There are luxury resorts, and then there are sanctuaries that redefine what it means to escape. Pimalai Resort & Spa belongs firmly to the latter category. Tucked away on the southern tip of Koh Lanta—an island that remains blissfully untouched by the crowds that flock to Phuket and Samui—this five-star retreat has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of understated elegance. Cascading through 100 acres of virgin tropical rainforest before unfurling onto 900 metres of powdery white sand along Kantiang Bay, Pimalai is not merely a destination; it is an experience that lingers long after the tan fades.
The adventure begins at Krabi Airport, where guests are greeted by name and whisked away in a private transfer. But the true magic unfolds at a secluded pier, where a sleek speedboat awaits to carry you around the southern coast of Koh Lanta. As the boat rounds the headland and Kantiang Bay comes into view—its waters shifting from emerald to sapphire under the afternoon sun—you understand immediately why this journey is worth every minute. The resort emerges from the jungle like a whispered secret, its traditional Thai pavilions barely visible among the ancient banyan trees and flowering frangipani. This is how arrivals should feel: like stepping into another world entirely.
"Peace, serenity and solitude" is the mantra here—and Pimalai delivers on every word.
With just 121 rooms, suites, and private pool villas scattered across this vast estate, Pimalai maintains an intimacy that larger resorts simply cannot replicate. The accommodations are a masterclass in Thai craftsmanship: polished teak floors gleam beneath bare feet, rattan blinds filter the golden afternoon light, and rich Thai silks add splashes of colour against neutral tones. Every detail speaks to an aesthetic that honours tradition while embracing modern comfort.
The Hillside Pool Villas deserve special mention. Perched high above the bay, each villa commands sweeping views across the jungle canopy to the Andaman Sea beyond—views that the Boutique Hotel Awards recognised when naming Pimalai "World's Best Hotel with a View." Your private infinity pool appears to merge with the ocean on the horizon, while a generous sundeck and traditional Thai sala invite leisurely afternoons spent doing absolutely nothing. A fully equipped kitchen, separate living quarters, and a second bathroom ensure that privacy is never compromised, even when travelling with companions.
For those who prefer sand between their toes, the Beachside Villas place you mere steps from the shoreline. Wake to the sound of gentle waves, step onto your terrace, and find yourself on what often feels like your own private beach.
Pimalai's dining scene is nothing short of extraordinary, offering four distinctive restaurants that have collectively earned the resort a reputation as one of Thailand's premier gastronomic destinations.
Seven Seas, the resort's crown jewel, occupies a spectacular hillside position some 60 metres above sea level. Named Thailand's top "Luxury Resort Restaurant" at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, this fine-dining destination presents Michelin-chef-conceived menus against a backdrop that transforms as the sun descends—the bay shifting through amber, rose, and violet before settling into star-scattered darkness. The menu showcases Western cuisine with Asian influences, featuring signatures like Koh Lanta shellfish bisque and perfectly aged Black Angus tenderloin.
At the water's edge, Rak Talay has achieved legendary status among guests. This beachfront restaurant serves the freshest Andaman seafood—much of it caught that very morning by local fishermen—prepared Thai-style or grilled to perfection over open flames. The surf-and-turf barbecue feast, featuring prawns, squid, fish, ribeye, and lamb kebabs, has become a must-experience ritual, best enjoyed with toes in the sand as the sunset paints the sky.
Spice 'N Rice transports diners deep into Southern Thai cuisine. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Supon "Peng" Kaewcharoenpaiboon—a veteran of Bangkok's celebrated Blue Elephant restaurant—the kitchen transforms locally sourced ingredients into authentic regional dishes. The tom kha gai arrives fragrant with galangal and lemongrass; the Phuket pineapple curry balances sweetness against gentle heat. Many of the vegetables and herbs come from the resort's own organic farm, while seafood is sourced exclusively from suppliers who respect the marine ecosystem.
