The Haven Khao Lak

Just returned from a 9 night break at the haven,over all happy enough with our stay,we stayed in room 1214,

Positives with room -
1 - huge in size
2- massive and comfortable bed
3- nice size shower
Negatives
1- lack of draws for storage.

Food - only had breakfast at the hotel which we found good,plenty of options available,and always a table available

Pool- the pool was massive and perfect temperature.always found a sun bed and umbrella available,shame the hotel don’t have sun beds available on the beach though.

Gym - opens 6am to 9 pm
Free weights,treadmill,bike and cross trainer available,room had air con and was never busy.decent enough if you enjoy exercising when away.

Staff- everyone we spoke to were friendly,helpful with any questions we had and very polite.

Few moans we had at hotel,we arrived at 10:40 pm,and after a very long journey to get there we were all very hungry,there was nothing available at the hotel to eat,the kitchen closes at 10:30 pm,the restaurants close enough to walk to were also closed,the hotel are aware what time you arrive so may be could look into this issue to help future guests.

In the last week of January my husband and I enjoyed a very relaxing, completely self-absorbent holiday at this beautiful resort. We just needed some relaxation and switch off from the world time. We didn’t want shopping and night clubs so if this is what you are looking for in Thailand then this is not your destination. You can find markets and night life in Bang Naing down the road, but The Haven is quiet and secluded, surrounded by the most spectacularly lengthy salt water pools complete with swim-up bars with a plethora of cocktails and drinks to order with bar food on offer as well. During our 7 day stay we met so many of the staff and they were all so friendly and eager to make our stay very comfortable. To name a few: James was an excellent host and ensured we were enjoying every aspect of our stay, Ankit whisked away our empty breakfast dishes, Rung whipped up fabulous Thai omelettes as well as many other freshly cooked breakfast delights, Thor (not related to Chris Hemsworth he advised!) was an excellent host around the pool delivering cocktails and towels to deck chair dwellers etc, Anjeli was our Restaurant hostess, always greeting us by name, having a chat and directing us to our favourite table, Boy endured my very uncoordinated beach yoga and stretching each morning (various free activities were offered at the resort during the day), and May our Cleaner had our room sparkling and refreshed complete with a new folded towel animal each day on our return to our room. We stayed in a beachfront villa which had direct access to the pool and our own jacuzzi and spectacular views to the sea. Meals at the resort were delicious and fresh and ranged from traditional Thai to all kinds of European dishes (due to the high number of European guests that stay at the resort to soak up the sun and escape their freezing winters). We did a Thai cooking class, delicious - don’t over eat at breakfast though because you eat what you cook and it’s a 3 course meal! Sightseeing was easy to arrange either through the hotel or the taxi service just outside the hotel will take you to see Elephants, turtles and any number of other beaches and destinations, including our return trip to Phuket Airport. We were able to fly direct from Sydney to Phuket however we didn’t take into account that The Haven (Khao Lak) is over 80kms north of Phuket, roughly 1.5 hours away and with the 4 hour time difference, it meant we arrived by private transfer from the airport at 12am (4am Sydney time), we were extremely tired from the trip - so would recommend a stay over in Phuket before heading up to The Haven. Some of the reviews I’ve seen mention the the pool requires some maintenance with tiles needing replacing etc and yes the pool and surrounds do get a beating from the salt water and would be a nightmare to upkeep. However the pools (& jacuzzis) were regularly cleaned and monitored. We highly recommend The Haven for a perfectly relaxing stay and will definitely be returning for our next mind/body reboot.

Fantastic staff, location is a little out of town but hotel has an amazing beach, food great and pool temperature perfect. Taxis and free shuttle busses in and out of town, about 10/15 mins, try the elephant bathing and temple trip... beat advice is go to one of the tour operators in the town and tell them you are on a limited time holiday. We then had our own personal guide take us to the 3 things we wanted to see in around 3 hrs, much better. Avoided all queues as we arrived not with a bus load of people. Cost around £70 for a couple, temple tour , waterfalls and bathed the elephants... will never forget the experience. This hotel is a perfect get away from it all, tie it in with a stay or 2 at another resort, maybe in krabi or phuket... but do yoirself a favour and spend the middle or last part of your vacation at this wonderful place.

Thank you Jack , hes guy in the picture 😁🙏

I can highly recommend this hotel. It is wonderful. The rooms and facilities are spotlessly clean. The staff are super friendly and efficient. The gardens are well kept and tidy and the swimming pool is spectacular. This hotel is off the beaten track right on the beach and is perfect for peace and quiet. The onsite restaurant and bars are good and reasonably priced and there are a handful of alternatives dotted along the the beach road. The hotel runs a shuttle bus into town and the night market twice a day in the afternoon but a cab costs only 300 baht each way, if you prefer to make your own way. Overall we have had a lovely time at the Haven and we would definitely come back.
Alan & Sarah Boulter

