If Khao Lak is Phuket’s quieter coastal sibling, then Lam Kaen Beach is its most laid-back corner. Tucked into the southernmost part of Phang Nga’s coastal strip, with Lam Ru National Park acting as a natural buffer against the busier resort zones, the 700-meter stretch of sand, also known as Khao Lak South Beach, resembles an oasis. No tourist noise, no rows of sunbeds to stumble over. A beach you could meditate on, should you wish. In the front row, a small, humble property slips neatly into this idea of refined, low-key Thai tourism – the Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas.
This boutique collection of high-end villas offers a level of privacy that’s becoming increasingly rare along the Andaman coast
You don’t really notice the silence at first. It sneaks up on you somewhere between the whisper of the palms and the ocean, that deep, deliberate hush Khao Lak seems to keep just for itself. There’s no crazy traffic, no blaring beach bars. Only the rhythmic pull of the Andaman Sea, waves brushing against the sand.
At Anda Mani Khao Lak Villas, that stillness feels intentional. As if making you exhale was part of the hospitality design. With only a handful of rooms (10!), this luxurious oceanfront retreat in southern Thailand offers the kind of seclusion most travelers picture when they say they want to “get away”.
If your idea of a holiday includes dodging tourist crowds, colored wristbands, and massive buffet lines, the Anda Mani hotel in Khao Lak is your sanctuary. This boutique collection of high-end villas offers a level of privacy that’s becoming increasingly rare along the coast.
For couples, honeymooners, and anyone who appreciates understated luxury escapes, Anda Mani is where the world slows down.
If you’ve been hovering over life’s pause button for a while now, this might be where you finally press it. But first, read my honest Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas review!
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Hospitality Without the Performance
Just an hour’s drive north of Phuket International Airport, one gets the complete opposite of Patong: a secluded, intimate, and unhurried ribbon of sand. The road itself feels like a portal to another dimension, where life comes at a different pace. Entire villages appear to have stepped through that time-stopping wormhole.
Of course, the slowness might be deliberate, echoing memories of the 2004 Boxing Day, when a tsunami in Khao Lak claimed 4,000 lives in minutes. The 30-meter-high waves wiped out 230,000 victims across Asia, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.
While houses and hotels can always be rebuilt, the survivors seem to have embraced a rhythm in which ‘rush’ and ‘modernity’ have lost priority. The only way to continue living in a place of such tragedy is by adopting respect for nature and calmness.
If you crave a bit more movement, Nang Thong and Bang Niang are close enough for strolls through local markets and people-watching from casual cafés. But the real wealth of tranquility lives in places like Anda Mani. A swing swaying in the breeze, your body sinking into a bean bag chair… If the tide is the only schedule, days can drift by.
My arrival at Anda Mani reflected that mindset. There was no grand lobby or scripted welcome speech. Just a cool towel, a glass of homegrown butterfly pea flower juice, a small skewered treat, and an unforced smile. The doors of my room were open. On the pillow lay a personal note from General Manager Kris Priyajana, promoting a feel-at-home philosophy “in our intimacy, seclusion, and opulent décor”.
Despite ambitious promises, the hospitality here didn’t feel performed. In a way that recalls the cult Boston TV bar “Cheers” (where everybody knows your name), Anda Mani was more than a peaceful setting or décor. Above all, it was a down-to-earth place where calling the director by his first name or watching him casually pour you a glass of red wine seemed as the most natural thing in the world.
Where is Anda Mani, and How to Get There? Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas (formerly known as X2 Khao Lak Anda Mani Resort) sits on Khao Lak’s southern beachfront, in the Lam Kaen area of Phang Nga Province. It’s just south of central Khao Lak, near Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. For those who like sending postcards, the full Anda Mani Khao Lak address is: 7/9 Moo 2, Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga 82210, Thailand. The nearest major gateway is Phuket International Airport (HKT), roughly 70 kilometers south of the Anda Mani Resort Khao Lak. The drive usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic. For a seamless, no-thinking-required arrival, arranging a private transfer through the hotel is the easiest option. The service costs 1,750 Thai baht per trip (47 euros, or 55 dollars). The budget option would be taking a bus from Phuket heading toward Khao Lak or Takua Pa, hopping off at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, and from there, grabbing a taxi for the final three kilometers to the resort. It’s not quite door-to-door luxury, but it gets the job done, with a bit of local flavor along the way.
A Suite Designed to Slow You Down
Surrounded by tall, privacy-providing hedges and character-securing potted plants, a stone-stepping path led me to the entrance of the suite, officially named Suite with Couple Bath. A name like that sets expectations. Naturally, I went straight for the bathroom.
And indeed, a double-ended bathtub dominated the open-plan bathroom layout. This soaking tub, complete with headrests on both sides, promises some great relaxation, especially for honeymoon couples.
I’ll admit initial hesitation about filling such a generous tub for a single occupant. But research is important, and I did treat myself to one marinating evening. In my eco-defense, it was a more foam, less water kind of bath. Of course, for everyone conscious about water consumption, a guilt-free walk-in rain shower stood ready.
