We loved this sleepy vibe; the beach is perfect for swimming with lots of natural shade and has alternative restaurants within 5-10m walk for drinks or dinner. The hotel has a lovely pool, with a child section and fountains and the decking is well maintained. There are foot and body showers. We ate a dinner of fish on the bbq which was delicious and cooked perfectly. The fire show added interest. Staff are welcoming and helpful; translation can be difficult at times but they are dealing with many languages. There is a well stocked book swop,jenga game and noughts and crosses available. The wooden swings are popular with adults and children. The wooden sun beds are comfortable but some backs need repair or replacement. Swim towels are thick and plentiful. The gardens are well maintained with some lovely grafted orchids and swinging lanterns. The hotel organised our transfer from Kai Bae for 700 TBH. The last section is unmetalled but has very few potholes and we have travelled far worse across the world. The hotel is well placed for visits to Bang Bao fishing village and The Ghost Ship. The speedboats pick you up off the beach for trips to the local islands or the national park via the pier. The hotel also organises private boats. There are a few sellers of sarongs and bracelets but it is predominantly quiet and peaceful. We stayed in the superior double; perfect! The shower had good pressure and hot water, the hanging rack was useful for drying clothes and the bed and pillows were the most comfortable we have had on this 3 month trip. Cleaning was great and the towel animals showed pride and care. The foot tap was useful on the patio. The air conditioning was quiet and effective. The massages were great; a good strength and at 300 THB for a standard massage were competitively priced. The breakfast eggs were well cooked; there were yoghurt jars, muesli and fruits and salad, and a range of bread. Expectations matched price. There were some Thai options too. A water cooler and glasses are available in the lobby; bottles in the room are glass and can be refilled. The lobby played quiet relaxing music; this resort attracts authentic and respectful sun seekers who want peace. Beach bags are provided, slippers, flip flops etc. There were some SUPs and kayaks available. Pug in mosquito burner was provided in the room. There is very little evidence of litter and jetsam on this island. We will definitely return here. Thank you for our early check in. Even better if: 1. WiFi was stronger and more consistent 2. Face towel and welcome drink needed given the distance some guests will have travelled 3. Conditioner was provided for hair 4. The safe key is attached to the door key which controls the lighting etc so undoing the safe makes it more difficult in the dark. 5. The coffee pots are hotter; guests boiled the kettle to resolve this
Nice big room, lots of space, big bathroom and everything you need. Terrace with sunbed, view of the garden, pool and the sea beyond. Unique breakfast buffet. Enough beach chairs. The resort is remote, so quiet (depending on guests nearby) and away from the party zone. But there are also bars with music. Even without transport, you can do a lot on foot or take a songthaew to another part of the island. The nearest Siam Kitchen is highly recommended, as are the other restaurants nearby. Taxis rarely drive to the hotel. The most direct route is along the beach, which means you have to carry your luggage. The further route is along a sandy track. I (69, with rolling suitcase) reached my physical limits. I think the hotel should take care of transport to and from the accommodation. I was promised transport for the way back. Only at the last moment was I driven there in a motorbike transporter, where my bus was already waiting. The paint in the room was peeling off in various places. The lamps by the mirror were dusty and the fly screens and windows in the bathroom were dirty. The shower head is mounted high up, cannot be adjusted and has not been descaled for a long time. Lukewarm water only flows irregularly. The room was very noisy (trampling from above). The hotel claims to be sustainable, but changes the towels daily. At least there is free mineral water in glass bottles. It was only when I checked in that I noticed that I (traveling alone) had paid for an extra bed when booking that I did not need. I asked for a refund of the overpaid amount of 3400 Baht. The answer: We never refund anything. So, I had paid for a service that the hotel did not have to provide. The receptionist replied that she could put an extra bed in my room if I wanted. Since I found direct transport to the airport, I was able to extend my stay at the Chivapuri by 2 nights. I paid 11,000 baht directly at the reception. Out of curiosity, I noticed that the exact same booking on the hotel website would have cost only 9,640 baht. I asked for a refund of the difference. Answer: Management sets the prices. So, I wrote an explanatory email to the Managing Director Ms. Suporn Purahong. The evening before my departure, I was promised that the hotel would refund 3,200 baht via Agoda. Agoda has been trying to contact the hotel for days now, without success. I feel ripped off and will definitely not be a guest at this hotel again. I cannot recommend the Chivapuri Resort unless you don't mind not getting refunds for any errors or changes.