropical Herbal Spa & Resort offers self indulgence and pampering on a high scale. The owners have sensibly restricted themselves to a small number of rooms, within a private area of the spa garden. This means guests are treated as individuals - indeed, each of the eight villas has a unique floor layout.

Most guests are here on honeymoon, or on a spa 'mini-break', cocooned away from the world in the delightful garden overlooking spectacular cliff scenery (the resort is located on a steep hill). The only decision is whether to lounge in the jacuzzi pool, take a herbal steam bath or enjoy various treatments in the open-air spa pavilions (or in the privacy of your own villa, each of which features an outdoor double jacuzzi bathtub). Life's tough.

Should guests ever wish to go out into the real world, Ao Nang beach is around 800m down the road and tuk-tuks are readily available.

Rooms
There are eight, individually-designed, luxury villas. While each has a different floor layout, all are built to the same specifications and with similar furnishings and interior design.

The 'concept' (for there is one) is for guests to feel "at one with nature" and to be able to re-connect with their surroundings. Hence the beautiful wooden floors; the huge windows; the natural fabrics and, of course, the fabulous open-air bath for two, where you can indulge in complete privacy.

(N.B. Although luxurious, those who are afraid of bugs may wish to stay in a less 'natural' setting, as the lack of walls does mean you may find the odd grasshopper or lizard in your tub!)

All rooms come with air con (bedroom only), a large, private verandah or balcony overlooking the garden, a large toilet and shower area (outdoor, but covered), as well as the separate jacuzzi bath. A TV, CD player, hair dryer, IDD telephone, fridge and minibar are standard in every room.

All beds are romantic four-posters, draped with a muslin mosquito canopy and made up with high quality linen. The Grand Villa has a larger sleeping area and verandah than the rest and is also located closest to the pool, which justifies the higher price. The rooms are located within their own private garden, separate from the rest of the spa, which features a recreation pavilion for the sole use of in-house guests.

Breakfast is served buffet style in the resort restaurant. Recent guests have informed us that this is not open for other meals, despite being advertised as such. Tropical Herbal Spa is open for treatments from 10am - 10pm daily, including massage, body wraps and scrubs, facials and steam treatments. Off-street car parking is available.