If you’re in Thailand looking for utter peace and seclusion in an unspoiled natural environment, this is the place to go. Baba Ecolodge is the perfect antidote to the high-density tourism and rampant development found on nearby islands like Phuket and Krabi. With 15 kilometres of empty golden beaches and not a jet ski in sight, the island, although large, is totally undeveloped - when you arrive no buildings are visible. Take an early morning walk along the beach, or swim in a sea turned gold by the sunset, and the place is all yours. Go canoeing along a tidal river or snorkelling in the bath-warm lagoon, and you'll have just hornbills, sea eagles and - if you’re lucky - sea turtles for company.
Practise yoga in an open-air pavilion under the coconut palms; blissful Thai massages are on offer in a shady sala next to the sea. Staying on the island is as close as you can come to having your own tropical hideaway in paradise, without having to cater for yourself and your family.
Highs
- Morning swims on a deserted beach, followed by a gentle massage and a healthy breakfast of exotic fruit
- A range of spacious, private and well-designed wooden houses that suit couples, singles and families alike
- The happy, smiley staff - a symbol of the successful training programme that employs 98% of staff from the village
- Saturday BBQ night is great fun - there's a bonfire on the beach with rum punch and cashew nut roasting
- Exemplary environmental practices including solar energy, sustainable fishing and water purification
Lows
- This is a back-to-nature resort: expect geckoes, tree frogs, monkeys, occasional snakes and black flies (if the weather is unnaturally still)
- There's no pool, but you’ll have miles of beach to yourself
- Rooms don't have air-con, but beachside houses in particular benefit from a sea breeze
- Don’t expect much in the way of nightlife
- The location means travel arrangements need to be planned carefully - worth it once you arrive!
Best time to go
The peak tourist season is November to February, when the weather is slightly cooler (30C) and there is little rain. It's a perfect time for swimming, canoeing and snorkelling, plus there are daily yoga sessions if you want to 'dip your toe in', but are reluctant to sign up to a long course. Sea turtles nest in Dec-Jan and hatch in March and April. The resort closes during monsoon season from the end of April - beginning of November.
Our top tips
Be aware that when you arrive on the island there is no pier so wear shorts or a skirt/trousers that you can roll up - you get off the boat into at least a foot of water.
Yoga guests: no need to bring your own equipment, the platform is fully equipped. But if you would like to bring your own mat, please do.
Yoga guests: no need to bring your own equipment, the platform is fully equipped. But if you would like to bring your own mat, please do.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 8 independent reviews from i-escape guests
I recently spent three nights at Baba Ecolodge, on a beautiful island and full of rustic charm, making it an ideal getaway for relaxation and natural beauty. The setting is laid-back, with the hotel nestled in lush tropical surroundings and fronting a pristine, unspoiled beach. The gentle waves, golden sands, and absence of crowds create a tranquil ambiance that feels like a well-kept secret.
Each of the characterful teak cabins are thoughtfully designed, unique and exude a sense of authenticity and charm, blending nicely into the natural landscape. A highlight was the food and club-house style restaurant and bar. The staff’s warmth and genuine hospitality made us feel at home. Baba is a haven for those who appreciate simplicity, nature, and excellent hospitality. I would recommend it to anyone looking to unwind in a picturesque setting far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Baba Eco Lodge were really helpful about arranging the transfers to the island and everything went really smoothly. This is a real escape to a completely underdeveloped island with stunning beaches. We loved being able to join Alisa for yoga and breathing class every morning. Worth the class fee. Kayaking in the mangroves was something different, spotting hornbills and playing cards at the beach bar with a great smoothie was a lovely way to spend time and we had a massage each on our last day at a lovely little breezy massage platform. Food was good. We enjoyed fresh fruit and Chia seed pudding, followed by eggs and banana pancakes for breakfast. Dinner menu was all good and lovely salads and pizza if you wanted at lunchtime. Constructive feedback would be to improve the coffee!
We have just returned from 10 days at Baba Lodge. It is remote but we didn't find the journey too bad and the staff at the Lodge were very helpful in arranging the car from the airport and the long boat to the island. It all added to the sense of adventure and being far removed from the rest of the world. We loved the island and the beach really is 15 km of golden sand, mostly deserted. A few times a day there may be up to 6 people walking along it or in the sea. The sea was beautiful and so clear and clean. There was only one day when there was a bit of debris to spoil the crystal clear water. The accommodation is basic but functional. The 'Baan' we stayed in had a hob but no cooking equipment and the fridge was no more than a mini bar. However, as you cannot access any shops we could not cook anyway. The bay was also stunning and we spent our days there on the sun loungers. There are not many of these which would cause a problem if there were more guests. The staff are kind and helpful in the main but a few in the restaurant were a bit grumpy. Wifi is available at certain times in the restaurant and shop area. Otherwise it was a pure delight to be off grid. There are activities such as snorkeling and kayaking and trips if you want. The biggest disappointment was the food. Staying there for 10 days we saw the full range of what was on offer and it became a little boring. There were only 2 starters, 4 main courses and 2 puddings a night. Due to the location of the Lodge you can only access other places when the tide is low. All in all it was a wonderful break on what I imagine is one of the last islands of its kind left in Thailand.
We were very lucky; we stayed at Baan Sea Ball 1 and it was right on the beach! For some people this house might not be attractive because of the incessant noise the waves make throughout the day, but we absolutely loved it.
The bathroom fixtures definitely needed maintenance. More light by the bathroom mirror would be nice and the reading lights by the bed were not enough to see the pages! The beach in front of the house had big waves and was not ideal for swimming, however, the other beach which was a 10 minute walk was perfect. Exclusively Thai food was mostly good although at times felt repetitive.
Heaven! The beach, the accommodation, the staff... Very kind, efficient and helpful.
The food in the restaurant was good, but more variety could be offered. In the house we would have liked daybeds in the open area - but when we asked, staff quickly organized some for us.
The trip on the longboat was very adventurous; getting back to the mainland we arrived completely wet (swimming suits would have been better than travel clothes!)
All in all we were very, very satisfied!! And we are already missing the golden sand on the endless beach, the calm atmosphere, the clean water of the sea...
Whilst it does take a bit of extra effort to get to Baba it is absolutely worth it when you get there. The resort can organise the transfer for you taking out some the pain. The beaches are beautiful - you won’t find a full moon party here but if you are looking for some R&R then this is the place for you. Will be going again
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