Nai Harn Beach Resort — Hotel in Rawai

The Nai Harn, formerly the Phuket Yacht Club, is a wonderful, legit Thai experience. The rooms are massive with terraces and private lounge space. They have been updated and are modern with a great bath configuration with sliding doors which offer privacy when you want it and an open-air feeling when walls are retracted. The bed and bedding are high quality and super comfortable. The price was amazing (a lot to do with location, see more below). More pro's - the beach is kept clean, has a beach-side bar and there is always an attendant to provide a sun umbrella and towels (though lounge chairs/chaise lounges would be a big boost on comfort). The water is relatively shallow for quite a long way out to the breakers so you can swim easily and there's no rip tide or danger in that. Also, the sand under your feet while you're walking out to sea is devoid of rocks, so that's a bonus, no water shoes needed! The breakfast bar is unparalleled with it's options (extraordinary even and I know breakfast bars in Asia). The staff is super friendly and my multiple massages at the spa were tip-top terrific. The lanai area, perched above the pool and high on the cliffs is a super spot to relax mid-afternoon with a book and enjoy the serenity of the bay.

Downsides: The pool is not large so it fills up fast. Loungers around it are first-come, first-served. Grab one before 10am. Stairs - if you are mobility or vertically challenged, this is not the resort for you. The elevator only goes to floor 5 so if you're on 6 or 7, it's a hike up. Also, there are stairs to get to the elevator, 2 sets any way you slice it. Russians - you have to be prepared for A LOT of them. I used to cringe, being American at some of the bad behavior I have witnessed by my country people most commonly in Europe or Mexico, but the Russians in Phuket now-a-days take bad behavior to a new level. Many, escaping the war in Ukraine, are camped out in hotels throughout Phuket (though the Nai Harn probably has fewer as a ratio due to its remote location, but it's also not unique to this reality). I witnessed Russians arguing loudly, volume on high, on their phones...shouting across the pool deck area, treating the locals badly as the Thais tried to quiet them down. Not uncommon for the vodka to be flowing early in the day and near international incidents happening after they knock many back... I was accosted by several because I was wearing a NY Yankees cap. The word "sanctions" being the only english I could understand as the insults were being hurled in my direction. Some would bring their own speakers and music, turned up to the highest volume possible, to the pool and/or bar area. It was hectic though rare, not an everyday experience. Again, this is not unique to the Nai Harn but due to the hotel being somewhat compact, built against a hillside, this bad behavior seemed most acute. Lastly, if you're single and/or want to explore Phuket, this secluded resort is far from EVERYTHING. That can also be a bonus if you want to be off the grid and have some major sound-canceling earphones (only at times) to drown out the anti-perstroika of late. Of course not every Russian behaves badly, nor does every American, so this isn't a generalization, more an observation. I enjoyed the Nai Harn and for the price and if you want what is likely the ultimate seclusion in Phuket (and can walk, hike easily)...

I was here for my Honeymoon(or part of) in Nov 2023. I chose it because of the good reviews it had before. Rooms very spacious, BIG SOFT COZY BEDS, balcony space with the cabanas also great. The cabanas though, they basically stayed wet & wasn’t as enjoyable as it rained everyday a little & the covering is just not sufficient. The breakfast is the same every morning, a tweek here and there and maybe something different on a Sunday. The food in the hotel costs more than the restaurants right outside the hotel. On that point, on the beach(Nai Harn Beach) or just off the beach you will see fruit stalls, a massage shop, and restaurants. The food is good and affordable to eat alot. There is also a restaurant called ‘On the Rock’ which also is in the opposite direction of the beach. Also more affordable than eating at the hotel everyday.

The service of Thai people is top tier thats for sure. And u don’t get any energy like “ugh i hate my job”. Friendly & calm so please tip when u can.

I have to mention Bow from the restaurant(i really hope its the right name.) She is attentive, attractive(all of them are), informative, and sweet. BIG UP BOW EVERYTIME!!( this is what Jamaicans say as respect). So many respects to Bow and the customer service team.

Now to get to the vibe. So basically I’m 31, husband is 44, I expected more entertainment. In the Caribbean and Mexico we have people called entertainment coordinators that basically walk around and engage with guests. You would see traditional things on some days, you will have games some days, competitions & maybe just ads for the show later on. Yes i know maybe they just want u to come and chill. But just saying, this is what would’ve made it better for me. There was a South African singer that was there and he comes in peak times i think. But that was just advertised in the elevator on a small poster, which I didn’t even read thoroughly until a few days after i got thete. So to not beat around the bush anymore. Its very vanilla, not very trendy in terms of vibes. And just older people kinda vibes. Almost like a Sandals lol if u get me. You have to go out and create your own vibes. I wont go back but it was still a good experience. And i love Thailand and...

I went on my own, during covid, in the month of November, I wish I had of taken my wife because Nai Harn is a deliciously romantic hotel.

The location is slightly removed, so if your going to stay here, you will need a vehicle. However, this is a hotel that you would quite happily not leave. It is a hotel that I could easily be sequestered for a week at. Walks along the beach, lazy days in the swimming pools, excellent spa facilities, you can dip your toes into some local Thai resteraunts just outside, though, I have to impress again, that the food is marvellous at the Nai Harn. Some real culinary wizardry going on there.

The first morning, I happily sat in the covered, yet open air restaurant, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes while I watched the sun rise. The sun rises over land. First the clouds turned pink and then the golden glow permeated the hills. Beautiful to see on your own but well shared with a loved one.

There are family style accommodations available, but they are limited, no inter connecting rooms. My room was a deluxe ocean view room on the 3rd floor. The patio with luxurious sun beds and 4 post canopy is very private, you could keep full modesty here, yet be totally unclothed. My room was very large with a bath, the TV is an oldish Samsung TV so you can plug in a TV box to one of the HDMI port and have plenty of TV to watch. This is an important aspect for me, I often stay at the same hotel if they have HDMI ports available and good Internet.

I will return with my wife (and even on my own) to the NaiHan, this hotel ticks all the...