With excited anticipation, we arrive at a serene private jetty shrouded in fragrant frangipanis, not far from Krabi, where we board our private speed boat to transfer to the highly awarded Pimalai Resort & Spa.
With the fresh sea breeze fanning our faces, the comfortable 45-minute boat ride transports us along the coast of the stunning, mountainous Thai island of Koh Lanta. Arriving at the pristine and deserted 900m beach we are greeted by nature in all its forms – the mountains, the clean blue sea, the flowers and the jungle all combine to present Pimalai – a luxurious natural resort and spa set on over 100 acres that climbs majestically up into the hillside.
Greeted with a fresh flower garland and refreshing cool towel an electric buggy swiftly whisks us to our private sanctuary – the jaw droppingly beautiful Hillside Ocean View Private Pool Villa. Nestled 60-80 metres above the beach offering outstanding ocean views, our elegant villa boasts 280 square metres of living space. This signature jungle villa offers a private infinity pool, separate living room with full kitchen and bedroom suites with bathtubs overlooking Ba Kan Tiang Bay.
With nothing but the sounds of nature to listen to and the view of the glistening bay below, this is truly the ultimate in private luxury villas and it is easy to see why Pimalai was voted the #2 resort in South-East Asia for 2021 by TRAVEL + LEISURE magazine.
It would be easy to stay ensconced in the villa for our entire trip, however the natural beauty of the resort, Koh Lanta and its surrounding islands beckons. We indulge in a delicious Thai lunch at the beachside restaurant Rak Talay before heading to the Pimalai Spa for an utterly blissful pampering experience.
Set in a lush sloping jungle valley, the spa is designed like a small village where each treatment room reflects nature in all her glory using stones, native wood, bamboo, ceramics and water features. Winner of the World Luxury Spa Award and included into Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Spa Collection, the massage combines traditional and contemporary techniques to adeptly rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
Dinner tonight is a one for the bucket list – a dreamlike table in the sand with delicate white fabric billowing in the breeze atop a grand bamboo structure, decorated with tropical flowers and fairy lights. With our feet in the sand and the sounds of the waves lapping at the shore, we enjoy a heavenly Thai meal at a table fit for royalty.
After a restful night in the divine four poster king size bed, we embark on Pimlai’s luxury launch for a day trip out to the surrounding islands. The stunning blue sea and striking rock formations are only surpassed by the peaceful isolation as we barely see another boat on our travels. Nature is ours and we are free to explore The Talabeng islands with their enchanting cliffs and caves all to ourselves as we sip wine in the sea and kayak around the sparkling green waters.
The boat drops us at Koh Lanta’s Old Town for lunch and here in the rustic, friendly fishing village we enjoy an impressive seafood feast comprising Mantis shrimps and clams with the freshest lobster sashimi. All presented beautifully in a style more fitting of an up-market city restaurant.
Seeking to laze the afternoon away, we are simply spoilt for choice by not one but two stunning infinity pools as well as the perfectly pristine beach dotted in comfortable loungers and cabanas.
Our final night greets us with the most magnificent sunset, glowing deeper and deeper shades of orange and red as we dine from the hilltop Seven Seas restaurant. A perfect vista to end our divine stay at this very special and highly recommended resort.
