Phi Phi Island Hotels in Laem Tong

The excellent Zeavola Resort Phi Phi is a 4-5 star hotel (traditionally 5 star hotels have a full suite of facilities such as tennis courts) and is by far the most accomplished on Phi Phi island. Care and detail have been put into the design and training of the staffing here and the level of service is a matter of pride.

The Zeavola Phi Phi Resort more than lived up to the interest I had seen on the resort in the Phi Phi Island Forum. What a charming place and no wonder The Zeavola Phi Phi Resort is listed amongst the top Small Luxury Hotels of the World and voted by CondoNeste Traveller as "one of the hippest new hotels in the world".

The name Zeavola comes from the half flower- half tree, the exotic Scaevola Taccada that surrounds the 24 rai of resort and produce a singular and neat style complementing the thatched rooms of the suite rooms. The Zeavola Phi Phi Resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners as the ambiance lends itself for sharing and intimate moments.

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort accommodation

The Zeavola Phi Phi Resort is an all suite resort. I stayed in the large 60m2 Garden Suite which is a low thatched building set behind an ornate double doored entrance. The covered and private area is cool, a place to sit and have a drink from the well stocked mini bar while you control the electric blinds .... The bedroom is a superb place for romance with netted mosquito curtains (not needed for the real thing) set amongst an aesthetically pleasing interior design style full of functionality and fun originality. The outdoor showers keep you close to nature should you wish (there are indoor showers).

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort swimming pool

The rectangular pool stretches an elegant 18m long, enough to relax and or lap for fitness. Surrounded by colour full deckchairs this is a peaceful facility as most guests seem to hang out by the sea.

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort beachfront suites

The 3 Beachfront and Garden Suites are 60m2 and the Village Suite is 40m2. The Village suite doesn't have the changing area or outdoor shower but does have a pretty Zen like sand garden.

The keys to the rooms are inscribed with fish and marine life that denote numbers. Number 49 was a seahorse and a shrimp. All the staff get into this and can explain the symboligy. After a couple of uses I got the hang of it.

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort Beach

The beach area continues the theme of the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort as a place to enjoy the best of nature in style. From the Bose speakers in the sand playing ambient music, the low futon like sun beds to the bright blues and yellows of the Tacada Restaurant awnings, the feeling is fresh respectful and smart. The views are wide taking in Mosquito Island, Bamboo Island, Koh Lanta, Koh Jum, and the limestone karst scenery on the horizon at Krabi's Phrang Nga. Though not a beach to yourself in the strictest sense the beach front aspect and the remoteness of Laem Tong beach more than make up for this.

Zeavola Phi Phi Resort Dining

Diner at the Baxil Restaurant right on the beach was full of the unexpected like black squid bread and a crab pasta that makes my mouth water even now. The chocolate souffle is the signature dish of the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort and all my taste buds and senses were replete by the end of the evening.

Breakfast was taken at the Tacada Restaurant on the beach in front of a golden sun rise just 50 meters from the Baxil Restaurnat. The a la carte menu included such delights as eggs Benedictine, the Maharaja meal (Indian curries and breads), the American breakfast with steak as well as usual the fruits, pastries and cereals.

These outstanding kitchens blow away the myth that you can't get a decent meal outside Tonsai Bay and it is no surprise to find out the Swizz American Maestro behind the scenes has cooked for royalty and Hollywood.

The Zeavola Phi Phi Resort Spa is a celebration of comfort and style set out by the famed Horwath Spa Consultancy firm run by Khun Napali who created Chiva-som in Hua Hin. As a director of the Thailand Tatler Magazine her style and tastes resonate with those in the know. The extensive spa facilities feature 6 treatment rooms and 4 massage rooms each with relaxation rooms, some with private sauna or steam rooms or 15 degrees C cooling showers. The Hair Salon includes Pedicure, Manicure, all in all everything needed to make you feel special.

Zann Zanook

The Zann Zanook ("Super Fun") does everything from Diving (Thomas is a PADI certified Instructor), shark watching, snorkeling trips, sightseeing and pick nicking trips and also does some cool Bar BQ arrangements where everything is set up on the beach. The Mahi Mahi wooden speed boat is a great mixture of fast engine and traditional design and line, a boat that is spacious enough for 10 scuba tanks but small enough so you can hop ashore when needed.

Khun Supinda who showed me around informed me that the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort is staffed by 130 people from May to October and about 160 in the high season when the resort is full. When I was there in 2008, 10 out of the 30 suites were occupied by guests (with another 22 suites available by high season). I think that in the near future the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort will be booked out quickly as it is too good to be unnoticed.

Updates and Reviews of the Zeavola Phi Phi Resort

The success and excellent reviews of Zeavola Phi Phi Resort and the attraction of Phi Phi island has lead to an ever increasing difficulty in room availability... beware!!