Okay, here is the info on my secret island spot.....
This is Buri Rasa Koh Phangan, a fabulous resort on one of the Thai island's best beaches, Thong Nai Pan Noi. A gorgeous, romantic room will cost you around R1350 per night including breakfast for two people. And you won't be ripped off on other meals, etc, as there is a small Thai village right behind the hotel selling everything at local prices. Do I recommend Buri Rasa? You bet!!
Buri Rasa gives you just about everything you could want for a beach break, but you can go for broke at its' sister resort five minutes walk down the beach. The Anantara Rasananda is probably one of the finest beach hideaways in the world, but it aint cheap. You could get away with around R2500 per night, but go for one of the beachfront villas with their own swimming pool and you'll pay around R5000 per night. Worth it? If you want to splash out, for sure! It is as close to beach heaven as you can get.
But you can enjoy the same beach and nightlife at one of the other resorts which are a real bargain-hunter's dream. You can get a basic fan-cooled beach bungalow at Phuwadee Resort and Spa from only R240 a night. For R360 you'll get airconditioning and a better view. And if you want a prime beachfront spot - close to the swimming pool and outdoor pizza hut - you'll pay around R500 per room. If you're sharing the room, that's only R250 per person per night.
You can get away with even less than that. If you really want to save your bucks, the place to stay is Sandee Bungalows. They are less than 100m from this hotel (and the beach). A room without airconditioning, but with a fan and a hammock on the verandah, will cost you less than R200 a night. Share it with someone and that's R100 a head.
So, there it is, my secret beach resort. Don't spread the word too far, just keep it to yourselves. We wouldn't want to spoil it now, would we?