Winner of the World Luxury Spa Award and featured in the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Spa Collection, Pimalai Spa occupies its own secluded valley within the resort. A natural waterfall cascades through the heart of the spa village, its gentle melody providing the soundtrack for treatments that draw upon centuries of Thai healing traditions.
The spa's philosophy emphasises harmony—between body and mind, between guest and nature, between ancient wisdom and contemporary technique. Traditional Thai massages are performed in open-air pavilions surrounded by jungle greenery, while more elaborate treatments incorporate indigenous herbs, tropical flowers, and marine elements from the Andaman Sea. The signature couples' package has become a favourite among honeymooners, offering side-by-side treatments followed by private relaxation in secluded garden spaces.
For those who find relaxation in activity, Pimalai serves as an ideal base for exploration. The resort operates its own PADI dive centre, offering courses and excursions to some of the Andaman's most spectacular underwater sites. The islands of Koh Haa and Koh Rok Nok—protected marine reserves accessible by the resort's fleet of speedboats—reveal coral gardens teeming with seahorses, ghost pipefish, and the occasional majestic manta ray.
Above the waterline, complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, Hobie Cats, and windsurfers allow guests to explore the bay at their own pace. Tennis courts and a well-equipped fitness centre cater to those seeking more structured exercise, while twice-daily Muay Thai sessions offer an authentic taste of Thailand's martial arts heritage. The resort's fleet of bicycles opens up the island's jungle trails and the charming shops of Lanta Old Town, where traditional wooden shophouses line the waterfront.
Evening brings its own entertainments: movie nights on the beach beneath star-filled skies, cooking classes that unlock the secrets of Thai cuisine, and sunset cruises that return guests to the resort as the last light fades from the horizon.
In an era when responsible travel has become paramount, Pimalai stands as a model of sustainable luxury. The resort holds Green Globe Certification and membership in Small Luxury Hotels of the World's Considerate Collection—an exclusive community of properties demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
This commitment manifests in myriad ways: beach clean-ups that guests are invited to join, turtle release programmes that return hatchlings to the sea, eco-sensitive mangrove tours led by local guides, and partnerships with community enterprises like Aunty Bee's Eco Handicraft, which sells bags crafted from recycled materials. The kitchens source exclusively from local suppliers who respect sustainable fishing practices, while the organic farm supplies much of the produce that appears on guests' plates.
The accolades speak volumes. Pimalai has been named among TripAdvisor's World's Top 1% Best Hotels and ranked as Southeast Asia's second-best resort in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards. Condé Nast Traveller readers consistently place it among Thailand's Top 15 Resorts. The Boutique Hotel Awards honoured the property with both "Best Hotel with a View Asia" and "World's Best Hotel with a View" distinctions—recognition that anyone who has watched the sun set from the hillside infinity pool will immediately understand.
Pimalai Resort & Spa represents everything a discerning traveller seeks: extraordinary natural beauty, impeccable service, world-class dining, and accommodations that honour Thai heritage while delivering every modern comfort. That it achieves all this while maintaining genuine commitment to sustainability and community makes it rarer still.
This is not a resort for those seeking the buzz of Phuket's nightlife or the bustle of Bangkok's streets. This is a sanctuary for travellers who understand that true luxury lies in space, silence, and the simple perfection of a sunset over an unspoiled bay. For those who find it, Pimalai becomes not merely a holiday destination, but a place that calls them back—again and again—to its emerald embrace.
Location: Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta, Krabi Province, Thailand
Accommodations: 121 rooms, suites, and private pool villas
Dining: Four restaurants and three bars, including award-winning Seven Seas and beachfront Rak Talay
Spa: World Luxury Spa Award-winning facility with traditional Thai treatments
Activities: PADI dive center, water sports, tennis, Muay Thai, cooking classes, island excursions
Getting There: Complimentary round-trip transfer from Krabi Airport (approximately 2 hours by road and speedboat)
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, families seeking seclusion, wellness travelers
Website: https://pimalai.com/
