After a short internal flight to Phuket and a 1.5 hour car ride, the JW Marriott in Khao Lak must be one of the most relaxing destinations to enjoy after an incredible time exploring busy Bangkok.
Despite its size – the hotel has 420 rooms and is known for its lagoon pool that, at 2.4 kilometres long, is South East Asia’s longest pool – the resort is designed beautifully to maintain a peaceful and intimate feel. With so many beautiful pockets, greenery and views to explore, wandering about the resort is pure joy and, if you’re lucky, you may find the resort’s friendly staff on boats in the pool delivering fresh coconut water to guests to stay refreshed and hydrated during their stay.
The resort offers an extensive program of daily group activities to book into, as well as many private activities and excursions. Whether you are looking for a truly rejuvenating or thrill-seeking experience, you will be able to find something that matches your mood, whether it be paddle boarding in the sea, floating yoga in the pool, a cross-fit class in the pool, or a coconut oil workshop at the award-winning Quan Spa, that also offers a wide range of incredible treatments and houses a beautifully romantic courtyard.
With a total of eleven restaurants and bars, food enthusiasts don’t need to leave the resorts, and can enjoy a wide selection of international cuisine. At Sakura, delicate sushi and delicious teppanyaki – prepared in the centre of the restaurant – is served, and over at the Ta-Krai Thai restaurant, guests can enjoy Thai cuisine prepared with fresh homegrown herbs from the adjacent beautiful and extensive herb garden. The restaurant also hosts incredible cooking classes on its terrace, with beautiful views overlooking the pool and sea, where guests will learn about herbs used in Thai cuisine and can prepare iconic traditional Thai dishes such as the Pad Thai. Elsewhere in the resort, guests can book into other culinary masterclasses, including hand making pasta with Chef Enzo, or the art of blanking Indian spices with Chef Mohan.
Outside the resort, one of the area’s most impressive excursions must include a day of Bamboo rafting, more calm and peaceful than it sounds, combined with a visit to the local waterfalls, absorbing Khao Lak’s stunning natural beauty, with breathtaking green jungle views.
For more information visit www.theatheneehotel.com and www.jwmarriottkhaolak.com.