ananea Beyond Khaolak♡

Needs improvements, but relaxing location and good food.

8.0

The resort could be excellent with some improvements which the management are aware of but seriously need sorting. This is a super honest review in the hope that the necessary improvements can be made. The good first. Rooms were spacious and the cleaning staff mostly did a good job. Beer and soft drinks included in the AI package were refreshed daily. Massages at the spa were some of the best we’ve had. Staff were professional and the surroundings beautiful (although the music was a repetitive loop). Highly recommended. We ate the buffet once and it was ok, but the à la carte menu (we had the AI package) was good and we found the food good quality, super tasty and some stand out dishes were the fish, spicy beef and spicy seafood salad, chicken noodles, green curry, beef, and the ice cream was absolutely amazing. However, the massive issue was the service in the beach restaurant. While the individuals were friendly when you eventually got their attention there just weren’t enough staff at peak times. One lunch we waited 30 minutes for a drink, and when it came the beer was flat and undrinkable. This was a recurring theme - the bar staff didn’t seem to care, but it could have been sorted with some attention to detail. Mostly there was only one member of staff working behind the bar and he just couldn’t cope, or if drinks were pored they were left on the bar as there weren’t enough staff to deliver them to tables. Regularly we stood up and collected them ourselves. We felt sorry for the staff who were trying to help and working really hard (mostly those in T-shirts who we think were trainees) as they were constantly having to apologise for delays. Staff would often be stood around chatting rather than looking out for orders or delivering drinks or clearing plates. Talking to other guests, this was one of the key negative things about the resort. The “romantic dinner” that was included in our package, was very disappointing as the menu was exceptionally limited and as the table was a bit out of the way the service was even worse. We would rather just have eaten from the main menu! The villas are big and spacious, but need attention to detail. We had to move rooms from 1409 as the bamboo over the veranda area was infested with termites so it was impossible to sit out or leave clothes to dry outside. The shower heads were full of calcium so poor water flow. Having spoken to the manager we moved rooms to 1311 which didn’t have these problems, we were told by our neighbours that the previous guests had asked to move rooms. Our guess is that this was because the door was a nightmare to lock and it didn’t align and a couple of times I couldn’t get out of the room as it had locked completely. Thankfully my husband found the way to wriggle it to open. Again, little niggles that need closer inspection. The main manager. Nick, was open to feedback and was helpful but they need a full check and refurbish program to wipe out these inconsistencies. The gym was very small, good if only a couple of people were in, but not large enough for a resort this size. 2 treadmills, one spin bike and done stations and free weights. Needs a cross trainer or two, more space etc.

Muya Thai boxing

10.0

This was a great training with instructor Chi.

Chi’s thai boxing lesson is the best!

10.0

Thai box lesson was excellent!!

Disappointing Ananea Beyond Khaolak!

4.0

Beyond Khaolak is a decent resort in Khao Lak. If you are looking to hang out with a bunch of retirees from Europe, this is a place. Price is reasonable, but beyond that, Beyond Khaolak is short of everything else. We came with a group of friends and were hoping for some nice beach and pools, but you won't find that here. The food was very mediocre, mostly for European, especially their buffets. The room was average, our Elite Villa room was nice, but we couldn't use the jacuzzi as it was collecting dust outside. The Elite Villa was so far from the beach, and with its non-functioning jacuzzi, was not worth the upgrade. We like the staff, they are nice and attentive, especially the Filipino servers, who speak English fluently. Management, however, could need some upgrading since the people who are in charge are very rude and clueless. They tend to push their employees to cover for their lack of competence. There is no nightlife or vibe in the evening since there is nothing to do in the resort. Less than 5 miles down the road, you will find JWMarriot Resort, where the rate is about the same as Beyond Khaolak but so much better in every way. Nothing like an American standard, I say.

Great vacations

10.0

Friendly, clean, great food. Also the bed is very comfortable. Wellness Center great. The shuttle to Khao lak is good organized. And we loved Tu at the restaurant. She is great.

Fantastic holiday

10.0

good location close to entertainment, shopping, and food. All the staff were very lovely and kept a calm clean environment. Our room was lovely and spacious with fantastic air conditioning, tv, and comfortable beds. Pool bar, Beach, and the buffet was all so amazing. The food was always amazing, pool was always clean, staff always remembered your face and where so polite and helpful.