“Looks better then it feels”
Where :
Khao Lak Town / Takuapa / Thailand – 60min drive up north from Phuket Intl. Airport
Moracea Website / Moracea Location Map
Location:
Moracea Resort is easy 10min walk from the town centre of Khao Lak. Main street is filled with lovely restaurants, shops, galleries, diving schools ( Wicked Diving ) and souvenir places. You can find enough of ATM’s, pharmacies and grocery stores.
It is a foresty hilly location away from the hustle and bustle of crowded noisy Phuket.
I was surprised how charming and well-kept Khao Lak town is compare to other Thai tourist destinations. It’s safe, laid-back and just perfect for a great retreat.
Overview :
Maze of low rise buildings and bungalows on a hill, sloping towards beautiful beach and completely surrounded by tropical gardens and nature. It’s quiet, private and looks very idillic.
Superb beach in front of the resort and all along the Khao Lak area. You can walk by it for hours. Big rocks, soft sand and small coves adds to the beautiful scenery. Sunsets are just marvellous and the sky colours unreal.
Check-In takes place in spacious lobby, filled with oriental dark wood furniture with lemon yellow fabric. The staff isn’t overly smiley or friendly and this apply for all of the employees. The famed motto about Thailand being the Land of Smiles is somehow mislaid at Moracea.
The resort it’s in hilly location, so be prepared for lots of walking. Even to find your bungalow it’s sometimes a bit of a challenge. This all adds to the charm though. Make sure you take the time and discover the entire area with it’s hidden paths, free shaped infinity swimming pools and stunning trees.
Free Wi-Fi covers most places, even pools and the sunbeds by the beach, which is great. What isn’t great are the sun beds, not comfortable and without padding. Even the cheapest hotel on the beach has padding on a sunbeds. I couldn’t enjoy relaxing on them and the beach towels Moracea provides, hardly covers half of the sun bed.
Just in case you have forgotten tooth paste or need water, or a beer, small grocery store is next to the reception.
Resort is well maintained and feels very casual. Most of the guests are package holiday makers from Germany & Scandinavia and the busiest season spreads from November till March.
Room :
There is a lot of different room types in Moracea. From lovely bungalows with private pool to a bit dark and wet looking rooms hidden in the greenery. After peeping around the resort I would only recommend the bungalows on the hill ( not the beach, or pool access ) with private pool or Hibiscus Grand Deluxe Room on top floor of a two-story villa.
Hibiscus rooms are new, bright and spacious with secluded terrace and sea view. High ceiling gives pleasant airy impression and the best part is a seating corner area by the window. I have received fruit welcome basket and towels folded in a shape of elephants ( loved it ).
Bed moves a little when you turn but otherwise it is ok. Room contains a double size bed, sitting area, desk and spacious bathroom with wet room and separate bathtub. Storage space could be more generous, so don’t pack too many shoes.
Room includes fridge (empty ), Tea/Coffee facility ( with no Tea ), safe, flat TV with not enough English language channels, umbrellas, bathrobes, toiletries and 4 complimentary waters. There aren’t enough sockets and A/C is just ok. Also, if you remove the key from the room key card slot, all power switches off incl. A/C and inside gets hot very quickly.
Make sure you choose the room wisely as you may end up with damp dark room hidden at the back of the resort, so do your research beforehand.
Service :
Generally the service was good, but no one puts any extra effort or a smile to make you feel welcome. Food in restaurant comes quickly, you always get what you need or asked for, but don’t expect much of enthusiasm…
As a guest, I need to feel recognised and genuine smile goes a long way. Do I want too much?
Dining / Entertainment :
- Thai Beach Restaurant “Malila” located at beach front offering evening romantic setting with candles. Thai Food is nicely presented, it is tasty and fairly priced. This place is open all day and works as a cocktail pool bar .
- “The Kumpun” serves International Cuisine and mostly used for a breakfast buffet or during events. Breakfast it’s ok with the usual selection + some Thai food. I was disappointed to be asked to pay extra for a green tea and all the juices are sugary ones from cartons.
Facilities :
3 amazing free-form outdoor pools, game and fitness room with very basic equipment only for “emergency” work out. Also, no towels provided in the fitness room. Chilled water available.
Who is it for :
I would say anyone who enjoys sun, sand and quiet tropical setting. It is a good base for scuba diving, trips to the hills or just doing nothing at all. It is an affordable upmarket resort with wide selection of accommodation. Definitely not a top notch, but personally … I would return to Moracea and who knows, maybe they will buy a sun beds cushions.
There are many resorts and hotels in Khao Lak but Moracea is definitely one of the better ones.½
What makes it special :
- Extensive size of the entire complex / beautiful nature & beach
- Lovely Thai Food in Malila restaurant
- Quiet and peaceful
- Great Location away, but not far from everything
Not so good :
- Not enough sockets in the room
- Fitness room needs improvement
- Small beach towels
- Uncomfortable sun beds
- Staff not too welcoming, outgoing or friendly
Why choose this place :
To experience the “real” Thailand without hordes of tourists and noise. Enjoy laid-back vibe, tropical setting and excellent beaches. Get adventures…visit Similan Islands, National Parks and sample excellent local food at Qucumber Caffe or Mojo restaurant at Khao Lak Town
Practical INFO
Private Airport transfer 60min one way ( 1800 Baht ) / Free Wi-Fi in room and public areas / Breakfast Buffet included / Khao Lak Town less than 10min walk
Tips for Trips
Khao Sok National Park 45min drive / Diving, or Snorkeling Trip to Similan Islands 90min boat trip / for Diving I would definitely recommend Wicked Diving SSI …ask for Tom 🙂
travellerczech.wordpress.com 