Koh Lanta Hotel
 

Any advise on a charming, upscale but not overpowering resort on a beautiful beach for three nights in Koh Lanta? We'll probably scuba dive one day and relax for two days.

We are not budget travelers but do not like large 5* resorts.

Thanks.

What you get for your money so much depends on what time of year. I pressume you are talking about high season ( Nov - May )? as now until October is rainy season. The rates though differ very much between the high and low seasons.
Before suggesting specifics if you can tell us what time of year and a rough idea of budget as there are so many places now.
The Layana I have not been to but it has a great reputation here and I know people who have been recently and really liked it. That's in the USD 120+ region low season.
Some Layana reviews:
http://www.res24.com/review/posts.ht...=beachsiam.com

Try this, they have around 30 places from absolute budget to the top places, that can give you an idea of what you can find for your money

http://www.beachsiam.com/koh_lanta_hotels.html

It always helps if we have an idea of budget, meanwhile you can also look at the reviews, but remember what suits some doesn't suit others !

I think you mentioned in another post that you had budgeted up to $400 per night. You will not have a problem finding a great place. On Koh Lanta, look at the Pimalai for an isolated totally relaxing lovely upscale low key resort on a stunning beach. Do a search on this site & you will find my description of our stay there last year. They do have scuba trips. Unless the prices have gone up dramatically, I think you can get a beachfront villa there in your price range.

We will be in Koh Lanta February 2 - 5, 2007. Sorry I forgot to say that.

The Pimalai is an absolute stunnign resort and well within your budget, even within peak season.
For more info on Koh Lanta, try http://kohlanta-hotels.com