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The stylish Thai-style resort had expanded since our last visit, adding a gorgeous seaside infinity pool to go with the original saltwater pool set further back. Despite the new pool, the coastline has been left largely untouched, with only a few of the priciest villas spaced well apart on a lawn that’s wide enough to kick a ball around. The grass and stone footpaths end at a shaded beach with loungers and hammocks. As with all of Haad Kai Bae, the sand almost disappears here at high tide.

A wooden deck to enjoy the view from. Photo: David Luekens

Of Gajapuri’s nine different room types, only a couple of family rooms come in a concrete building that also houses the main restaurant. All others are freestanding villas with vaulted ceilings, varnished wood floors and walls, wood-framed glass doors, loungers on private decks, ceramic sinks and flourishes of modern art. You also get a long list of amenities including minibar, safe, TV, DVD player, bathtub, slippers and ceiling fan (in addition to air-con).

We like the lowest-end “superior” villas, but you could splash out for additions like Jacuzzi tub, private plunge pool or sea-view deck. The high-end rooms not facing the beach each sit behind their own tall wooden fence for full privacy—and we preferred those above the more exposed beachfront villas. Whichever you go for, Gajapuri is an excellent honeymooning choice.

A see-through pool. Photo: David Luekens

Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, free kayaks, massage and DVD library, though no fitness centre. The receptionists who have showed us around have always been exceptionally patient, professional and engaging. You also get a convenient location, with the road exit dropping you within easy walking distance of Kai Bae’s dining and shopping strip.

Near Gajapuri you’ll find The Awa and The Chill, both large-scale luxury resorts with huge concrete room blocks that we think clash with the landscape. Another high-end option in Kai Bae is Sea View Resort, which is lovely but located in an isolated spot at the far southern corner of Kai Bae Beach.