I have yet to stay at Irene Beach Resort; however, I have walked past there many times. It’s situated at that magical point where Sunrise Beach meets Sunset Beach – possibly the most beautiful stretch of sands on Koh Lipe and definitely the most Instagrammable.
When I’ve passed by, I’ve always noticed there isn’t as much foot traffic at this location other than a few tourists walking towards Sunset Beach to watch the sun go down. There are also less long tail boats in this location. The resort feels like a place where you would honeymoon – upmarket, boutique in an amazing location, and the price reflects that.
A Magical Location Between Two Beaches 🏝️
Each time I stroll along this northwestern coast of Koh Lipe, I’m struck by how perfectly positioned Irene Resort is. Situated right at the convergence of Sunrise and Sunset beaches, it offers guests something truly special – the ability to experience both sunrise and sunset views from nearby spots.
In my opinion, the beach area here represents Koh Lipe at its finest. The white sandy beaches with their clear turquoise waters create that postcard-perfect scene that Thailand is famous for. What I particularly appreciate about this location is how much quieter it feels compared to the busier Pattaya Beach area. There’s a tranquility here that’s becoming increasingly rare on the island.
Natural Beauty That Stands Out
When I walk past the resort, I can’t help but notice:
- The pristine white sand that feels powder-soft underfoot
- Crystal clear waters that seem to glow on sunny days
- Fewer boats and less commercial activity than other beaches
- Perfect spots for those seeking Instagram-worthy photos
Luxury Accommodations: Private Pool Villas 🏠
Though I haven’t stayed at Irene myself, I know that the resort offers 16 individually designed pool villas across three categories:
- SAND Beachfront – Villas with direct beach access
- SUN Beachfront – Also offering direct beach access but with a different orientation
- TREE Pool Villas – Set slightly back in a more wooded setting
From what I’ve observed walking past the beachfront villas, they appear incredibly spacious with private pools that seem to blend seamlessly with the ocean view beyond. The resort feels like a place where you would honeymoon – traditional Thai beach bungalows for that intimate feel but with all the mod cons.
Room Features Worth Noting
- Private pools for each villa (a rarity on Koh Lipe)
- Generous deck/patio areas for relaxation
- Separate dining and sitting areas
- Air conditioning and soundproofed spaces
- 50-inch TVs with satellite channels
- Rainfall showers and separate bathtubs
The upscale, boutique nature of the resort is evident in these thoughtful touches. I’ve noticed that the architecture blends wonderfully with the natural surroundings, with the beachfront villas offering that coveted direct access to the sand.
Resort Facilities and Services: Going Beyond Basics 🍹
Dining That Impresses
The resort appears to offer several dining options:
- Boketto Restaurant – The main venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mediterranean/Asian fusion
- Beachfront dining with views overlooking the crescent-shaped beach
- In-villa dining service for more private meals
- Café & Paint Bar – An interesting concept combining refreshments with art
- Swim-up bar and beach bar for beverages
One morning, while walking past during breakfast time, I noticed guests enjoying what looked like a spectacular breakfast spread on the beachfront. It certainly appeared more impressive than the standard hotel breakfast buffet!
Spa and Wellness Options
For relaxation, Irene offers:
- Irene Spa – A full-service spa with treatments including:
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy
- Deep-tissue massages
- Fitness center with exercise equipment
Special Services That Stand Out
In my conversations with other travellers, these unique services frequently get mentioned:
- Transportation packages including private transfers from Hat Yai Airport
- Bespoke longtail boat excursions with gourmet picnic options
- In-villa breakfast delivery
- Customized private dining experiences on the beach or poolside
- BBQ packages with same-day service when reserved early
- Complimentary transfers to Walking Street
- Clear bottom kayaks for marine life viewing (a recent addition)
The resort’s dedicated app also receives praise, allowing guests to order food, communicate with staff, and access hotel information – bringing high-tech convenience to paradise.
What Guests Are Saying 💬
The resort maintains impressive ratings – 9.0/10 on booking platforms and 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor.
Praise for the Property
“Wow – just wow. You cannot fault this amazing place… The beach is just stunning, with lots of beach beds, loungers and bean bags. The sea villas have their own loungers too so it’s never very crowded.”
