Review of Pimalai in Thailand, visited by our sales manager, Antoinette Charles.
Pimalai Resort & Spa is located in the province of Krabi, Koh Lanta and is within easy reach, being only a 45 minute flight from Bangkok or 1 hour from Koh Samui. There are numerous ways one can arrive at the Pimalai however I had the pleasure of arriving on board one of the Pimalai speedboats to Lanta Yai, followed by a 25 minute private road transfer.
Upon arrival at the Pimalai I was greeted with a rose petal necklace, sweet herbal tea and an ice cold flannel which was very much appreciated. I was then told to sit down and enjoy whilst I was ever so swiftly checked in before being taken to my room. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was going to have an enjoyable stay. I was even left cookies at bedtime by my bed.
I spent my time in my own private 1 bedroom pool villa and could not have been happier! The pool villas which range in size and are dotted around the property up the hillside. No matter where I sat on my terrace or dipped in my oversize plunge pool, my vision was met with with breathtaking scenery which took me several days to get used to. Although I could see out, no-one could see in to my pool villa whilst I totally relaxed on my day bed by my pool. The pool villas are elegantly furnished in contemporary Thai style with wooden polished wooden floors and luxurious yet unpretentious but extremely spacious. In fact most of the property is contemporary Thai and very tastefully furnished. I was able to look quite extensively around the grounds and there are in fact 2 sides to the property. The original part of the hotel comprises of various suites and villas located near to the beach side within close proximity to the spa and water sports. As more villas were added on, these we built across the road from the beach landscaped up the hillside and although in a different location this is all part of the same. Due to the expansive grounds, should you stay further up you may need to call reception to arrange a buggy to collect you.
The villas have a fully equipped kitchen with a bar stocked with everything you can think of, not that I was in the kitchen much as I took advantage of the room service which was impeccable. On two occasions I ordered Thai jasmine rice with coconut chicken which was to die for. Although I was told 30 minutes, it arrived well within time which exceeded my expectations. If like me you are a ‘foodie’ one of the most pleasurable things you can experience in Thailand is the food. The food is so fresh there, you can taste every herb and spice that I cannot now bring myself to dine in a Thai restaurant here in the UK after sampling the real thing. I enjoyed sampling the Thai cuisine so much that I took part in a Thai cooking class and in my own little world believe that I am a qualified Thai master chef.
The Pimalai is located in a huge bay and is within walking distance to several local bars and small restaurants, although I did not do much walking. However everything you need is right on site should you not feel the need to go out of resort. I got some very good exercise during my stay here in terms of walking down to the spa and beach. The long wide and white sandy beach here is simply stunning with soft sand with trendy day beds for relaxation. The sea is swimmable 345 days a year. Other features include 5 restaurants, a gym, boutique, basketball court, a Thai art & gallery shop which I visited and a croquet lawn is soon to be added! The spa is simply to die for with the treatments rooms set in a tropical garden. I had a gorgeous 90 minute relaxing massage with my choice of favourite oils. Once again an abundance of spa treats are on offer and I would high recommend having one where ever possible. It was nice lay down and relax on a chaise-lounge in the spa whilst sipping some ginger tea. For any divers, there is a PADI centre and one can go diving to one of the five island across the bay from the Pimalai. They say that each island offers a unique diving experience.
Although not advertised the Pimalai has a supervised Kids Corner located a stone throw away from the beach. This is not a conventional kids club and I was able to see several children enjoying their play time. The concept for the Kids Corner is for parents to spend family time with their little ones. Due to the close beach proximity, you can build sandcastles, or for example kids can go kayaking with their parents, sail or play in the fresh open air by the sea with toys, however the emphasis is really about family time! For this reason, this hotel is not suitable to those parents wanting a conventional kids club however babysitting can also be arranged. Kids Corner is open only during the months of May through to October from 9am - 12 Noon and again from 1 - 6pm.
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