Koh Ra

Just like West Virginia – Almost Heaven?

It was quiet and tranquil, peaceful and relaxing, and there were never more than 24 other guests while we were there and about a dozen staff.

A beautiful beach on the edge of the jungle and a couple of easy walking trails. The food was good and the limited availability of electricity and cold-water showers were not major problems.

Mobile phone reception was limited and there was no Wifi – both plus points as long as you didn't need to be making travel arrangements.

There was an abundance of birdlife – we saw and identified at least a dozen new species – and a few mammals as well. We saw crab-eating macaques, dusky langurs and heard the wild boar rooting around at night.

We also saw a male Oriental Pied Hornbill feeding his mate who was shut into her tree trunk nest with her hatchlings, and there were White-bellied Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites to keep us amused.

The meals were varied and all of good quality- and you got used to the fixed times quite easily – and they made proper coffee which was a definite bonus.

Definitely not for everyone – can't imagine the CC&Coke drinking, BMW driving Canadian banker cousin lasting through the first day and there wasn't any happy hour to satisfy Jimmy C's requirements – but a place we will certainly return to whenever we get the chance.