At one point, I had to complain. Understand that I live in Thailand and do not have unreasonably high expectations, even of an $80 a night hotel during low season. But the restaurant food was bad, as in not fresh, $8 microwaved satay and old $20 steak kind of bad. Again, it's Thailand so no staff will actually say "I agree, it's terrible," but it was clear they're not unaware. At one point, a staff member said, verbatim, that "for [her] the food is okay." Okay is really not okay, especially when you can get better food for a third the price directly at the intersection of the main road. Lesson learned, you just can't eat there.
After we complained about the fact that the pool staff (with the exception of one man) spent their time inside chatting amongst themselves -such that I had to walk into the kitchen any time I need a soda or water - they were then TRIPPING over themselves to help. I think that's what makes it so upsetting: they KNEW exactly how to provide excellent service, but only after I blew a gasket did they do so. Frankly, if the service had been the whole time what it was after we complained it would be a glowing review. Although to truly be a great resort, they need to do something about the food...it's low season, so I get it, but then don't offer fifty old, mediocre items. Have one meat dish, one fish dish, and one thai dish every night. See that all three are fresh and delicious and I can't imagine many people complaining about a lack of options.
Lots of people review it highly so perhaps I'm just crazy, but I can't help but think that most guests feel bad leaving a negative review for the lovely front desk staff to be upset by. But they can't fix something they don't know is broken. Now they know and I sincerely hope they fix the few issues so this resort can shine like the true gem it should be.