Rayavadee Resort: Hotel Review
Last updated April 13, 2024
Railay beach is one of the best destinations in the world for rock climbing.
Have you seen those amazing photos of a cave restaurant on Instagram? That restaurant is called Grotto and this beautiful restaurant is tucked away within the Rayavadee Hotel in Krabi. I remember casually mentioned about a cave restaurant with my friend. She immediately said she also knows about the place and wanted to visit herself!
Craving a getaway together, we planned our trip to this resort for pure relaxation and indulgence, with a visit to the famous cave restaurant a must-not-miss. Krabi is one of those beach destination that I think you should visit when you are in Thailand.
Getting from Bangkok to the resort
With a direct flight from Bangkok, traveling to Krabi is made easy. We took AirAsia, which takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. It was so fast that the next thing we knew, we arrived at Krabi International Airport already.
Since our booking is included with round-trip transfers by shared van and shared speed boat, we were greeted by driver at the airport. It takes about 20-minute drive from airport to Ao Nam Mao pier. From there, we boarded on a speed boat to the island and this journey takes 20-minute.
I highly suggest checking the speed boat schedule with the resort before booking the flight so that you can plan the timing to be aligned. This way, you can avoid long waits. Also, since there are limited seats on both van and speed boat, please make sure to book the seats with the hotel in advance too. The boat ride was fun and the scenery was incredible. It was definitely a great treat even before the real journey begins!
Upon arrival & check-in
When we arrived, the staffs greeted us and gave us welcome drinks. The check-in process went smoothly and we were thrilled to finally be at this dreamy tropical resort. Unfortunately, they couldn't let us check in early. So we decided to have an early lunch at one of their restaurants, Raitalay Terrace. This restaurant offers international cuisine so we had fish and chips and a salad. Our favorite part about this restaurant was the view of the Railey Beach which was breath-taking.
Lovely lunch at Raitalay Terrace.
The resort is comprised of 94 two-storey pavilions and 7 luxurious villas scattered throughout lush tropical gardens and coconut groves. Rayavadee Resort is located between two beaches, Railay and Phra Nang Beach. It's the only resort on the island that offers two different views. Our room was called the Deluxe Pavilion, which was very spacious with two floors and covering an area of 90 square meters.
The resort has a unique design that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. It features beautiful polished wood, vibrant fabrics, and carefully crafted details throughout. During our stay, my friend and I loved relaxing in our room while enjoying a cup of hot tea made from dried bael. We loved all the details in the room and the complimentary cookie was delicious!
Once we settled in, we decided to go explore a little bit. This hotel has everything you ever need. Huge swimming, fitness, tennis court and spa. You could literally spend the whole day here without leaving which is exactly our plan!
Located in a lush garden, this is our room from the outside.
No Need to Leave the Resort - Everything is Here!
To keep your trip exciting, here are some activities you can do at the resort.
1. Lounging and swimming by the pool
This is hands down one of the biggest pools I've ever been to! The free-form infinity pool boasts a beautiful mountain backdrop and is also located close to Railay Beach. From the pool, you can enjoy stunning views of both the mountains and the beach. This proximity allows you to easily hop between the beach and the pool for a refreshing dip, making it a fantastic experience for anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day lounging by the water.
2. Rock climbing
Railay Beach is one of the most well-known rock climbing destinations in the world. Why? Dramatic limestone cliffs tower over the beach, creating a climber's paradise. These cliffs boast thousands of routes catering to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The unique pockmarked texture of the limestone provides plenty of hand and footholds for gripping.
Furthermore, with over 700 established climbing routes, Railay Beach offers something for everyone. Experienced climbers can try deep water soloing, which involves climbing without ropes over water, with the water acting as a safe fall zone.
For beginners like me and my friend, we opted for a rock climbing session arranged by our resort. The instructor was knowledgeable and kind, making our first-time experience fun and enjoyable. If you're interested, just ask the hotel receptionist about booking this activity.
3. Snorkeling tour
This is a must-do! The tour will take you around different islands and drop you off at safe spots for snorkeling, where you can see all sorts of colorful fish.
4. Afternoon Tea (resort’s complimentary)
When we stayed, the resort served a complimentary afternoon tea at 4-5pm. They provide this lovely treat every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. So, it was a nice treat for us after a long day of snorkeling tour. Make sure to enjoy this treat and double check again with the resort for the most updated serving time.
5. Sipping on a cocktail by the beach
I would recommend getting cocktails at The Grotto bar on Phra Nang Beach. There, the hotel has a beachfront bar, making it another great spot for lounging all day with drinks in your hands.
6. Enjoy water sports
On Phra Nang Beach side, you can also borrow complimentary water sports equipment from the resort. This includes kayaks and paddleboards, perfect for exploring the clear waters.
7. Pampering time at the award-winning Rayavadee Spa
A spa treatment can enhance your relaxing experience. So, if you have the chance, consider making an appointment at the spa. They offer a variety of treatments, from body scrubs to massages. I recommend getting an Aromatic Massage to ease away any tension you may have. The light pressure is perfect to relax your body and soul.
To maximize your relaxation, I highly recommend booking your rock climbing session in the morning and getting your spa treatment in the afternoon to soothe any sore muscles from climbing.
8. Shopping at Rayavadee Krabi Boutique
Believe it or not, Rayavadee Resort has a cute boutique shop inside. This is Krabi's only five-star shop where you can discover a treasure trove of over 2,500 beautiful items. From jewelry and clothes to ceramics and homeware, everything is hand-picked to showcase the best of Asian craftsmanship and design. You can expect to find unique pieces like woven textiles, lacquerware, timeless jewelry, and a vibrant collection of decorative items for your home. I thought browsing inside this boutique shop was fun so don’t forget to check it out.
It’s more challenging than it looks! But don’t forget to give it a try.
Complimentary afternoon tea.
Great Gastronomy Experience
Rayavadee Resort has four restaurants and they are all amazing. Every morning, we enjoyed our breakfast at Raya Dining and it was a delightful experience. The breakfast buffet had a wide selection of food that was absolutely fantastic.
For lunch, Raitalay Terrace is a perfect spot because it has great international menu and nice view. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try Krua Phranang which serves Thai food but we’ve heard that it’s also amazing. For dinner, drum rolls please, The Grotto!
The Grotto was the highlight of our stay and it is one of the best dining experiences my friend and I have ever had. The food was fantastic and the drinks were delightful. The overall atmosphere was peaceful, quiet, and truly wonderful. If you're a couple, this is definitely one of the most romantic places to bring your partner. But even if you are two besties like us, this is a lovely restaurant to have a relaxing meal and good girl talk.
Note that the restaurant is reserved for in-house guests only. Even though you are an in-house guest, you still need to make a reservation ahead of time due to the restaurant's limited seating. But trust me, it's worth it! Luckily, we were able to snag the table with the best view overlooking Phra Nang Beach. Don't forget to come early to enjoy the sunset as well!
If you want to view the menu in advance, click here.
Rayavadee Resort in Krabi stands out as one of the most luxurious accommodations and is undoubtedly worth experiencing. If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway in Krabi, Rayavadee Krabi is a perfect option. However, given its remote location, there are no shops or restaurants nearby. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to Ao Nang Beach for those seeking to explore.
The resort also aims to preserve nature, so there are animals that live among people at the resort, especially monkeys. While exploring the resort, you might encounter monkeys. Be mindful that while they're usually harmless, they can become aggressive if provoked. To avoid this, refrain from feeding them or making direct eye contact.
Overall, Rayavadee Krabi is a stunning resort that offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind in paradise, this is the perfect place for you.
Book your stay here.
