Lanta

Lanta Casuarina Resort : our review, pictures and rates

Lanta Casuarina Resort
288 Moo 3, Phra Ae Beach
Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150
Tel: 075-684685

As a professionally managed resort, Lanta Casuarina is, perhaps surprisingly, in the minority in Koh Lanta. This is not to say that other resorts mentioned in these reviews are mismanaged, but that those international travellers who expect a certain standard of service and accommodation will not necessarily find it in the majority of local, family-run bungalow set-ups. Here, however, staff are courteous, discreet and proficient.

With 51 rooms, Lanta Casuarina is large enough to offer the standard 3 star facilities, but small enough not to feel impersonal or lacking in character. The traditional Thai roofed buildings laid out around immaculately manicured lawns give a sense of calm and peace, that is enhanced by the large beachfront swimming pool whose infinity edge meets the blue horizon of the sea in the distance.

The L-shaped hotel building at the back of the resort (or at the front if entering from the road) houses the majority of the rooms (39), all in the deluxe category. These are further subdivided according to their location - sea view rooms (double and twin) at the front and garden or park view (twin only, beds can be pushed together) at the back. In all other respects the rooms are identical, decorated in a contemporary Thai style, with wooden furniture and cotton / silk fabrics. Each has a balcony, plus air con, fridge, satellite TV, personal safe, IDD telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and hot water shower (no bathtub).

A further 12 villas are located towards the front of the resort, near the beach. These are rather luxurious, with high vaulted wooden ceilings and high quality furniture and fittings. As well as the facilities of the deluxe rooms, they also offer a bathtub, bathrobes and slippers and - oddly - a weighing scale. A lot of attention has been paid to lighting, which makes the rooms feel cosy and ideal for honeymoon couples.

The villas have recently been split into 2 categories, following guests' complaints that they all were not "beachfront". Two - directly on the sand - remain in this category; the others, some 10 - 50m behind are now called "seaside".

The indoor Ruen Thai restaurant serves Thai and western cuisine, as well as seafood; there is also a beach bar and room service available. Lanta Casuarina offers a conference facilities, tour service, laundry, high-speed internet access (in the lobby), car rental, Thai massage and cookery classes. There is on-site car parking, as well as 24 hour reception and security.

R A T E S     A N D     R E S E R V A T I O N     P O L I C Y

Room rates for Lanta Casuarina Resort

For this year (2007):

Room type	May 1 - Oct 31	Nov 1 - Dec 14	Dec 15 - 31
Deluxe (garden / park view)	1800	2800	3100
Deluxe (sea view)	2000	3100	3600
Seaside Villa	2700	4250	4950
Beachfront Villa	3100	4950	5650
Extra bed	750	750	750

For next year (2008):

Room type	Jan 1 - Jan 15	Jan 16 - Apr 30	May 1 - Oct 31
Deluxe (garden / park view)	3100	2800	1800
Deluxe (sea view)	3600	3100	2000
Seaside Villa	4950	4250	2700
Beachfront Villa	5650	4950	3100
Extra bed	750	750	750

Reservation Policy
Prices are given in Thai Baht and are per room per night, based on 2 people sharing. Prices include American breakfast (ABF) for 2 people, service charge and VAT. Check in time is after 2pm; Check out time is 11.30 am. Children under 2 years of age stay free of charge, including provision of baby cot. A child of 2 – 12 years sharing room with parents with no extra bed will be charged for breakfast at 120 baht per day. Second child will be charged full price for an extra bed. Maximum 1 extra bed per room.

Honeymoon and wedding anniversaries will be guaranteed a double bed, plus welcome drink and fruit basket on arrival.

Compulsory Gala Dinner charges:
24 Dec: 1800 / 900 baht per adult / child
31 Dec: 2000 / 1000 baht per adult / child

To get prices in your local currency, click here

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations will be subject to a 10% charge. Cancellations made less than 21 days before arrival in peak season, 14 days in high season or 7 days before arrival in low season will be subject to a further charge of one night's stay. No-show: no refund will be given,

Pictures of Lanta Casuarina Resort