Knai Bang Chat
First Class Eco-Lodge
Introduction
Knai Bang Chatt is the best hotel in Kep, echoing the Art Deco period that was the town’s heyday. Its position sets it aside; as you walk across the lawn leads down to the waterfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand you can see why French colonials and Cambodian high society used to flock here. A small, minimalist hotel that encourages relaxed outdoor living by the sea.
Facilities
The superb infinity pool makes up for the lack of beach (Kep is not a beach resort) and guests can also jump into the ocean from the jetty at the Sailing Club (next door). Catamarans and kayaks are available for trips out to sea and bicycles and motorbikes can also be rented to discover the local area. The hotel's informal alfresco pavilion seafront restaurant specialises in tantalising seafood and fusion delights. You can also eat at the Sailing Club, a former fisherman’s house, a fantastic place to savour the sunset with an evening cocktail. Other facilities include a spa that offers a variety of massages, body and facial treatments, as well as meditation and yoga. There is also a computer, library and video room with movie projector and a table tennis table.
Rooms
The resort consists of three art-deco style villas, in which there are 18 individually decorated rooms, each lovingly restored and relatively simple minimalist with polished concrete floors, dark wooden furniture and Khmer art and ceramics. All are ensuite with mosquito nets, air conditioning, Wi-Fi mini-fridge and safe.
La Veranda Natural Resort
Boutique Medium Class
Introduction
This is a quirky, characterful resort is nestled on a quiet hillside backed by Kep National Park with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and outlying islands. It makes the most of its privileged position clinging to the hillside with a series of wonderful wooden walkways that criss-cross the resort. A unique hotel whose individual character complements the destination’s off the beaten track feel.
Rooms
The hotel offers a choice of 23 unique wooden and stone bungalows and small residences all joined by raised wooden walkways in amongst the verdant gardens which attract a host of birdlife.
The accommodation itself is quirky, varied and simple, with an astonishing range of individually designed room types that are tastefully decorated and private, with some offering good views of the park and coastline. All are en-suite and most have air-conditioning, private balcony or terrace and complementary WiFi.
Facilities
Facilities include a restaurant and bar area, a small bakery and ice cream shop as well as a good size swimming pool. The resort can arrange day trips to Bokor Hill National Park, Rabbit Island, pepper plantations for which the area is well-known, as well as hikes into Kep National Park.