Koh Lanta, Thailand, July 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / What do you dream of when you imagine escaping to a tropical Thai island? Do you long to discover unspoiled beaches and hidden coves, and swim in crystal clear seas surrounded by colourful fish? Do you desire to trek through the lush rainforest? Does your body ache for a soothing Thai massage or do your taste buds crave the country’s famous food? At Pimalai Resort & Spa, the five-star sanctuary on the serene shores of Koh Lanta, all of these activities and experiences lie in wait for European travellers.

Unlike Thailand’s busier resort destinations, Koh Lanta has retained its authentic charm. Tourists have been almost completely absent for the last two years, but this downtime gave Pimalai a unique opportunity to enhance its facilities and replenish the environment. Now, this luxury resort is ready to welcome guests back to paradise! Nestled in 100 acres of jungle, cascading down to a 900-metre-long beach, Pimalai has always strived to preserve its surroundings. Filled with exotic plants and native species such as hornbills and flying squirrels, the resort feels like a private nature reserve. A new free-of-charge walking tour lets guests uncover this eco paradise, including its cashew nut trees, and two trekking trails allow intrepid explorers to hike to Klong Chak waterfall or Lam Tanode, where Koh Lanta’s famous lighthouse awaits. A professional guide can be arranged.

For those who prefer offshore adventures, Pimalai has crafted two dreamy day trips. The “Emerald Cave & Koh Ngai Excursion” offers the chance to swim in a stunning hidden lagoon and relax on a pristine beach, surrounded by unspoiled jungle, while the “Talabeng Scenic Cruise” lets explorers uncover Koh Talabeng, which has been nicknamed “Little Halong Bay” due to its dramatic limestone karsts, cliffs and caves. Unlike the Vietnamese seascape however, this enchanting archipelago is wonderfully secluded with few tourist boats. Both excursions let guests swim in the sea, savour snacks and cool drinks aboard the boat, and end in Koh Lanta’s old town, which is filled with traditional shophouses and seafood restaurants. Alternatively, a mangrove tour lets guests head out on a gondola boat and delve deep into this environmentally rich coastal forest.

For travellers who love learning new skills, Pimalai has relaunched its popular Thai cooking classes. The resort’s chefs will escort visitors on a tour of the organic gardens to pick fresh herbs, before using them to craft a delicious dish. Non-motorised water sports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are available free-of-charge, Thai boxing sessions offer invigorating workouts and yoga sessions promote mindfulness in a stunning setting, with panoramic sea and sunset views.

Alternatively, wellness seekers can soothe their senses at the award-winning Pimalai Spa, which has now unveiled four new massages that embrace ancient Thai healing wisdom. The 60-miniute “Pregnancy Massage” is full-body treatment that has been used in Thailand for centuries to cater to the unique needs of mothers-to-be, while the 90-minute “Hot Bamboo Fusion Massage” uses gently-heated bamboo to stimulate circulation. The 90-minute “Hot Stone Massage” involves placing a series of warm basalt stones to promote relaxation, and the 30-minute “Oriental Scalp Massage” is a centuries-old therapy that eases tension in the upper body.

Guests can also make a difference to the lives of local communities in Koh Lanta during their stay. The resort’s beach cleaning sessions let travellers come together with staff members and islanders to keep Koh Lanta’s coastlines free from litter, which often washes ashore and can pose a danger to marine life. It is no surprise that Pimalai was accepted into Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of only 26 socially responsible and eco-conscious five-star hotels worldwide.

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites and breath-taking villas with up to three bedrooms and private pools, every visitor can unwind in blissful seclusion at Pimalai. Named as the best hotel in Thailand in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards in 2022, this heavenly hideaway also features world-class restaurants, a superb Sports Centre with tennis, badminton and basketball courts, a running track and cycling trails, and two infinity pools that appear suspended in the forest canopy, overlooking the ocean. Children will be inspired, educated and entertained at the Kid’s Corner.

“Ever since Pimalai was founded, our goal has been to highlight the best experiences Koh Lanta has to offer and let guests enjoy them sensitively, without any of the negative side-effects of tourism. The last two years have allowed us to take a step back and re-examine our operations. As a result, we have devised a new 10-year plan for preserving the environment and designed a series of new activities and excursions that highlight the beauty of Koh Lanta. We can’t wait to welcome our cherished international clientele back to Pimalai for their dream tropical Thai vacation,” said Charintip Tiyaphorn, Pimalai’s Owner Representative.

Pimalai is now inviting European guests to book early and benefit from significant savings for their next vacation. Under the “Early Bird Promotion”, discounts of 10-30% are available for bookings made in advance. Rates start from THB 5,820 net. Alternatively, the “Long Stay Promotion” starts from THB 8,315 net and includes up to seven free nights if guests stay for seven or more nights. Both offers are valid from now until 31st October 2024.

About Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it launched almost two decades ago. This property cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show.

The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.