The Sanchaya
And that’s before you even get to the hotel itself, which is where the fun really begins. The Sanchaya, grand and gleaming, is impossibly photogenic at dawn and dusk, the colonial architecture and towering palm trees reflected in the still water of an Olympic-sized infinity pool. There’s rainforest and a manmade lagoon on one side, and clear blue sea on the other; inside, the hotel is like a museum of Southeast Asian art and artifacts.
The hotel looks larger than it is, but that’s only because the rooms and suites are so generously proportioned. There’s no “standard double” here, just 21 villas and nine suites spread out between the main house and the lagoon-facing Lawan Village. The aesthetic mixes colonial charm with clean, modern lines: think parquet floors, Chinese-style cabinetry, and antique wooden writing desks stocked with artisanal stationery, as well as a state-of-the-art wine fridge, TVs by Bang & Olufsen, and an iPad mini, in case you’d rather type a note home instead of writing out a letter. Amenities are plentiful across room categories, from private terraces and espresso machines to pillow menus, super king-sized beds, yoga mats, and sparking water bottled on the estate.
The Sanchaya has several restaurants and bars, not to mention an elegant salon and library. It’s all about the finer things here, and a eye for detail: the hotel collaborated with Ronnefeldt to create a signature tea blend, served with house-made pastries on fine bone china. You could also have a sommelier-led tasting in the wine cellar, or sample Indonesian snacks by the pool, served in the traditional tempo doeloe style, the servers laden with two baskets suspended from a pole carried across their shoulders. (Asian street food with none of the anxiety? The Sanchaya’s got you covered.)
Don’t bother paging through guidebooks, either, if you’d rather dig into that novel you’ve been meaning to read. The Sanchaya has a good Activities Concierge, and a selection of recommended itineraries. Or you could just stay at the hotel. You came all the way to this far-flung paradise, no one will blame you for relaxing by the pool or taking a dip in the South China Sea.
Location
Guest Score & Reviews
Scores are on a 20-point scale, from verified guest reviews. The quality score helps ensure that our selection stays fresh and vital.

It was a truly amazing experience with great service and attentive staff. Resort had many activities to do and all the facilities were amazing! Will definitely come back in the near future!
Rooms & Rates
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Lawan Thai Villa
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Fits 2 people
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1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
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731 ft²/68 m².
Views: Garden.
Includes:
- Aesop bath amenities
- Air conditioning window unit
- Arm chair
- Bathtub
- Coffee/tea
- Complimentary minibar
- Crib (on request)
- Desk
- Espresso machine
- Hairdryer
- Hardwood floor
- International channel
- IPod docking station
- Phones
- Ploh linen brands
- Safe
- Serene Lagoon View
- Stand up shower
- Television
- Terrace / balcony
- Tiled floor
- Turndown service
- Wake up service



Sanchaya Suite
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Fits 3 people
-
1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
-
1291 ft²/120 m².
Views: Partial sea or garden.
Includes:
- Aesop bath amenities
- Air conditioning window unit
- Arm chair
- Bathtub
- Coffee/tea
- Complimentary minibar
- Crib (on request)
- Desk
- Espresso machine
- Hairdryer
- Hardwood floor
- International channel
- IPod docking station
- Phones
- Ploh linen brands
- Safe
- Sea View
- Separate living room
- Sofa
- Stand up shower
- Television
- Tiled floor
- Turndown service
- Wake up service


Two Bedroom Villa
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Fits 4 people
-
1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
-
1915 ft²/178 m².
Views: Partial sea or garden.
Includes:
- AESOP bath amenities
- Air conditioning window unit
- Arm chair
- Bathtub
- Coffee/tea
- Complimentary minibar
- Crib (on request)
- Desk
- Direct Beach Access
- Espresso machine
- Hairdryer
- Hardwood floor
- International channel
- IPod docking station
- Phones
- Ploh linen brands
- Safe
- Separate living room
- Sofa
- Stand up shower
- Television
- Terrace / balcony
- Tiled floor
- Turndown service
- Wake up service


Leelawadee (3-Bedroom + Private Pool)
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Fits 6 people
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1 King Bed
-
4520 ft²/420 m².
Views: Garden.
Includes:
- AESOP bath amenities
- Air conditioning window unit
- Arm chair
- Bathtub
- Coffee/tea
- Complimentary minibar
- Crib (on request)
- Desk
- Espresso machine
- Hairdryer
- Hardwood floor
- International channel
- IPod docking station
- Phones
- Ploh linen brands
- Private Pool Deck
- Safe
- Stand up shower
- Television
- Terrace / balcony
- Tiled floor
- Turndown service
- Wake up service