Guests consistently highlight:
- The villa design and private pools
- Staff described as “prompt, attentive and courteous”
- Breakfast quality with “outstanding views”
- The relative tranquillity compared to busier parts of the island
Room for Improvement
Some guests mention:
- Limited storage space for clothes and personal items
- Communication challenges with some staff members
- Occasional maintenance issues
Comparing Irene to Other Koh Lipe Resorts 📊
From my observations walking around the island and researching accommodations, here’s how Irene compares to other luxury options:
| Hotel Name | Average Nightly Rate (USD) | Price Range (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irene Pool Villa Resort | $571 | $465-$796 | Private pool villas, beachfront access, luxury amenities |
| Serendipity Beach Resort | $290 | $36-$290+ | Romantic setting, private balconies, luxury dining |
| Idyllic Concept Resort | $178 | $68-$178+ | Modern gym, rainforest views, high-end facilities |
| Akira Beach Resort Lipe | $159 | $143-$218 | Family-friendly, on-site restaurant, great views |
In my opinion, Irene represents the premium end of Koh Lipe’s accommodation spectrum. The resort feels upmarket and boutique in an amazing location, and the price definitely reflects that. Other resorts offer good value, but none match Irene’s combination of private pools with direct beach access at that special location between two beaches.
Value for Money: Is It Worth the Splurge? 💰
The resort sits firmly in the luxury category for Koh Lipe, with rates reflecting its upscale positioning. If you can afford it go for it. There really isn’t much else you can compare it to on koh Lipe!
- That incredible location between two beautiful beaches
- Private pools with each villa (a true luxury on Koh Lipe)
- Higher-end amenities and personalized services
- Relative seclusion and tranquility
One guest review particularly struck me, describing an upgrade experience: “For the final two nights of our stay, we were upgraded to a beachfront villa with a private pool and direct beach access. This change truly transformed our experience. Waking up to breathtaking views of the sea from the large front window and watching the sunrise from the comfort of our bed on Sunrise Beach was an unforgettable experience.”
For honeymooners or special occasions, this seems to justify the premium pricing. Budget travelers would naturally want to explore other options.
Getting Around From Irene Resort 🗺️
Island Transportation
Like all accommodation on Koh Lipe, I’ve noticed the resort operates within the island’s car-free environment. The island is wonderfully compact – you can walk from one side to another in about 20 minutes.
Your main options include:
- Walking (my preferred way to explore)
- Motorbike taxi sidecars (for when you’re feeling lazy)
- Longtail boats (for accessing other beaches or islands)
I appreciate that Irene offers complimentary transfers to Walking Street. While it’s only about a 15-20minute walk, this is a thoughtful touch, especially in the midday heat!
Exploring Nearby Beaches
From my explorations around the island, I can confirm Koh Lipe has several stunning beaches accessible from the resort:
- Sunrise Beach – Just outside the door, perfect for morning views (as the name suggests)
- Sunset Beach – Up past north point a beautiful beach with fewer boats
- Pattaya Beach – 15-20 minutes away, well worth visiting with numerous restaurants and bars
- North Point/North Beach – Less than a couple of minutes walk. Another lovely option worth visiting.
Walking Street serves as the island’s main thoroughfare, connecting both sides of Koh Lipe. This central area contains numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment venues.
Best Time to Visit Irene Resort ☀️
My multiple visits to Koh Lipe have taught me that the island is at its best during the dry season from November to April. This period offers sunny days and calm seas – ideal conditions for enjoying those private pools and beach activities.
In my experience, December to February provides the perfect balance of good weather without the peak holiday crowds that arrive in late December and early January. It should also be noted that Koh Lipe is still lovely to visit even in the low season. Yes the weather is more changeable, however you can usually still get plenty of beach time!
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay 💡
Though I haven’t stayed at the resort myself, from my observations and research, I’d recommend:
- Take advantage of complimentary amenities like kayaks and snorkeling equipment
- Try the private dining experiences – frequently mentioned as highlights
- Use the resort’s transfers to Walking Street instead of walking in the heat
- Book boat excursions through the resort for a more customized experience
- Climb to the view point on Koh Adang for a breath-taking view of Koh Lipe
Final Thoughts on Irene Resort
If you are looking for that once in a lifetime trip, or you’re planning a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply wanting to experience the best that Koh Lipe has to offer, Irene Pool Villa Resort seems to provide that perfect balance of luxury amenities with the natural beauty that makes this island so special.