The staff at Beyond Khaolak was the best in all 41 countries I've been to. They were so accommodating and caring. The resort doesn't quite have everything you need but the services to the town, and the market bridge that gap. They also have a travel agent desk that can get you to almost anything you'd want to do in Thailand, from elephants, to beach getaways. The front desk will even help you with excursions not booked through the agent. Only 2 restaurants were open at the time of my visit but both were really nice. Again, the staff is who made it worthwhile, from eggs to order at the free breakfast, to booking a spa. The gym is also really nice - not simple dumbbells and treadmills. It's a full gym with weights, machines, bars, and benches. Walking the beach in either direction is also really nice. The beach right at the report isn't the greatest but a 5 minute walk left or right and there's shade and flat shores. I can't say enough about how nice a stay it was. The staff really make it a special experience. Khaolak isn't the most happening city in Thailand but Beyond Khaolak resort is arguably the most comfortable.