AWA Resort – Kai Bae Beach

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AWA Resort -Full Review

Overview

Opened in 2014 as the sister hotel to The Dewa on Klong Prao, AWA Resort quickly established itself as one of Kai Bae’s flagship properties. The look is distinctive: a long, linear pool stretching from reception towards the sea, flanked by stark white walls and dark wooden accents, all framed by palms and sea views. It’s part boutique, part “hotel with scale”. Big enough to have a buzz, but designed to avoid the blandness of a generic chain.

With over 100 rooms, a serious central pool, good breakfast and comfortable beds, AWA appeals to a broad mix: couples, Bangkok weekenders, Thai families and international holidaymakers. It’s not trying to be a secluded hideaway; it’s a stylish, modern resort that feels alive.

Location – North Kai Bae Seafront

AWA sits on the northern section of Kai Bae’s shoreline. You’re:

• Right on the water, with a small strip of beach and steps down to the sea
• 5 minutes’ stroll to the main cluster of Kai Bae restaurants and cafés
• A short songthaew ride from Klong Prao to the north or Lonely Beach to the south

One thing to be clear about: the immediate beach here is not the best on the island. At higher tide it looks pretty with the sea lapping up to the sea wall, some sand, nice views. At low tide you see more rocks and muddy sand, and it’s definitely not as inviting for swimming as the southern parts of Kai Bae beach.

If you’re a pool person, this won’t bother you. If you’re a purist “I want a wide sandy beach” person, you may prefer a resort further south on the bay.

Atmosphere

Because of its size, AWA has more energy than a quiet boutique hideaway. Expect:

• Families and couples around the long pool during the day
• Thai weekenders and Bangkok residents on holidays
• Evenings with a gentle buzz at the bar and restaurant
• More guests and activity than smaller resorts like Gajapuri

It doesn’t feel like a party hotel, but it’s definitely more “social resort” than “private villa retreat”. In low season it can feel pleasingly spacious and calm; in peak season, the pool can get busy.

Rooms – Modern, Spacious & Very Comfortable Beds

One of the most consistently praised aspects of AWA is the quality of the beds. Many guests comment that they’re some of the most comfortable they’ve slept on in Thailand. Rooms are modern, quite minimalist and generous in size.

Main Room Types

• Superior Hillside: Located in the garden-side annex across the road. 40 m², modern, quiet and often better value. You don’t get sea views, but you do get a relaxing green outlook and a short walk or buggy ride to the main pool/sea side.
• Deluxe: 54 m² rooms on the sea side of the road, many with balconies facing the pool or sea.
• Deluxe Premium: Similar size but configured to sleep 2 adults + 2 kids; good for families.
• Deluxe Beachfront: Prime locations facing directly out to the sea, ideal if you want to maximise the view.
• Beachfront Suite: The top category, a large 108 m² suite with separate living area, big balcony, more space and best sunset views.

Across categories you can expect:

• Soft, supportive beds (not the usual Thai “concrete slabs”)
• Modern bathrooms, often with separate bathtub and shower
• Good air-conditioning and blackout curtains
• Balcony or terrace seating
• TV, mini-bar, safe, kettle and Wi-Fi

Decor is contemporary and neutral, leaning more towards “international hotel” than “Thai tropical bungalow” which will either appeal or not depending on your taste.

Facilities

AWA’s facilities are a big part of its appeal especially the pool.

• Long Central Pool: The signature feature running almost the full length of the property from near reception down towards the seafront. Plenty of loungers line the sides.
• Beachfront Deck: At the seaward end, you’ve got seating areas, small patches of sand and steps into the sea.
• Spa: On-site spa offering massages and body treatments using natural ingredients, a nice extra for a resort at this price point.
• Restaurant & Bar: Serving buffet breakfast and all-day dining, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Evening bar service includes cocktails, wine and beer.
• Tour & Transfer Desk: Standard island excursions, snorkelling, boat trips, elephant camps, etc.
• Parking: Car and bike parking on the garden-side of the road, with buggy transfer available.

There’s no proper gym, which is one of the more common “wish list” items in guest reviews, but many guests are content with swimming, walking and kayaking.

Beach & Swimming

This is the one area where AWA doesn’t compete with the very best of Kai Bae:

• The sandy strip in front is narrow, especially at high tide
• At low tide, rocks and sludgy, muddy sand can appear
• The seabed is uneven and not as ideal for a relaxed paddle as the southern bay

You can absolutely swim in the sea here, especially at higher tide, but this isn’t a postcard-perfect “wide white-sand beach” situation. If that matters deeply, you’ll likely prefer staying further south and maybe just visiting AWA for a drink or dinner.

For most guests, the huge pool more than compensates as it’s where they spend most water time anyway.

How AWA Compares

• The Chill: Smaller, more intimate, with a stronger boutique feel and better direct beach section; AWA is larger, more affordable and has a longer pool.
• Gajapuri Resort: Much more low-rise and garden-based, wooden villas, quieter and more romantic; AWA is more modern, social and hotel-like.
• Kai Bae Beach Resort / KB Resort: Better sandy beach and easier sea swimming; AWA wins on architecture, pool and interior comfort.
• Sylvan Resort: Spectacular views and private beach, but more remote and more expensive; AWA is central and more “hotel-style”.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressive long pool and striking design
• Very comfortable beds and spacious rooms
• Good location for dining and exploring nearby
• Competitive pricing for the 4-star category

Cons

• Beach quality directly in front is mediocre
• Public areas can feel busy in peak season
• No gym
• Garden-side rooms require crossing the road to reach the pool/sea

Who Should Stay at AWA?

Great for:

• Couples and groups looking for a stylish, social base
• Travellers who spend more time at the pool than on the sand
• Guests who value room comfort and design over a perfect swimming beach

Probably not ideal for:

• Beach purists who want a wide, sandy, swimmable beach right in front
• People seeking a small, ultra-quiet boutique hideaway

Value for Money

For what you get, a large pool, modern architecture, comfy beds, good breakfast and a full-service 4-star resort, AWA is very competitively priced. You’re trading off beach perfection for a strong overall resort package at a sensible rate.

Final Thoughts

AWA Resort is one of Kai Bae’s most recognisable properties: stylish, modern and sociable, with a huge pool and very comfortable rooms. If you can live with a less-than-ideal beachfront and you’re really a “pool and facilities” person, it’s one of the best-value 4-star options on Koh Chang.

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