The hype
Guests love the massive rooms and the breakfast spread, but the steep terrain and unswimmable beach are frequent deal-breakers.
Nora Buri Resort & Spa
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a private pool villa with killer ocean views and don't mind taking a golf cart to breakfast.
Why People Love It
- Stunning hillside infinity pool with panoramic Gulf of Thailand views
- Massive rooms (even standard ones start at 64 sq. m)
- Split-level layout offers two distinct vibes: hillside quiet vs. beachside convenience
Quick Take: A sprawling resort with a split personality—literally divided by a busy road—where the views are five-star but the beach is strictly for looking, not swimming.
Reviewed by @DanielleM95: I stayed in the Hillside Pool Villa and honestly, the photos don't do it justice. Waking up to that ocean view and jumping straight into my own private pool was the highlight of my trip. It felt incredibly secluded and romantic—perfect for a honeymoon or just escaping reality.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'private pool' in some villas is freezing cold because it gets no sun, and the 'sea view' can sometimes be blocked by trees or other villas.
- You love a good infinity pool selfie more than swimming in the ocean
- You are a couple seeking privacy in a pool villa
- You don't mind being 10 minutes away from the Chaweng party scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some guests report missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but grout in older rooms can show wear. Water pressure is good.
- Maintenance: Some signs of age (worn decking, peeling paint) in the common areas.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though pool towels can sometimes run out by late afternoon.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, occasional musty smell in ground-floor rooms due to humidity.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic noise from the main road separating the two resort wings
- Buggy carts zooming past rooms
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- A free shuttle runs to Chaweng Beach daily (check schedule, usually late afternoon)
- A 2,000 THB deposit (or credit card hold) is required at check-in
- The 'Hillside' and 'Beachside' wings are connected by a tunnel/underpass, so you don't have to dodge traffic
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (hillside greenery = bugs)
- Slip-on shoes for constant buggy rides
- Universal travel adapter (some rooms have limited/awkwardly placed outlets)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Hillside Ocean View Pool Villa for the best privacy and panoramic vistas
- Room 815 (Hillside) has been flagged for having a particularly good view
- Beachside Pool Villas for easier access to the main pool and breakfast
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms directly adjacent to the main road (noise issues)
- Ground floor Hillside rooms (less privacy, obstructed views)
- Garden view rooms if you care about the ocean (you're paying for the location, get the view)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room on a higher floor in the Hillside wing for an unobstructed ocean view, away from the main road noise. If possible, please avoid ground-floor units with heavy foot traffic.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable?
No. It is very rocky and shallow with a coral reef shelf. Great for photos, bad for swimming.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, and it's highly rated with a large buffet spread. Check your specific booking rate to be sure.
How far is the party in Chaweng?
About a 10-minute drive. The hotel offers a free shuttle, or a taxi/Grab costs around 300-400 THB.
Do I need a private pool villa?
Not strictly necessary as the two main public pools are excellent, but the villas offer much more privacy for couples.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, there are kids' sections in the pools, but the steep hills and stairs make strollers a nightmare.
Are there restaurants within walking distance?
A few, like Tree Tops or local Thai spots, but the road is busy and lacks sidewalks. It's safer to take a cab.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Hillside pool is often quieter and has a better breeze than the Beachside pool.
- ✨
Happy Hour at the pool bar offers 2-for-1 cocktails—time your sunset swim accordingly.
- ✨
Don't rely on the in-room hair dryer if you have thick hair; it's weak.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Hillside' rooms require a buggy ride for almost everything—if you forget your sunscreen, it's a 20-minute round trip.
💡Power outlets are scarce and often not near the bed—bring an extension cord or power bank.
💡The bathroom lighting is surprisingly harsh/dim in some older rooms, making makeup application tricky.
💡You might spot the occasional lizard or spider in the room due to the tropical hillside setting.
💡The 'Beachside' lobby is often unmanned; you usually have to check in at the main Hillside lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Nora Buri Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.