Beneath a large mirror, a double vanity featured two square sinks, each neatly prepared with folded towels, including makeup-removal ones, a small but thoughtful touch that both guests and pristine white bed linen would appreciate.
The bedroom, naturally, took up most of the suite’s 45 square meters. The lack of extra décor, rugs, artworks, or other non-functional distractions emphasized the luxury of the open-floor space.
Well, parts of the furniture took on the aesthetic function in this contemporary design; black bedside lamps with sculptural, swirling bases and decorative pillows with a similar navy-blue twirl pattern felt like minimalist art in an intentionally clean and uncluttered setting.
A four-poster king-size bed with a simple cushioned bench at its foot, positioned on a light-toned floor against a caramel-colored wooden-paneled wall, gave the room a grounded, natural feel.
In addition to the shade lamps, subtle vertical light strips integrated into the headboard wall cast a soft, romantic glow.
The remaining walls were occupied by a low TV console, a counter with a stylish electric kettle, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a minibar, as well as multiple full-height windows flooding the room with natural daylight.
At turndown service, the most discreet housekeepers (I never saw them in person!) would thoughtfully roll down the blinds, gently tuck the bed cover, and leave a jar of colorful sweets behind. Even if it was a routine, it felt personal. A quiet way to say ‘good night’.
Anda Mani Khao Lak price A night at The Anda Mani Khaolak Beachfront Villas can range from 150 euros in low season to 880 euros in high season. To get the best rates for your chosen dates, check out their offer on these links: Booking, Agoda, Trip, or Expedia. You’ll also be able to see more Anda Mani Khao Lak real-life reviews and photos on these partner websites.
Architecture Steps Back
While the interiors of Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas leaned into modern, design-forward hospitality, the exterior communicated heritage-style resort architecture.
Pavilion-like villas, with semi-classical pillars and decorative latticework framing their entrance, lent Anda Mani a colonial-resort feel. Sections of the pitched, tiled roofs were fitted with solar panels, providing for half of the resort’s energy needs. Even if upmarket, the design here seemed more subtle than flashy, visually restraining the architecture in the landscape.
Arranged as a cluster of low-rise, detached buildings of varying sizes and layouts, rather than rising as a single, dominant structure, the set-up left clear breathing room. Lower density here equals higher privacy, an approach that makes particular sense for an adults-only resort.
More than architecture, the Anda Mani footprint was dominated by greenery, using vegetation as natural space dividers. The open green area was defined by tall palms, smaller ornamental trees, and neatly manicured lawns. Pathways cut through grass in gentle, organic lines, avoiding rigid grids.
Even the centrally located swimming pool followed this organic intention. Instead of a strict rectangle, its shape was softened with rounded and even hidden corners. Integrated into the greenery, this was more a relaxing garden pool than some beach club extravaganza.
Although the compound sits directly on the beach, it gives priority to the ocean view, framed by tall coastal trees. Rather than visually intruding with its own development at the shoreline, which would make the beachfront reveal quite dramatic, the choice of creating a layered, gradual transition from villas to pool to lawn to sea reinforced calmness as the most natural building block of Anda Mani’s concept.
Breakfast Without an Alarm Clock, Dining With No Rush
Because of its intimate scale, dining at Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas feels less like hotel service and more like access to a private club. The small number of guests allows food and beverage to flow naturally as an extension of the villa’s slow, sensory rhythm rather than a scheduled resort routine.
There are no warming trays here. All-day meals are cooked to order, which means that even a leisurely, near-noon start to the day still comes with breakfast served fresh to the table. Unhurried mornings are not just tolerated, they’re fully supported.
The breakfast spread covers familiar ground: a basket of pastries with butter and jams, tropical fruits, juices, and hot beverages, alongside the expected lineup of egg preparations, pancakes, and French toast. However, if you want to swap Western classics with Asian comfort dishes such as prawn congee, pork noodle soup, or fried curry rice with chicken, just say a word. I started one of my days with a delicious tofu pad Thai, so yes, even vegans can enjoy local flavors.
Sitting in a row of cushioned sofas, all deliberately facing the beach, I felt my meals were served with a special side dish – the sea view. Replacing formal dining chairs with softer bedsitters kept the atmosphere casual. It reminded me of those truly informal meals at home, where you just grab a handful of your favorite snacks and eat them glued in front of some exciting TV content. Except here, there was no screen. Just wide-open doors, directing your gaze to the asset that gave the resort its name – the Andaman Sea.
In the evening, when sunsets would paint the sky as a romantic backdrop, Anda Mani’s on-site restaurant, The Kitchen (‘c’ in the logo replaced by the identical hypnotic blue whirl applied on bedroom cushions), mesmerized with Southern Thai menu.
Seafood harvested in those same waves absorbing the fading daylight, was turning into Khao Lak fine dining specialties: spicy salads, creamy stews, and crisp fried dishes featuring everything from clams and mussels to fish and crabs.
My mango salad with prawns, tomatoes, cashew nuts, and herbs was nicely refreshing, while Chef Nat’s signature white fish fillet in turmeric curry, finished with kaffir lime leaf chiffonade, Thai basil, and orchid garnish, paired beautifully with a glass of house wine.
