Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort sits directly on Klong Prao Beach, along the west coast of Koh Chang, Thailand's second largest island. It holds a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for seven years in succession, and its verdant gardens open onto the Gulf of Thailand. The resort page does not publish a board basis, so check what your booking includes before you travel. Direct beach access and family facilities suit couples seeking rest and families wanting plenty to do. Pets are welcome, with extra charges applying.

The resort has 157 rooms and suites in two wings among landscaped gardens, along with private tropical cabanas. Six categories are published: Superior Garden View, Deluxe Garden View, Cabana Garden View, Cabana Ocean View, Premium Deluxe Cabana Garden View and Junior Suite Garden View. Each has a balcony or terrace, air conditioning and free WiFi, with an outdoor shower in the cabana categories. Only four Cabana Ocean View rooms exist, so request one early if you want to be steps from the beach. Connecting rooms are available on request for families.

A supervised Kids' Club gives children their own activities, and the waterslides at the children's pool add to the fun. The island around the resort suits active days, with boating, island hopping, diving and snorkelling across more than 50 nearby islands. A fitness centre is on site. The resort page does not publish a sports programme or evening entertainment, so expect dinner and a drink at the bars to shape your evenings.

Several pools include one facing the ocean. A children's pool with waterslides and a Jacuzzi keeps younger swimmers busy, and a swim-up counter at the garden pool means refreshments never take you far from the water. SPA Cenvaree offers revitalising rituals and tailored treatments, including Thai massage, couples treatment rooms, a sauna and a beach massage sala. It opens daily from 10:00 to 20:00. A fitness centre completes the offer.

Dining centres on one restaurant and two bars. Sea Breeze Restaurant sits on the beachfront with al fresco seating, serving Thai, Western and Asian dishes with fresh seafood, through buffet breakfasts and dinners alongside an a la carte menu. Vegetarian options are available. Lobby Bar has open-sided seating for snacks, desserts, cocktails and coffee, while Splash Pool Bar serves light snacks and cocktails poolside or at the swim-up counter. In-room dining is available from 11:00 to 22:00 if you would rather eat in your room or cabana.

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, forms part of a national marine park, with mountainous terrain, forest paths, waterfalls and a fishing village to explore. Laem Ngop Pier in Trat, where the ferry to the island departs, is about 25 minutes from the resort along the island's ring road, with year-round ferry access. The resort page does not publish a climate description or an airport distance, so check both before you book.