Baba Ecolodge

Name: Baba Ecolodge
Address: Ko Phra Thong, Ko Phra Thong, Phang-nga, Thailand
Price range: £££

Ko Phra Thong, Phang-nga, Thailand

Remote hideaway on an unspoilt Thai beach, perfect for families and romantics alike

Forget the Thailand of full moon parties. On the little-known island of Ko Phra Thong, Baba Ecolodge offers a rare kind of barefoot luxury, one where infinity pools are swapped for savanna skies and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the sea. Set on the edge of a national park and a deserted 12km beach, the lodge is a dream for nature lovers. It’s 27 wooden villas, built in traditional Thai style, are tucked among jungle and casuarina trees, with views to the sea or forest.

The island’s open grasslands feel more African than Southeast Asian and are home to pangolins, slow lorises, monkeys and nesting turtles. Days drift by with kayaking, snorkelling, diving, forest hikes, or doing absolutely nothing. There’s a small spa, a yoga shala, and simple, local food.

Highlights

A rare island of yesteryear. Discover Thailand as it once was: unspoilt, roadless, and blissfully quiet, with 12km of deserted beach to yourself.
Sunset yoga with a view. Say goodbye to the day on the open-air shala, as the sun casts golden hues over the silky sea.
Jeep safari, island style. Venture inland on a 4×4 eco-safari across grassland savanna to spot deer, hornbills and wild island birds.

Rooms

Baba Ecolodge has 27 unique rustic wooden villas of different sizes. Each villa features a private garden and elevated wooden deck to further chill out on. All also have king-size beds, open-air showers, hammocks, and natural ventilation.

Private beach villas: Ideal for couples, these villas sit under shady trees with sea views, just steps from the beach.

Private jungle villas: Set within tropical greenery, these villas offer feature similar amenities to the private beach villas, but with more shade.

Family beach villas: Perfect for families or groups, these spacious two-bedroom villas can accommodate up to six guests. They also offer ample outdoor deck space to enjoy sea views and the surrounding jungle garden.

Family jungle villas: Located within the resort’s trees, these two-bedroom villas also comfortably sleep up to six guests. They provide a peaceful setting with easy access to the beach.

Food and drink

Each day, the Clubhouse presents a new menu, based on seasonal availability. For a more casual experience, the Bay Beach Club offers homemade stone-oven pizzas, fresh salads, and a selection of beverages, including chilled wines and fresh shakes. Breakfast at the Clubhouse combines buffet and à la carte options, featuring freshly squeezed juices, homemade bread and jams, wild honey, cereals, fruits, and a range of cooked dishes.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of an on-site organic orchard, supplying the kitchen with fresh vegetables and herbs. Additionally, coconut milk is prepared in-house from local coconuts, ensuring purity and freshness.

A highlight of the week is the Saturday beach barbecue, to feast on grilled fish, seafood, meats, satay sticks, curries, and an array of salads and fruits.

Facilities

Open-air Clubhouse with daily-changing menus and bar
Secluded yoga shala for sunrise and wellness sessions
Jungle spa offering traditional Thai massages
12km private stretch of untouched beach with loungers
Tour desk for snorkelling, kayaking and island adventures
Small boutique with local crafts and essentials
Solar-heated water and natural ventilation throughout
Wi-Fi available in communal areas only

Experiences and activities

Kayak through quiet mangrove forests.
Take a 4×4 safari across the island’s savanna to spot birds and deer.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs or paddleboard the calm bay.
Join a Thai cooking class with local ingredients.
Visit nearby islands home to the Moken sea nomads.
Hike rainforest trails or stroll along the 12km deserted beach.
Start your day with sunrise yoga on the open-air shala.
Unwind with a traditional Thai massage in the jungle spa.
Watch the sunset over the savanna with a drink in hand.
Enjoy beach barbecues and bonfires under the stars.

Wider region

The island boasts over 12km of deserted golden beaches along its western coast, perfect for slow walks and sunset views. Inland is a unique savanna landscape, vast grasslands dotted with cajeput trees, reminiscent of African plains. This rare ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife, including sambar deer and over 100 bird species, such as hornbills and the rare Lesser Adjutant Stork. The eastern side features extensive mangrove forests and calm lagoons, ideal for kayaking and birdwatching. As part of the Mu Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong National Park, the island remains largely undeveloped, preserving its rich biodiversity.

Sustainability

Solar-powered showers: All hot water is heated using solar panels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Onsite water purification: A self-built water tower and purification system eliminate the need to import drinking water from the mainland.
Eco-friendly waste management: Food waste is composted for garden use; non-compostable waste is transported to mainland facilities; recyclable materials are sent to processing units, with proceeds benefiting the staff.
Natural landscaping practices: Shredded coconut leaves are used as mulch to protect tree roots.
Environmentally safe cleaning products: All detergents are eco-friendly; dishwashing liquid is made from breakfast orange peels; bathroom toiletries are organic and cruelty-free.
Plastic reduction measures: Plastic straws are replaced with paper ones; disposable containers are made of bamboo; plastic bags are banned in housekeeping; reusable crates and boxes are used for transportation.
Wildlife-friendly lighting: Low-wattage lighting is installed on pathways to minimise disturbance to local wildlife.
Energy conservation: During the rainy season, the generator is turned off at 11 PM to conserve energy.
Sustainable architecture: Villas are designed without air conditioning or televisions, relying on natural ventilation and ceiling fans to maintain comfort.
Local sourcing of food: Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients from local markets, neighboring farmers, the resort’s eco-garden, and the Andaman Sea.
Community employment: The majority of the staff are local residents, fostering community development and engagement.

Need to know

Getting there

Baba Ecolodge is reached via a boat from Kuraburi Pier, after flying to either Ranong or Phuket and transferring by road. The lodge can arrange transfers at an additional cost.

Families

The resort offers spacious family villas, both beachfront and within the jungle, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. Children can join in kayaking through mangroves, exploring the savanna on jeep safaris, or simply playing on the expansive, deserted beach. A dedicated kids’ menu features favourites such as spaghetti and homemade chicken nuggets. While the resort is family-friendly, it’s important to note that its remote location lacks immediate medical facilities, making it less suitable for very young children or those requiring special care. For parents seeking some personal time, in-room babysitting services are available at an additional charge.