Ban Raya Resort and Spa

We chose this resort to celebrate New Year, and it was the worst decision ever. We were confused with the reviews as they were radically opposite, but we decided to give it a try (now we deeply regret that). The transportation to and from the hotel is terrible. We arrived at 9am to the pickup point and had to wait for 1 hour in the tiny room first, then carried all our luggage for around 1km to the boat (same on the way back, be ready for that). We arrived to another side of the island and had to take some odd vehicle to reach the resort. I saw someone recently mentioned that they fell off that thing, and it’s no surprise to me because it’s absolutely dangerous and inconvenient. And yes, you arrive at 11 and then you have to wait for 3 hours to check in. Breakfast was scarce, the choice is very limited, even fruits aren’t refilled on time. The path from the resort to the beach is a disaster, dusty and bumpy, full of metal rebars also. There are construction works around as well. The AC didn’t work properly and even after having it fixed, it was loud and chunks of ice were falling out. The water tank in the toilet didn’t work even after we asked to fix it 3 times! We also informed them in advance that we’d like our room to be cleaned and the towels changed, and guess what? Of course they didn’t do it. I complained about that and asked them to do it when we were out for the “sunset” thing (which is also NOT what you might expect - just check YouTube / Instagram etc. to see where the sunset point on Racha island actually is and where the other two hotels take their guests for enjoying the sunset. Spoiler: it’s not the same beach where you arrive and where this resort actually takes you). Here’s the surprise: they didn’t wait until we left to come and do their job, they came when I was taking a shower and my boyfriend was out to buy something. I came out of the shower almost naked to see 3 random people in my room! Absolutely absurd. I shall also say that their massage isn’t worth a penny. I love spa and massage, and I can say that their service was just horrible, not to mention it was only 40 minutes and not 1 hour as they say. Oh yeah, someone mentioned it already but I’d like to confirm that most of their staff (even at the reception desk) don’t speak English, but instead they have a Chinese guide for Chinese tourists that translate everything for them in great detail. Nothing is translated for other guests and you just follow the others without knowing what is actually going on. The only good thing there is the beauty of nature which has nothing to do with the resort itself. Now I realise that most people who share positive feedback don’t give high points for the resort and their service but the nature only, which isn’t reasonable. We do NOT recommend this place, choose Racha island resort instead (we went there for New Year Eve as nothing was held in Ban Raya, and we enjoyed the food and the friendly atmosphere) and come around once for snorkelling. That’s more than enough if you don’t want your vacations to be ruined with poor service and old facilities.

Super place for rest!

All good