Where do I start? We arrived late at night and the resort looked stunning. We had a pool access room and it was perfectly located. The room was clean and the super king bed was so comfortable. The resort itself had a beautiful tropical vibe, adults only which meant no noise, it was so peaceful and relaxing, especially when lying by the pool and listening to the sea. The amenities were great, massive pool and plenty of lounges, 2 swim up bars, nice restaurant for dinner and breakfast was nice with choices.
The staff are beautiful and very friendly.
The pool area was maintained and was clean everyday. The staff in the Aqua Spa were gorgeous and the massages were spot on.
The location was serene, although gorgeous it was a fair way away from the main Phuket area, 1.5 hours drive to Patong. There is Kao Lak centre and Biang Niang markets but still a good 15 min drive.
I would definitely come back again. If you want peace and quiet to relax, this is the place to come to.
Thank you for our beautiful experience for our 1st time in Thailand.

Superb location to relax and unwind the staff were lovely and nothing was too much trouble the menu catered for all and was enjoyed by all, bar staff were a delight.
Overall we will be returning for another holiday really great holiday.

Was amazing hotel.! Very enjoy the room, food, services and all.

My family had a memorable stay for a week. The hotel is comfortable, clean and conveniently located by the beach. The staff were respectful and friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the morning yoga. Special thanks to the staff we saw almost daily during yoga, breakfast and restaurant, housekeeping (Anjali, Jeff, Fah, Nischal, Sa, Popcorn, Boi, Ching).
Got to see the best sunset daily.
Thankyou foryour hospitality.

We had an amazing stay at The Haven Khao Lak. Everything was beautiful, clean and so relaxing, and the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. A special shoutout to Popcorn from the activities and entertainment team. He is truly the man that can do it all. Always smiling, full of energy and such a genuinely good person, he made our trip even more fun and memorable. We would happily come back again.

This is now our 5th time here and all visits have been amazing. Rooms are the best Ive ever stayed in with huge beds that give the best sleep. Pool the best Ive ever used with the sea which is like a hot bath a step away. Reception staff are brilliant any issues are resolved within minutes. Staff are all great but I must give a big congratulations to two who are just totally awesome they are Jack on Reception and Jorb in restaurant and bars. Breakfast is really good with stunning views. If you visit the Haven I can say you’re in for a magical wonderful experience and coming back 5 times says it all.

2nd time for us at the Haven beautiful hotel. The staff are brilliant nothing to much trouble very friendly and polite. Rooms are large and cleaned daily by Tang thank you. The pool is amazing as was our swim up room. Thanks to Thor the pool waiter. The grounds are brilliant lovely bushes and flowers with loads of wildlife. The beach and views are stunning we had some awesome sunsets this year. If you want a subed on the beach turn left on the beach 400 yds there's sunbeds. Huts and a bar and food. A stroll up the road brings you to a couple of bars and restaurants the Andaman was a favourite of ours with Hugh. Minky. Grumpy. In all another fantastic holiday at the Haven thank you to all the staff.

Great location with efficient and friendly staff and a lovely swim up room cleaned and fresh towels every day. Very laid back and quiet vibe but Popcorn the activities guy made sure that everyone was welcome at all of the activities. We were on an all inclusive package but meals and drinks pricing seemed reasonable.

Recently stayed for 10 nights, split over 2 weeks.
Lovely quiet hotel with lovely helpful staff,
First 5 nights we had a deluxe room, large spaciouse and clean.All we required, and hoped for.
After spending 3 nights at elephant hills, we returned to the haven, and we're given a upgrade to a pool room, 😊.And it was a really nice suprise, and did not disappoint.
Same type of room, quiet and private.
Clean and well looked after by the cleaning staff.
The location is great, the beach amazing and secluded.
A little shop a 5 minute walk, but more variety than hotels own shop, and cheaper☺️.
We are a couple of times in hotel, but found it bit quiet for us, the other nights we went into town, taxi 300 bath each way.
Lovely stay in beautiful thiland, koah lack.
Thanks to all at the haven, hope to return

We had a wonderful vacation at The Haven. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere with great service. We will definitely come back soon!

