Bo Phut Resort & Spa

You can see the resort is good - the multitude of five-star reviews are testament to that. So rather than repeat the obvious, here’s my take: five stars, five opinions. The Setting The resort’s in a sweet spot - peaceful and tucked away, but close to everything you might want to dip into. It’s about 10 minutes’ walk along the beach to Fisherman’s Wharf, with plenty of restaurants and bars en route. (Our pick: The Thai Tapas - easily one of the best meals we had locally.) You’re 20 minutes from the airport and also near two great beaches: Ban Tai (15 mins away), where Cape Away Beach Bar offers free loungers and decent food, and Choeng Mon (also 15 mins), where Mira Serene has free loungers and Carnival Beach Village is good for lunch. The resort will take you to both - and pick you up - in their air-conditioned taxi van. Their own beach is clean, quiet, and very easy to stay put on. The Vibe Peaceful is the word. No loud music, no fighting for sunbeds, no screeching children. There’s a kind of grown-up calm that’s hard to fake. There were always loungers available, always umbrellas for shade. The whole place feels like a boutique escape: polished but never pretentious. The service reflects that too - it’s confident, welcoming, and low-key in the best way. The Staff Some of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. They genuinely couldn’t do enough for you - professional but personable, always ready with a smile. A special thanks to Mr Aek, who got the British sense of humour completely, and Oakie and Mai poolside, who had an uncanny ability to appear with just what you needed - umbrella repositioned, towel sorted, sunbed arranged. The kind of service that happens without fuss but leaves an impression. The Room A perfect retreat after a day in the sun. Spacious, calm and cool - thanks to powerful air-con - and the bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve slept in. The bathroom was spotless, with a powerful shower and a nightly turn-down service that made everything feel that bit more relaxed. It was well-appointed, well-maintained, and very quiet. Exactly what you want when you’re trying to actually rest on holiday. The Food Breakfast and lunch were laid-back and good quality - plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and never rushed. For a bit of variety at lunchtime, we recommend walking down the beach to Fisherman’s Wharf and trying La Cantina, where you can eat overlooking the sand and sea. Or head out of the resort, turn right, and a few doors down you’ll find Adlib Café & Vinyl - gorgeous milkshakes, good food, and an easy, chilled vibe. In summary Nothing showy. Nothing overdone. Just a really well-run, peaceful place that does everything it should. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Unless of course we’re all trying to keep it a bit of a secret.