Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort

Khao Lak, Thiland

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9/9 Moo
1 Tambol Kuk Kak,
Amphur Takua Pa
Khao Lak 82190.
Thailand.

Tel: +66 (76) 427 500.
Email: reservations.khaolak@lemeridien.com.

Website: www.starwoodhotels.com.

 

Where is it?

Located 83 kilometres north of Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is set against the coastline of Phang Nga bay. This area is known for its nearby national parks, which encompass dramatic hills cut by streams and waterfalls.

Come here to laze on the long gorgeous beach, explore the coral gardens and white sand of the nearby Similan Islands, drift down the Sok River in an inflatable canoe, and go elephant trekking through the jungle – a real highlight!

The Resort

This low-rise resort is set in large gardens which house three very good swimming pools, including a lagoon-style pool by the beach, a family pool with waterslides and fountains, and an adults-only spa pool. There’s a good kids club, and a small playground.

The ‘family wing’ is adjacent to the family pool and children's facilities, while the ‘spa wing’ is adjacent to Le Spa, a fitness centre, and the spa pool. Rooms feature teak flooring, twin beds or a king-size bed, a sitting area with a day bed and armchair, broadband data port, and a large TV with satellite channels. There are suites and villas too.

Indulge your tastebuds in six distinct restaurants. These serve up a range of cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Korean BBQ, Japanese, and authentic Indian dishes prepared in a real Tandoor oven. A romantic seafood meal on the sand by candlelight is a glorious tropical option.

Le Spa

The spa facilities includes a spa reception area where guests are welcomed to schedule appointments, a relaxation lounge for guests to use before or after treatments, a foot and hand treatment centre, a beauty salon, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a cuisine space, and eight treatment villas.

Many of the spa treatments combine ancient eastern therapies with western techniques to enhance your well being. Why not start with a Coconut Milk Bath, with its coconut milk, honey, and seasonal tropical flowers?

Or a Lovers Bath? The privacy of a private spa villa is perfect for a romantic bath for two. This service includes chocolates, fresh fruits, canapés and champagne.

The extensive range of wraps and massages include an Egyptian Foot Massage, Warm Stone Therapy, and a Crushed Guava Seed Scrub.

When to go?

High season in the Phuket are is between November and March, when the weather is tropical and hot and there is little rainfall. The monsoon season starts in late May and runs into November. Things are generally cheaper, but it can rain quite heavily, there’s less water clarity.

The Verdict

Like many resorts in southern Thailand and elsewhere, Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort was badly affected by the devastating tsunami of December 2004. The reconstruction and renovation that followed has returned the property to its five-star best. Great pools, a lovely beach, good food choices, a gorgeous spa, and lots of activities all add up to make this resort stand out from the crowd.

Story by: Marc Llewellyn.