Islanda Resort Hotel Koh Mak — A Hilltop Infinity Pool with Views All the Way to Koh Kham
On a ridge in the middle of Koh Mak, looking down over both Ao Suan Yai and Ao Kai, sits a small boutique resort called Islanda Resort Hotel · The first thing every review mentions is the infinity pool perched on the hill, gazing out over the sea all the way to Koh Kham · Around 18–19 rooms, most with sea views, plus a free golf-cart shuttle down to the beach and free breakfast · From approx. ฿2,500/night — ideal for couples who value the view and the quiet more than stepping straight onto the sand.
Islanda Resort Hotel isn't a beachfront place where you step from your door onto the sand — it's a boutique resort perched on a ridge in the middle of Koh Mak, on the Ao Suan Yai–Ao Kai side · That hilltop position is both the draw and the thing to understand before you book — you get a panoramic view out over the sea toward Koh Kham that many call the best on the island, in exchange for a beach that's about a 10–15 minute walk away · The resort runs a free golf-cart shuttle down to the sand, so you don't have to trudge back up the hill in the midday heat.
The star of the show is the infinity pool whose edge melts into the horizon · Sit in the water looking out at the blue sea and a scatter of little islands — it's the shot in almost every review · Around the pool there's a Pool Bar and the open-air Terrace Restaurant catching the breeze · The roughly 18–19 rooms were completed in 2012 and include Deluxe Ocean Terrace, the 40m² Grand Ocean Suite, Garden Terrace rooms and family units · Most rooms have a sea-view terrace, air-con, fridge, flat-screen TV and a safe.
"Open the curtains in the morning and the sea fills the window. Swim in a pool whose edge meets the sea, with Koh Kham off in the distance — the view is worth the golf-cart ride down to the beach."
The staff are another consistently praised part of a stay · Many reviews describe the reception team as friendly, helpful and attentive, arranging boat trips and transfers and sharing plenty of island tips · The Terrace Restaurant cooks Thai and Western dishes, while the Garden Grill turns to seafood barbecue in the evenings · One thing to know: the restaurant closes fairly early (around 8pm), and there aren't many places off-resort on the island, so if you tend to get hungry late, pack a few snacks.
Two things deserve a straight word · First, the rooms and upkeep — the resort dates from 2012, and some reviews say it now shows its age in places and could use a refresh, with tired fittings, inconsistent hot water and an occasional drain smell · Second, the room views — the cheaper rooms sit below pool level and barely see the sea, looking out instead at a wall or concrete, which is a long way from what many people expect from the photos · So if you're booking here for the view, choose a room clearly marked Ocean View or above pool level.
Bottom line from real reviews: Islanda Resort suits travelers who value a panoramic sea view and a hilltop infinity pool more than being right on the beach · Prices start around ฿2,500/night for a garden-view room, rising to roughly ฿3,500–4,500 for sea-view rooms and suites in peak season · It scores around 8.7 from 43 reviews on Trip.com — good for a small island resort · Pick the right sea-view room, accept the golf-cart ride to the beach, and don't expect a brand-new room, and it delivers a quiet setting and a view that's hard to find on Koh Mak.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Stunning infinity pool and panoramic sea views toward Koh Kham
- ✓ Friendly, helpful and attentive staff
- ✓ Free golf-cart shuttle down to the beach
- ✓ Quiet hilltop setting that's great for couples
- ! Not beachfront — a 10–15 min walk or golf-cart ride down
- ! Cheaper rooms below pool level barely see the sea
- ! Restaurant closes early (~8pm)
- ✓ Roomy sea-view rooms with private terraces
- ✓ Lovely pool and pool-side bar catching the sea breeze
- ✓ Great for couples who prioritize the view over beachfront
- ✓ Snorkeling trips to nearby islands easily arranged
- ! Built in 2012 — some areas are dated and due a refresh
- ! Some reviews report inconsistent hot water and a drain smell
- ! Low season is very quiet — some island services close
- 💡If you want to step from your room onto the sand — this is a hilltop resort, with the beach a 10–15 min walk away → if you truly want beachfront, look at resorts right on Ao Suan Yai or Ao Kao, but the free golf-cart shuttle makes it easy enough.
- 💡If you're booking here for the sea view — the cheaper rooms below pool level barely see the water → choose a room clearly marked Ocean View or above pool level before confirming.
- 💡If you want a spotless, modern room — built in 2012, some reviews report tired fittings, inconsistent hot water and a drain smell → ask for recent photos and request a well-kept unit before booking.