If you’ve been there, done that in Phuket, but love the idea of a Thai beach resort, then it’s time to look at Koh Lanta. Sassy Mama stayed at Pimalai Resort & Spa, a paradise for families in need of a holiday.
Pimalai Resort & Spa is a luxurious, hidden gem in Koh Lanta, Krabi. It’s the island retreat you’ve been dreaming of! Surrounded by lush, green tropical forest, with two cliffside infinity pools and hilltop villas looking out over the Andaman Sea, this is sure to be a family holiday to remember.
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Suites And Villas At Pimalai Resort & Spa
The resort spans over 100 acres, with guaranteed ocean views from every beach suite and villa and golf carts to conveniently transport you around. There are a range of luxurious rooms, suites and villas, all surrounded by beautiful greenery and (some rather cheeky) macaques swinging through the forest.
Our family of four (with kids aged 10 months and 2 years old ) stayed in a one-bedroom hilltop villa with a private pool. It was perfect! The rooms are enormous and we were easily able to fit two cots in the master bedroom, which meant in the evenings we could enjoy using the lounge room and kitchen without tip-toeing around in the dark while the kids slept.
The modern Thai design of the villas is inspired and reflective of the surrounding nature, with teak wooden floors, local textile furnishings and artwork. The kids loved hanging out in the private pool whilst looking out over the jungle, trying to spot monkeys in the trees!
Sassy Mama Tip: If you are travelling with young active children, you may want to consider an alternative room as the infinity pool could be hazardous.
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Things To Do At Pimalai Resort & Spa
We had limited time at the resort, however, while we were there we were lucky enough to squeeze in a day trip organised by Pimalai Resort — a scenic cruise, with kayaking around the stunning limestone Talabeng Island and a visit to the old town, where you’re free to sit back with refreshments and take in the sun setting over the water at one of the local restaurants, or wander around and pick up some souvenirs. The full excursion was around 4-5 hours in total, and we were back to the resort in time to squeeze in a happy hour drink at the sunset beach bar, whilst watching the fireflies flashing all around us.
Our kids also enjoyed the small kids’ corner at the resort, open from 10am to 5pm (children 3 and under must be supervised by an adult). Twice a day there are organised children’s activities such as kite making, kids petanque, art from nature and Thai boxing. All of the staff at the resort are fantastic with children and our little ones were very happy taking part in the nature hunt and beach activities.
For older children and adults activities range from Mangrove tours, snorkelling and scuba trips to Thai cooking, yoga and Muay Thai or making use of the fitness centre with tennis and basketball courts. Complementary beach activities include; kayaks, windsurfers, paddle boards, sailing boats, body boards, beach football, volleyball and petanque. Whether you decide to pack your schedule full or spend your days making the most of the infinity pools and private beach, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
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The Incredible Pimalai Spa
Whilst visiting the resort I urge you to make the most of the kids club and treat yourself to some alone time with a treatment at the Pimalai Spa — you will not regret it! The spa is laid out like a small village with each sala designed with nature at the heart. It is set in a lush, tropical oasis, with towering giant palms all around, it feels like a private retreat.
There’s an extensive menu of rejuvenating treatments available, I experienced the Pimilai Signature massage, with masseuse Jay, who was absolutely excellent. After the treatment, I felt like I was floating, and it was the perfect setting to enjoy some time lounging next to the koi-filled pond, listening to the water from the fountain, whilst sipping on some refreshing ginger tea.
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Food And Dining Options At Pimalai Resort & Spa
There are two main restaurant options available at Pimalai Resort & Spa. The first, Spice ‘N Rice serves authentic Southern Thai cuisine and this is where the amazing international buffet breakfast is served. The friendly staff here welcomed our children each day, remembering their names and had highchairs and plastic plates at the ready (meaning more time to get stuck into a fuss-free brekkie!). Rak Talay Restaurant and Bar is beachside and here you can enjoy a wide selection of outstanding fresh seafood and Thai and Western classic dishes, the BBQ fish and Tom Kha Gai here were excellent. Both restaurants have kids’ menus available.
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Final Thoughts On Pimalai Resort & Spa — Service with a smile!
One of the stand-out things about this resort is the exceptional service. Staff went out of their way to make our family’s stay a wonderful experience, remembering the small details and preferences. Everywhere you go, you are greeted with a warm smile and super-friendly attitude, the staff are wonderful with children and kept ours entertained through every meal!
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Getting To Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is located in the far south of Krabi province and the nearest airports are Krabi or Phuket, so getting to the resort takes a little planning.
Pimalai Resort & Spa offers a free pick-up service from Krabi Airport at 12pm daily as well as hotels in Koh Lanta or Saladan Pier to meet ferries arriving from other locations.
From Phuket, you can either take a van directly to Pimalai (around five hours) or a taxi to the Rasada Pier and then a speedboat to Koh Lanta (total travel time of around four hours).
It was a long journey from Phuket to reach Koh Lanta, but we were instantly made to feel relaxed and totally taken care of. We were welcomed by staff with warm smiles, waiting with floral leis, fresh fruit and coconuts.
Pimalai Resort and Spa, 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Thailand, +66 2 320 5500, [email protected], www.pimalai.com