Having stayed at multiple resorts and hotels in Thailand over the years, both with my wife as a younger couple and now as a family with 2 young children, I am rarely surprised by hotel accommodation, however I must say that the Casa De La Flora left me totally amazed.
We didn’t select this resort originally, but upgraded from its sister resort down the road for various reasons, and checked into the Casa De La Flora for a total of 6 nights. We were offered a Grand Duplex Pool Villa, which had 3 levels, the lower level being a living room, and outdoor plunge pool, the middle level housing an enormous bath, shower, sink etc. and the top floor having a lovely Super King sized bed with infinity doors that opened at the end of the bed giving unbroken views of the ocean. To wake in that bed each morning, and open the curtains and windows letting the sea breeze in was a real treat.
A lot of people have written about the fact that this resort does not resemble Thai tradition in any way, and whilst that is true, in that the resort is Uber-Modern as opposed to traditional Thai architecture, what is does have is the most hospitable and friendly team of Thai & Philippine staff I have come across, and for sure they exude Thai Charm, grace and hospitality. It was my wife’s birthday on the day we checked in, and my daughters 2nd birthday on the day before we left, and the staff absolutely spoiled both of them with cakes and celebrations. Not only that, whilst we ate the wonderful cooked to order breakfast every day, the staff would keep our children occupied, playing with them in the garden, whilst we sat and relaxed for breakfast. I have never taken 90 minutes over breakfast before, but we were so relaxed, this became a daily occurrence. If you want to feel special in only the way Thailand can make you feel, despite the architecture, this hotel achieves it, with service second to none.
I agree with some of the comments that the price of the food and wine is a little higher than outside of the hotel, however the mini bar was complimentary and stocked daily, there were various promotions available for cocktails in the evening, but if that is not enough, then the walk into Bang Niang was only 10 minutes and was always a pleasant.
The hotel was immaculately maintained, the gardens were almost manicured daily, and the resort had a very private feel about it. Yes, it was more expensive than normally our budget would permit, but for a really special treat, it was wonderful and money well spent.
Ultimately, the primary reason I will return to this resort with my family is the simple fact that we have never felt so relaxed and disconnected from modern life on holiday before, and my family was made to feel very welcome. All of the staff were amazing, I can’t possibly remember all of the names, however Vanessa, Anna, Ton and all the others made each day special. Also Aya & Non, the manager from the sister resort, ‘La Flora’ were amazing, helping us to move here, and also celebrate our daughter’s 2nd birthday.
Thank you to all of you for a wonderful holiday we will never forget.