Mannion - Derby England

Firstly let me apologise for the review being so late to arrive on the screen but hey what can one say about this place that hasn't already been said.

We arrived at the Layan (in the rain) after a very, very long journey but upon arrival in reception and to "friends we made there" (Tracey and Jason) saying enjoy, enjoy and that is excatly what we did.

Our room which was number 1010 was very large, clean and in an excellent position over looking very well kept gardens and very close to the pool. Every morning the pool boys (who could not do enough for you) put towels on the sun loungers (it was never crowded), brougt ice cold water and liked the occasional chat.

Whilst we were there the rugby was on and they let us have the conference room to watch it (2.00am in the morning). They also provded us with a big ice box with beer, wine and soft drinks - very nice. Luckily Bob and Margie were away on holiday as we might have got some stick off them (if you didn't know they are South Africans). It was a shame we did not get to meet them as we left the day they came back.

The food in the reasturant was excellent and as it rained most evenings (we imagined have a few meals on the beach) we ate there. The chef came out every evening and asked people if there meal was alright and did they enjoy it Whilst at the Layana it was my husbands birthday and we had a table overlooking the sea with "happy birthday" spelt out in shells on the table. They also brought him out a cake and sang to him which was a very nice touch. The staff thought it even nicer when he shared his cake between them all.

Michael never ceased to amaze everyone by always taking to people, asking if you were alright, did we need anything doing (all this before 7.30 in the morning) did he ever go to bed!!!!!

All the staff at the Layana were excellent from the gardeners, chambermaid girls, waiters, receptionist and the list goes on - keep up the good work

We did manage to get a trip up with the Layana team to Phi Phi which is what I have always wanted to do and if you get the chance go as it was amazing. The snorkelling with the fish was more than we could have ever imagined and when we arrive at the island you get a sense of well being and cannot imagine how the islanders must have felt with the tsunami, they just seem to pick themselves up and start again.

We made some good friens there so hi to Tracey and Jason how is the scuba diving going?

All in all if you want to think you are in paradise make sure you go but remeber one thing "don't tell everyone" we might not be able to get a room there next time.

We booked Layana for the last week of our honeymoon, which was preceeded by 3 weeks of exploring both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. After living out of suitcases for 3 weeks and covering 3,000 kms in rental cars, all we wanted was to relax for a week. And we could not have found a more perfect destination than Layana.

I think previous reviews have covered everything that needs to be said, and we were definitely not worried by the lack of milk shakes as highlighted by a previous reviewer! But there were things that made Layana stand out fom the crowd as regards other 5 star resorts that we have previously stayed in over the world:

1. Staff: Enough could not be done for us. This was topped on the last day when we had a 3.30pm checkout. We fully expected to be showering by the pool and changing into travelling clothes there and then. Without requesting facilities, we were assigned a bedroom for the day, informed by a note slipped under the door overnight, to use as we wished.

2. Extras: Water and fruit was supplied free of charge in the bedrooms, by the pool and at the bar. Iced towels at the pool when it got hot. Kayaks for sea trips were complimentary, and there was also a small sailboat that could be used.

3. Arrival: Arriving by speedboat, we were greeted on the beach by the management and staff and presented with cold drinks and fresh flower necklaces. Being honeymooners, our room was made up with fresh flowers and was beautiful. We felt like special guests rather than being treated like a number at a 'branded' resort.

4. Setting: It is true that Koh Lanta is not Phi Phi or Phuket as regards nightlife, but if you want to chill out and relax, then this is the place for you. The pool is the centrepiece of the resort and is as amazing as it looks in the previously submitted photos. The beach is fabulous, and the restaurants and bars along the beach are great fun and some open late and are lively. Nothing better than a walk back along the gorgeous beach, wading through the warm water after dinner before going to bed. Thai Cat was our favourite restaurant. The fish bbq was fantastic.

5. Organised trips: We went on the Phi Phi trip on one of the Layana speedboats and it was amazing from start to finish. Logi was a great host. Do one of the island tours!

In summary, this is the best hotel that I have ever stayed in, and I will definitely be back in the next few years, before Koh Lanta becomes too commercialised like some of the surrounding islands.......

Every part of our short week at the Layana was fantasic, it blew our expectations out of the water. I booked the Layana after reading good reviews on Trip Advisor and our experience certainly matched the experiences of others it seems!
We arrived by their speed boat which was exciting and were greeted on the beach with a drink and then shown to our lovely garden suite room. We were in block 7 which is great as it is close to the pool and restaurant, but also still has a private balcony. I must say that the resort was full when we arrived but there was no sense of overcrowding at all.
The people who work here are all so friendly and always say hello when passing and helping you as much as they can. I found the restaurant really good value for the type of foods and the surroundings. We ate in the reastaurant every night but 2 where we got room service or tried a place in Saladan. FYI Mr. Pizza is not good!!!
The town was more than i'd expected to find considering the size of the island and from what people have said. There are plenty of little shops and baks and pharmacys etc...The island regularly looses electricity for a few mins at a time but the hotel is backed up with a generator so you will never notice this happening.
Another thing to mention are the excursions. We went on 2. The Phi Phi trip and the 4 Islands trip. Both were snorkling trips and included lunch and anything you want to drink. I highly recommend these trips. My thanks to Logy and the crew for helping me snorkel and through the emerald cave!! I'm so glad i did it!
Apart from what I have mentioned the rest of the reviews say it all. Layana will not dissapoint you! Thank you to everybody there who made it a very special week. And good luck to Keng!
;0)

There's not much I can add about the Layana. It is perfection and so well run there's hardly anything worth complaining about.

Its location right on the seafront is on a beautful beach where the seawater is just so warm and clear. The collection from the airport ran smoothly and our transfer to the Nakamanda in Krabi afterwards was also perfect.

The rooms are gorgeous, absolutely spotless and the whole resort is serene and peaceful. Don't come here for lively action, the hotel policy is tranquility, so no ball games are allowed in the pool, which is fantastic when you just wish to lie back and relax.

The sunsets are spectacular as you will see from the photos.

The only thing I would ask for are milk shakes to drink which the hotel doesn't have. Also the restaurant is quite expensive, but there are plenty of affordable beach bars and restaurants if you walk along the beach to the right., and the atmoosphere is laid back relaxation. The fire dancers are great to see and there's plenty of wildlife around. The beach is ideal for young kids and the location is excellent for sight-seeing some of the beautiful islands and forests surrounding the resort.

All in all, it deserves its status as one of the best hotels in Thailand and I would definitely return.