Andaman Coast’s Latest Gem: Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa
Tucked between jungle greens and ocean blues, where the waves of the Andaman Sea tickle golden shores and the air hums with Thai magic, lies a brand-new wonder: the Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, which opened in December 2024. It’s not just any resort; this property is a gleaming, dream-spun haven on Southern Thailand’s glittering southwest coast that widely opens its arms to adventurers and dreamers alike. Despite the initial challenges in constructing the hotel due to its location, the hotel’s pre-opening team worked tirelessly by leveraging the support from Marriott International to ensure that it was completed on time and met Marriott International’s high standards.
This sparkling retreat, perched right next to Bang-Lut Beach, marks Marriott Hotels’ first-ever foray into Khao Lak, one of Thailand’s most drool-worthy destinations. Picture this: sandy ribbons of beach stretching endlessly, jungles bursting with whispering leaves, and waterfalls that leap from cliffs like giddy gymnasts.
But before that, where exactly is Khao Lak? And why should travellers go there?
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Khao Lak, located in Phang Nga Province on Thailand’s Andaman coast, is a popular tourism destination, though it’s less crowded than hotspots like Phuket or Krabi due to it being quieter, more rustic, and less touristy vibe, with a focus on finding back your centre, thus appealing to those who seek tranquillity through the rawness and stillness of nature. Likened to a second Krabi, Khao Lak focusses more on premium and luxury properties.
To get here:
Phuket International Airport is a 90-minute drive away.
When to go:
Peak season – November to April
Off season – May to September, normally popular for travellers coming from Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Good to know:
Actually, Khao Lak is a destination that attracts families, couples, and eco-conscious travellers seeking relaxation over nightlife. If you are a party-goer, the destination might not be right for you, unless you are seeking some serious detoxification.
Khao Lak’s specialty lies in its serene beaches like Nang Thong, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak; breathtaking Phang Nga Bay viewpoint; national parks like Khao Sok and Khao Lak-Lam Ru for jungle-trekking, waterfalls and wildlife spotting; tranquil Khlong Sang Ne waterways that are ideal for kayaking; and proximity to world-class diving and snorkelling sites such as the Similan and Surin Islands to witness vibrant coral reefs, whale sharks, and manta rays.
Speaking of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, when it comes to the architecture, the resort is no cookie-cutter monolith. Gaya Travel Magazine notices that the resort’s external and internal construction, including materials used, are of high quality; perhaps, it is safe to say that the owners and builders of the resort did not skim or take shortcuts when building it, thus guaranteed to please discerning guests, jaded travellers, and design connoisseurs. The neutral and earthen-inspired colour scheme automatically puts guests at ease as they enter the resort. Crafted by the genius minds at P49 Deesign, the resort is a low-rise beauty with interiors accented by the story of sea-farers and Andaman coastal tales with modern twists to give it a strong sense of place.
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At the heart of it all is the stylish Greatroom, the incredibly expansive, bright, airy, inviting and spirited hub, alive with laughter, lounging, and lazy chats from sunrise to starlight. Adorned with oodles of Thai allure in the form of three-dimensional textures, warm hues, indigenously inspired motifs and crafts, this space – together with the adjacent reception areas on the same level where guests step into the resort for the first time to check-in and -out – represents a great departure from the typical lobbies of the past. At one corner of the Greatroom stands the bar, a spot where menus burst with familiar favourites, spiced and spun through local lens.
There are 283 splendid rooms, suites, and villas for guests to select, each between 50 to 124 metres squared, all bathed in natural light and equipped with posh bathrooms, plush amenities, and – yes! – private balconies, perfect spot to become mesmerised by the sea views that sparkle and sunsets that sizzle like fire-opals. Guests who stay at the ground-floor rooms can step straight into lagoon pools, while others will delight in family suites and pool villas tailor-made for honeymoons, celebrations, and splashy reunions. On top of the well-thought-out accommodations and efficient housekeeping, guests are provided with turndown service as well so that their rooms can be refreshingly converted into a restorative slumber cocoon.
Another factor about the resort that would delight guests is the food! Guests should get ready with their tastebuds because they are in for a great treat when they dine at any of the resort’s seven restaurants and bars. Begin at Goji Kitchen + Bar, a vibrant dining hall bustling with culinary magic, especially during breakfast since the outlet prepares an impressive spread encompassing local and international fare; Gaya Travel Magazine’s favourites are the mango sticky rice, made-to-order eggs benedict, and ice cream (yes, you read that right – ice cream is part of the breakfast spread). For a more refined gastronomic experience, nibble your way to Thai Curry Sala, where you can further stimulate your palate with authentic Southern Thai flavours. Sip the sun at Lido Beach Club, a dreamy beachside Mediterranean-inspired escape, or ascend to Panasia Grill on the sixth floor for dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m., where guests can cook their own flame-licked meats and seafood as they admire the sunset. Still feeling peckish or parched? Try the tempting Thai Baking Company for comforting pastries made in-house, or sip something cool at the Pool Bar, then repeat…
Besides enjoying the resorts’ rooms and food, what else is there to do at Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, you ask? Well, the truth is, everything! One might paddleboard into the blue, stretch into a yoga pose by the sea, lift weights in the 24/7 gym, or simply dip and float in the shimmering pools. Children can frolic in the water playground or giggle away at their very own club. Want to pedal past palm trees? Hire a bicycle and zoom through the bucolic vicinity. Remember, the resort is designed for you to make the most of what the destination has to offer, so be sure to make the most of it!
On top of the resort’s facilities, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa can even arrange an unforgettable half-day excursion for guests to gently ride downstream along the Klong Sok River on manually-operated bamboo rafts while admiring the lush and enchanting vegetation surrounding the serene Khao Sok National Park. Then, be sure to drop by Thongsuk Elephant Park for the chance to feed, walk side-by-side, and bathe the adorable and tame pachyderms. Honestly, the excursion is a definite must-do when staying at the resort!
Companies that want to conduct corporate getaways, meetings, and business functions will also find the resort reliable since it is equipped with a ballroom, five meeting rooms, a function lawn that fronts Goji Kitchen + Bar, and beachfront, all supported by state-of-the-art facilities and competent staff. Oh, the resort is great for holding memorable weddings too.
By the way, Marriott Bonvoy members are entitled to earn shiny points — like treasures in a chest — redeemable across Marriott Hotels’ throughout the world. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, everything’s made easier, quicker, and safer, so you can wander with peace of mind and joy in your pockets.
So go on, step into this seaside storybook, because Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa eagerly awaits your arrival…
For more tales and tidings, simply segue into www.marriott.com/hktmk.
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