Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa is built around suites and villas on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, with the sea close enough to set the rhythm of the day. It suits divers who want the water within reach but also want the evening to have a life of its own: a proper meal, a pool, a massage, or simply a quiet drink without having to leave the resort.

The mood is more villa resort than conventional hotel. There are 64 rooms across two floors, gardens and terraces, direct beach access, and an infinity pool for the hours when the sea can wait. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian are spoken by the team, which makes the practical conversations around transfers, excursions and dinner considerably easier.

You are on Ko Pha Ngan, directly beside Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. The beach is white sand, with sun loungers and parasols, so the route from your room to the shoreline is a short one and does not require a taxi, shuttle or elaborate planning.

The resort sits around 3 miles from the centre of Ko Pha Ngan. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach and Than Sadet Beach are nearby points for exploring the island, while the resort's excursion service can arrange trips beyond the immediate stretch of coast. From the airport, the road journey takes around 45 minutes by car.

The accommodation is aimed squarely at people who like a little privacy after a day outside. Pool suites and pool villas give you your own place to cool off, while the garden, ocean and lagoon categories let you choose between greenery, open water and a more tucked-away setting. For two, an Ocean Double Pool Suite or Ocean Double Pool Villa puts the emphasis on the view and the private pool rather than on sharing space with the rest of the resort.

The larger villas make more sense when you are travelling with family or friends and want the stay to revolve around one shared base. The two-bedroom pool villa has the useful everyday kit: air conditioning, a fan, fridge, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi, television, blackout blinds and a private bathroom. There are also bathrobes, slippers, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer. In other categories, facilities vary, so check the individual room card before booking rather than assuming every villa comes with the same equipment.

For the night itself, air conditioning matters after a hot day by the sea, while the fan gives you another way to keep the room comfortable. Mosquito nets are available in the rooms, and blackout blinds are listed for the two-bedroom pool villa. A safe, telephone and private bathroom are also part of the room set-up. Room service is available when the idea of dressing for dinner has lost its appeal.

Bistro @ The Beach serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, keeping the main meal options close to the sand rather than sending you elsewhere on the island. Breakfast is included in the rate, and the hotel also offers breakfast in the room, a buffet breakfast and bottled water. After a morning in the water, that is the sort of arrangement that lets you eat first and make decisions later.

There is a bar, along with SEEN Beach Club Samui, a beach bar for the drinking side of the operation. The resort also lists a pool bar, a snack bar and coffee facilities. Room service is available, and picnic lunches can be arranged for days spent away from the property. Dietary menus are available on request, while the meal plan itself depends on the booking selected.

The infinity pool gives you an alternative to the beach when you want still water, a shorter walk and no sand in places where sand has no business being. Sun loungers, parasols and beach towels are available, so a recovery afternoon can be as simple as moving between pool, shade and sea. The resort also has a library for the traditional post-dive activity of reading three pages before falling asleep.

The spa is set in the jungle and offers massage. Yoga takes place on a platform with ocean views, which is a more convincing reason to stretch than most hotel gym posters manage. For something more active, there are kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling and boat excursions, as well as Muay Thai boxing. Island, beach and snorkelling excursions can also be arranged, while babysitting is available for families travelling with children.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, and the reception operates around the clock. Check-out is at noon; early check-in and late check-out can be requested. Airport transfers are available through the hotel, as are other transfer services and vehicle hire. Parking is available nearby, with off-site parking arrangements applying, so guests arriving by car should settle that detail before travelling.

The team speaks English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian. A concierge, excursion assistance, luggage storage, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing and a safe are available, alongside an on-site infirmary and a doctor on request. The resort also has facilities for guests with accessibility needs, business facilities and a children's playroom.

Meal arrangements depend on the selected booking, and mandatory gala dinners may apply on certain dates, including New Year's Eve. Thailand's Digital Arrival Card is required for foreign travellers entering the country, and must be completed online before arrival.