Originally Posted by
exactabox
This might be too late since you stated you're going in July, but the Centara Grand in Ao Nang would seem to fit your description -- a private beachfront resort accessible only by boat. The longboats between Ao Nang beach and Railay beach pass by it, and that's about it.
Thanks! In fact spending a few nights at Rayavadee.
A beach villa at the Centara is then a similar price to Rayavadee or the Ritz Carlton in which case I'd probably prefer an entry level room at a nicer property.
I was thinking more along the lines of a cheaper "local" option, where you don't have to pay $10 for a cocktail from the hotel beach bar!