Beach, swimming pool, spa, bakery, boutiques, library, stash of DVDs, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, DVD player, minibar.
We love the Poolside Villas for their ladder access to the pool and their private sun-deck with a sunbed, comfy sofa and a little table that hints at sunny private lunches. Of the Poolside Villas, opt for 3 or 4 if you want privacy (these two are positioned at the back of the pool, so get less swimmer traffic) or 1 or 6 – at the front of the hotel, close to the beach and restaurant – if you prefer to be in the thick of things.
The dark-blue-tiled pool is the watery heart of the hotel, overlooking the beach, next to the restaurant and flanked by Poolside Villas. There are big white loungers on the wooden deck between the pool and the beach; salas and beanbags dot the beach.
The spa only has one treatment room, so book your pampering session well ahead.
Pink bathers, to match the baby-pink local dolphins.
Petite pooches weighing in at 8kg or less and in possession of immaculate manners are welcome; dog bowls are provided. See more pet-friendly hotels in Khanom.
The owners have two children and welcome little Smiths. Extra beds (free for under-13s) and cots (also free) can be added to rooms. The hotel offers free childcare – pick between the kids club or two on-loan, full time babysitters.
Best for
All ages.
Recommended rooms
Opt for one of the four Family Villas, which are the biggest sleeping quarters at 70sq m. There’s a master bedroom downstairs; a terrace and a room with twin beds upstairs.
Crèche
None, but Nino’s kids club is designed for little Smiths of all ages. Nino's is a little playroom above the restaurant, stocked with toys and games. It’s supervised throughout the day, and is open seven days a week from 9am until 10pm.
Activities
Little Smiths will go nuts for the pink dolphin tours. They'll also love having their feet nibbled by fish in the mountain river, at the island's natural spa. Staff can arrange temple tours or boat trips for families.
Swimming pool
The pool is great for kids: it has a shallow end, Roman steps and on-loan inflatables. It’s not supervised, mind, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your water babies.
Meals
Aalto has highchairs and a children’s menu (kids eat free when dining with parents). Staff will happily provide fruit or vegetable purées for tiny Smiths
Babysitting
The hotel has two full time babysitters, who will look after your little ones without charge.
No need to pack
Toys and games are provided at Nino’s and there are inflatables and floats by the pool.
Also
Families will love the little bakery: try the perfect pizzas or pick up a mid-afternoon treat for you and your brood.