Living at Andaman Speed
Days at Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas have a gentle, unforced cadence. With a soft breeze, the low murmur of the sea, and palm fronds swaying overhead, you might start your morning with a quiet dip in the pool or a barefoot walk along the nearly empty beach, setting the tone for a slow, deliberate indulgence.
Afternoons follow suit. You might settle into a lounge chair with a book, sip a fresh smoothie at the poolside, or borrow a bicycle to explore other parts of the coastline.
For those who want a touch of adventure, Anda Mani Khao Lak can arrange excursions. In the immediate neighborhood, I cooled off at Ton Pling Waterfall, discovered a natural fish spa while trekking toward the five-tiered Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, and continued exploring the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park on foot, hiking the coastal Hat Lek Nature Trail to the (not quite) Small Sandy Beach.
With more time to spare, the wider province opens up easily. Private boat trips lead to snorkeling in the Similan Islands or diving around the Surin Islands, while a visit to the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park offers a reflective counterpoint. Even in movement, maintain the same rhythm; take your time to absorb everything slowly, and resist the urge to tick boxes.
As the sun tilts toward the horizon, our Khao Lak oceanfront retreat continues in the same signature “speed”. The subtle shift into evening mode colors the pool area in reddish hues, while you can enjoy a candlelit dinner on the terrace.
For those craving an additional culinary adventure beyond the resort, a short journey leads to Krua Luang Ten. Even though the first beach is two kilometers away, this Michelin-recognized restaurant brings you closer to the Andaman Sea by placing your chair in the sand. Here, Southern Thai specialties such as hoi chak teen or boiled sea snails arrive simply prepared, served on lettuce and kaffir lime leaves with a spicy nam jim dip on the side. If snails are not available, the day’s fresh catch is written on a whiteboard (in Thai, though!). Whatever you choose, it will come with a complimentary platter of raw vegetables (cucumber, eggplant, bamboo shoots, herbs), served with a very intense fermented fish viscera curry – gaeng tai pla. Good luck exploring!
Anda Mani - Practical Details Location: Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand Nearest Airport: Phuket International Airport, ~75 minutes by car Distances: 10-min drive to Khao Lak center, as well as to Thap Lamu Pier, servicing boats to Similan and Surin Islands Accommodation Type: Adults-only beachfront villas with a central outdoor pool Best For: Couples, honeymooners, & peace-seekers Check-In: From 3 pm Check-Out: By 11 am Price Range: Approximately EUR 150-880 per night (USD 180-1,040), depending on season and villa category Reserve Your Room: Booking, Agoda, Trip, Expedia Best Time to Visit: November to April for sunny, dry weather, and calm seas; the "Green Season" (May to October) offers lower rates, but rougher seas may limit swimming and boat trips Activities Nearby: Snorkeling and diving in the Similan and Surin Islands, visiting local beaches (Nang Thong, Bang Niang), jungle walk at the Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, cultural excursions and memorial sites, wellness experiences and nature-based activities
Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas Review – The Verdict
Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas isn’t just a place to stay. It’s more like that hypnotic blue vortex that swallows you in, but, unlike the pillow, the lamp, or the menu application, it doesn’t remain decorative.
Probably the best vacation experiences are those that leave you wondering – how did so much time pass so quickly? The paradox of hospitality that encourages you to pause, breathe, and slow down is that you can hardly have enough of it.
At Anda Mani, you get a tastefully designed, serene sanctuary, where hospitality feels instinctive rather than rehearsed
For couples, honeymooners, or anyone seeking luxury beachfront villas in Khao Lak, this property offers a rare combination of privacy, elegance, and attentive service.
Well, it must be said, even if I can say ‘Cheers’ to the fact that Anda Mani is where everybody knows Kris’s name (the GM’s personal concierge guidance practically felt like a friend sharing insider knowledge), the resort staff could benefit from additional foreign languages training. The non-intrusive care is there, but the connection would be even stronger if front-of-house employees could effortlessly communicate with guests, less like servants, and more like interested equals.
Still, having the Andaman Sea as your front yard, with a view that’s perfect for catching those famous Khao Lak sunsets, makes it remarkably easy to forgive minor shortcomings. Framed by jungle and ocean, this is a place of generous beauty. If you want to hear the waves, not the neighbors, this is the correct address.
Adult-only properties can sometimes lean into pretension, especially in the way they communicate their added value. At Anda Mani Khao Lak private residences, you do get a tastefully designed, serene sanctuary, where hospitality feels instinctive rather than rehearsed.
If you’re after quick thrills, busy beaches, and nightlife you won’t remember the next morning, look elsewhere. But for those who value calm, privacy, and a deeply romantic atmosphere, this is Khao Lak’s proud ambassador.
Anda Mani Khao Lak Beachfront Villas can turn your stay in southern Thailand from a trip into an experience. It will be a slow one, where time stretches like warm toffee in the sun, but it will also linger in your memory long after you’ve left its hypnotic shore. That’s a rare kind of luxury.
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Disclosure: My stay at the Anda Mani Khaolak Beachfront Villas was complimentary, but all opinions are my own. Also, this post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!
