Pimalai Resort Still The Place To Stay On Koh Lanta
If I am asked for an hotel recommendation on Thailand’s Koh Lanta I still say the Pimalai Resort & Spa. This hotel was always a favourite of our clients at Magic of the Orient and I have no reason to believe it would be any different today.
Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
For an up-to-date perspective I asked Lisa Rawlings, who handles the sales and marketing for the Pimalai in the UK, to give her personal view.
Lisa writes:
Koh Lanta is a really great alternative to Phuket or Koh Samui and I am sure we will be hearing more about it in the future! I first went to Koh Lanta 18 years ago and am pleased to see that although it has developed quite a bit, it is still largely unspoilt, has not been subjected to mass tourism like Phuket and still has a wonderful authentic charm about it which I am sure would be of appeal to the more discerning traveler. Koh Lanta is a very quiet and natural destination with its own charm. The island is still largely unspoiled, offers some beautiful beaches, superb low and green mountain backdrops where wildlife is very well present and is at very short distances of some of the highly rated diving spots in Thailand including Hin Duang, which is about 2 hrs by boat and if you are lucky, you can spot some giant manta rays!
Manta Ray
Pimalai Resort & Spa is built on 100 acres of hilly land of lush tropical forest with direct access to a 900 meters pristine white powder sandy beach (the best and safest beach on the island!). Even during peak season, there are not many people on the beach and no hawkers which in a lot of other parts of Thailand can be a nuisance! There are 5 restaurants at Pimalai ranging from Western, Thai, fine dining at Seven Seas and also a couple offering lighter snacks and poolside food. Also, further down the beach in Kantiang Bay there are a few local restaurants and bars if you fancy exploring a little further.
Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
In December 2005, the new Pool Villas opened. The elegantly appointed one, two and three bedrooms pool villas are located on a hillside with private infinity pools overlooking the bay. They really are fabulous, spacious and certainly one of the best that I have stayed in!
The resort’s facilities consist of: 121 Deluxe Rooms, Pavilion Suites, Beach Villas and Pool Villas, all with a contemporary Thai style design; two superb infinity-edge freshwater swimming pools; a PADI dive centre; a fitness room with high quality fitness equipment; two library lounges offering free high speed internet access; shops and full conference facilities sitting up to 160 persons.
In addition to the above, the resort also offers canoeing, sailing, scuba diving (Nov – Apr), bicycling, trekking, tennis courts, Thai cooking classes, wedding ceremonies – for those looking for a more active focused holiday but also offers the perfect setting for guests who are just looking for a romantic getaway. Pimalai also is a great place to get married – weddings can be arranged on the beach – either a Thai ceremony with Buddhist monks or a western wedding. Whatever, style of wedding Pimalai is a perfect place to get married!
The Spa, Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
The spa at Pimalai is amazing as it is set in the middle of the rain forest with streams running by, giant carp - a beautiful setting which relaxes you before you have even had your treatment. The treatments too are fabulous – again, as a bit of a spa junky, probably my favourite!
Words by Lisa Rawlings, LJR Consultancy (+44 1242 255483)
Images courtesy of the Pimalai Resort & Spa
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How To Get To Pimalai Resort, Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is just off the Krabi mainland in Southern Thailand. The closest airport is Krabi (KBV) and the journey time (including boat trip) is around 1.5 to 2 hours. The island is also accessible via Phuket (HKT).
Best Time To Go: December to March.
From April to November there is a chance of rain but the sunshine is often not far behind. Off-season rates (May – October) usually represent excellent value.
Hotel website: http://www.pimalai.com/
Have You Stayed At The Pimalai?
If you have personal experience of the Pimalai Resort on Koh Lanta I would be keen to have your comments (below) or, even better, a hotel review.
