Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa

Giving this a Four Star rating for it certainly deserves it in the context of the experience had, Quiet, long beach, safe, un-hassled freedom, easy to get to town and not crowded, so yes a very relaxed time had, however there are some provisos that are worth mentioning (informing of) This seemed to us a site of two halves and two tiers! The main building, buffet restaurant and beach bar / diner and other amenities (library, spa, reception, etc) on one side of a small tidal river and then the Villas of various size and amenities, a’ la carte (Thai / Italian) and another bar on the other and it certainly does feel exactly that… Two hotels sharing a common space… Let me elaborate on what I mean, especially if you’ve chosen ‘All inclusive’ which in hindsight I don’t recommend the extra expense of… For us it worked like this… We booked a pool villa, Wonderful space on an all-inclusive First Choice package, nothing out of the norm you might think and no this is not a complaint of, just observations upon / experience had… So, it seemed to us to work like this… If your all-inclusive you have either a Red band if in main building or a Blue band if in villas, seems normal enough until you start understanding the how! The separation / tiers of! So, if your Red, you have the buffet restaurant as your main dining experience, and from our experience you’re given a voucher per week to dine at either the beach or the a’ la carte, If your blue band you can dine at either the buffet and or the a’ la carte (all meals) with again a voucher to dine as the beach should you choose too… however that the bands separation, then there is another level for those on ‘all-inclusive’ in that it’s not quite ‘All-inclusive’ – it’s describe by the tour package providers as Thai-Style All-inclusive but that to us was simply a marketing gimmick – what it is ‘Full Board’ as dining it at certain times along with a set list of locally sourced drinks… anything beyond that is, is to be paid for and it’s not cheap either… 300Bart for a small cocktail which is about £8.50! (the ‘provided’ list of drinks consist of, beer, one choice of basic red or white wine and a variety of cocktails which in the main is ICE ICE ICE with… so they won’t get ‘warm’ that’s for sure lol) Eating onsite is not to dissimilar, there’s a set menu offered to ‘All inclusive’ guests which is offered at both the a’ la carte and the beach… The beach does have varying additional dishes but again only if you pay for them! Another issue on occasion was service, on several occasion at the beach bar, ordering drinks when ‘all inclusive’ left you feeling second rate… in that we’d ask for drinks and it sometime felt like we were not as ‘important’ as ‘paying’ guests! i.e. sometimes we’d order way before others only to be left waiting for drinks whilst paying guest who ordered after when then served before… point to note (direct event) … if you’re paying at beach bar, we saw coke from a bottle served… if your ‘all-inclusive’ we got served flat coke from a jug out of fridge… and on another event, we asked for iced coffee, told no you’ll have to pay, so asked for a latte coffee and a large cup of ice, which was served as! Erm erm erm… so yes very noticeable two tiers of service! Now most of the staff are exceptional in terms of attention and friendliness, wonderful in fact just slightly spoiled by some lack of attention too silly things… for example, you be offered tea or coffee at breakfast (which by the way the food itself , choices and standards are very high indeed, no faults upon) but then no teabags or milk or sugar etc… Diner, sometimes you’d be given a simple but wonderful bread board to start the meal with while ordering / waiting, then other times not, even if you’d asked for it! simple things but when often repeated / overlooked it becomes observational! it’s not ‘nit-picking’ no, just sharing this as a constructive review of observations had, for as said all in all a great resort… Additionally: Bars and other trading areas along the beach are all great, if you go walking, take money for yes it’s a long long beach and you can venture far down and not realising how far its back again lol - so some pennies in ya pocket is certainly a good thing! One spot near the Hotel (Villa side of beach) is memories Bar, fanatic spot on the beach for food and drinks and to watch the amazing sunsets… moreover is far cheaper than hotel and great drinks… far less ICE lol Overall, as many have said, if you want a quietish (villas quieter) Thailand resort style break then can’t deny the Apsara is exactly that… Yes, there is activities, such as Thai cooking, fruit carving etc etc but all at a price and ‘HECK’ some are very very expensive! However, when we ventured out, we realised Thailand has so much to offer and very easily accessible that should we venture back it’ll be much more on a DIY basis! Just one note in closing, and it has nothing to do with the hotel, but as were offering our observations it might aide others… the ‘Tourist’ spots of Thailand are notoriously busy, crowded in fact no matter what time / nor day we venture upon… guess that’s the price of such popularity upon such an amazing country - Thailand simply loved it…

We have been to Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa eight times now and are still more then satisfied with the facilities and the staff. Doesn't matter which time you arrive (and leave) the staff at the front desk (all of them) is very friendly, polite and does fulfil your wishes and demands quickly. We booked a deluxe seaview room which is comfortable, clean and things are kept well by the ladies or gentlemen of the housekeeping - thank you! Breakfast buffet is very nice and does not leave any wishes - you can have various continental or Thai dishes (noodle soup) for breakfast. Coffee and tea is served quickly. Staff here is lovely as well. The beach restaurant "Zeus" provides delicious food for lunch time or for dinner. Staff there is very quick and friendly and has always a smile for you (especially if you try some words in Thai...) All other facilites like the pool area, the sun beds in the hotel area in general are clean and cheerful. Drinks are served to the sunbed if you ask for. The beach in front of the hotel is wide and clean and invites you for a long walk in any direction. The hotel is located outside Khao Lak, but if someone is looking for peace, rest and silence then it would be the right place. It's pure relaxation there. You can travel to Bang Niang or Khao Lak easily by taxi or rent a motor bike. We will definitely come back soon and have an other wonderful vacation there with marvellous sunsets.