Really enjoyed our 10 night stay at the Haven. So many positive things with a few niggles that take a * off the final rating
We loved the location as we wanted peace and quiet and this definitely ticked that box.
We were kindly upgraded to a swim up room and this was such a lovely surprise. Best of all it was south facing so we got the sun all day and this came in very handy a couple of times - details in a bit!
Room was great but too little drawer space, no power points by bed and a dark dingy bathroom being the only negatives
Room was clean, beds comfy and shower was excellent. Never had issues with hot water.
Pool area was amazing, we loved the huge saltwater pool and the loungers were very comfortable.
I’m an early bird on holiday and was down there by 0700 every morning, never any trouble getting my fave one every day, however, if you got there after 0830 you’d struggle to get a bed and none on beach sadly.
The pool guy would come and put stickers on your table if you left for even just 10 mins which was irritating especially as I lay on my bed for over an hour then went to breakfast with my friend who’d been doing yoga - the guy saw me every day so knew I wasn’t taking the p, yet still put a sticker on my table. I never actually saw him remove anyone’s stuff though
Beach is gorgeous and deserted.
We decided to pay for all inclusive (extra 2500thb pp per day) and it was worth it in our opinion. The food was superb - we only ever did the à la carte - there was so much choice and we absolutely loved every meal we had. Love Thai food and oh my it was so good
Cocktails were great and unlimited - we def got out moneys worth!
We just didn’t want to go into the town every night and although there are some nice looking places a 5 min walk, we just wanted to get dressed up and stay on site for ease. We didn’t like the times the free shuttle operated as it was too early for us and we figured paying around £14 return
in a cab each night wasn’t worth it - plus we thought the town was tacky and unpleasant.
Breakfast was really good with lots of choice and we loved feeding the koi in the pond
All the employees we met were awesome. Especially reception and the restaurant staff. So polite, friendly and fun. We really loved them all and like others have said they work long hours and so hard to make sure all guests are happy. Special mention to William at the Angel bar, he’s a real character and we loved our pre dinner cocktail with him every night
So the few niggles - 1st it’s not a true adults only as they allow kids from the age of 12?! Now the majority of the younger kids that were there were actually very well behaved, quiet and no bother. But there were some older teenagers who were often annoying and acting like typical teenagers - which is what they are so not exactly unexpected but irritating at a resort wanting to be adults only. I personally feel adults only should be 18+
On Xmas Eve they took away all the loungers by the pool to set up for their evening event meaning that unless you sat on a towel on the beach, the option was stuck in your room which we and other guests felt was somewhat inappropriate- this is where we were so lucky with our lovely south facing pool room but others were not as fortunate
Then on the 27th they started setting up for NYE and the banging and hammering at the pool area was really annoying and totally disturbed the peace and tranquility - forcing us back again to the quiet of our room.
Another guest has written about this earlier and the hotel claim no one else was bothered.
This is NOT true. Many guests - including us - we chatted with found it very annoying but people didn’t want to make a fuss on their holidays, so just moaned about it around the pool. Not sure why the work couldn’t have been carried out around 4pm onwards when most people had left the area? Just a suggestion for next year maybe
So apart from a few negatives we did have a super vacation and would definitely recommend it.

The hotel is a bit older, but super well designed and in a beautiful setting.

pros
-quiet place
-beautiful beach and warm sea
-great food and drinks in all inclusive
-friendly staff in the restaurant and bar
-beautiful nature

cons
-cleanliness
-room cleaning
-little space to store clothes

Despite the small shortcomings, we enjoyed our Christmas stay even though we are demanding travelers.

We booked through TUI requesting special assistance as my wife has walking difficulties and and cannot manage multiple stairs. Despite booking months in advance and reconfirming 3 week before we left that there would be suitable room on arrival the room we where shown was totally unsuitable up three flights of stairs and the only lift in the building was from drop off to reception on the 3 floor. My wife could not climb the steep stairs to even view the room. I arrived in a wheelchair from the taxi to reception so how the hotel thought this room was suitable I have no idea.
The only option offered was an expensive upgrade or a move to another hotel that would have involved an extra cost. We very reluctantly paid for the upgrade to a swim up room which helped to minimise the number of stairs but no way a perfect solution.
The resort itself has steep uneven steps everywhere from the breakfast area to the restaurant to the pool area making it impossible to get around without assistance.
This is in no way mentioned by TUI or The Haven Hotel on their websites.
This Hotel is not suitable for anybody who has any form of walking difficulty. We saw numerous people struggling around the resort. We feel were miss sold this holiday and were very disappointed as we have travelled with TUI many time and never had this issue in Thailand before.
On return my wife spend time in Hospital with a damaged knee and is still recovering now. Not the Christmas we were looking forward to.

Very nice and relaxing place. Great food and many options to do yoga, thai boxning and other activities. (Thanks to Popcorn, Boy and Dern) The straff was very friendly and supporting.

Certainly not a 5 star hotel!! Our ten day holiday has turned out to be an eight day one. Due to the inconvenience of the hotel putting on a Xmas show….. no loungers to relax on for a whole day and today the noise of banging all day due to them putting scaffolding in the pool for another show. Also today they have put notices on tables that if you leave your lounger for 20 mins they will remove your belongings. So it seems you cannot go for a walk on the beach, go to the swim up bar, or go for your lunch Unless you can do it in less than 20 mins. There answer to my questioning this was you have loungers in your room. A very dissatisfying response. I holiday 3 times a year all over the world. I’ve been to Thailand 3 times before and never experienced anything like this. Disappointing as they have certainly lost any future bookings with me I’m afraid.

We returned for the 3rd time and again outstanding from the minute we arrived reception staff very helpful and informative, helped in booking a swim up room. Jorm and the outstanding restaurant and bar staff exceptional nothing ever too much, polite and welcoming, food amazing. Christmas party night was fantastic again went above and beyond with presentation and food. Rooms lovely and spacious comfortable bed. Location fabulous, very clean. Will definitely be returning.