Pimalai Resort and Spa — Hotel in Ko Lanta Yai

My wife and I recently hosted a 2-day party at Pimalai with over 60 guests from 4 continents attending. ||It started with a sunset cruise exclusive for our guests with canapés and cocktails, followed by a sumptuous BBQ seafood party at Rak Talay Beach Restaurant. On the second day, cocktail and canapes were served at the newly renovated Pimalai Heritage, against the beautiful sunset and romantic music played by our gig band brought from Hong Kong. While my wife and I sneaked off to take photos at the various picturesque spots unbeknown to even the most regular patrons, our guests continued to enjoy their exotic cocktail and soothing music. ||A delicious 3-course dinner was then served at Seven Seas and buffet dessert were provided at Pimalai Heritage, with our band really got the party going and everyone got on the dance floor and some sang their hearts out. ||Our guests, the majority of whom were first time Pimalai visitors, occupied 28 villas/ rooms throughout the resort. With no exception, they praised the amenities, facilities, services and accommodation which far exceeded their usually high expectations.||It is a long list of commendation of the individuals and teams, who ensured that our guests had a “most memorable party” (in the actual words of more than a handful of guests); nonetheless it is probably worth mentioning just a few:||1. Although our guests came from all around the world arriving on different dates and time, and mode of transport, the reservation team customized individuals’ logistics preferences, and was extremely efficient in updating our rolling list of attending guests, with their allocated villa / room number stated, and pre-booked activities specified, thus enabling the host (us) to have an effective handle on the number of guests and their likely arrival / departure time. ||2. A couple lost all their suitcases on transit at Singapore but Brice, the General Manager, diligently followed up with the airline company and updated our distressed guests who were provided, without any prompting, basic amenities and tee shirts, until the suitcases arrived a couple of days later.||3. Our gig band from Hong Kong required very specific musical equipment and cable, and the support of an experienced sound controller, all of which were not available in Krabi. The banquet team meticulously rented all equipment from Phuket and provided the in personal support throughout, facilitating the much needed rehearsal. ||4. We had expected a resort was not geared to serving hot and exquisite dinner dishes en mass and serving all 60-plus guests simultaneously in a sit-down setting would be challenging to the chef and F&B team. To our pleasant surprise, the food quality and manner in which it was served was most perfect.||5. The floral arrangements and table setting were elegant and thoughtful, demonstrating the exquisite taste of the resort management and catering teams. ||6. Apple, a designated assistant to our party, took the photographer and us to all the most photogenic spots in the resort, some of which were located in probably the most secretive and less frequented corners. The photos taken were out of this world (see some attached here). Apple was incredibly helpful and attentive throughout our photo shoot. ||7. The usual friendly smile of all the staff throughout the resort were noticed and appreciated by all our guests. Ambuss, Fern, Mai, Pang, Fang, etc. just to name a few, made every guest feel that they had been regular patrons of the resort.||8. I could not second guess the purpose originally intended for Pimalai Heritage; suffice to say that was the ideal venue for a music / dance party. It was located far enough from the closest villas, hence would not create any nuisance to nearby guests. Its interior, in particular, the wooden floor, was apt for high quality musical performance, and dancing of different styles. ||9. The resort management always had a Plan B. On the day immediately preceding my arrival, it was still raining and weather forecast was inconclusive. We were assured that there was a suitable Plan B had it been raining on the two days when the party was to be held. Fortunate for us, the sun broke out in the morning of our party, hence I am able to share some of the amazing...

Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to Khang. She was so amazing, sweet and helpful. She always had the biggest smile on her face and was so happy to help. She was running around for us and we are so grateful.

A beautiful resort situated near the bottom of Koh Lanta. The free airport transfer cannot be understated - it is perfect. You are met by their airport representative right outside customs and swiftly taken to a luxurious minivan waiting outside for you.

After just over a 2 hour drive, and passing many hotels and resorts on the way, you arrive at, by far, the best looking resort on the island. You are dropped right outside the reception and you are met with many Thai greetings and smiles.

The first room we stayed in was decorated with flowers on the bed, sparkling wine in an ice bucket and cake to celebrate our honeymoon. This was a lovely gesture but it did seem that the resort doesn't offer any kind of upgrades for guests on their honeymoon.

Service in this resort is almost immediate. We ordered room service because we were tired and hungry. A 3 course meal arrived in just over 15 minutes. For the rest of our stay, all forms of room service were instantaneous and friendly.

Our first night however was not great as above our room were many trees full of the loudest cicadas that kept us up most of the night. We also heard a couple of monkeys jumping from our balcony to the roof. However, the next morning we let the reception know and within no time they upgraded us to an ocean view room with little to no cicadas around.

The room was much better and made us feel more like we were on our honeymoon. However, we did have one night where there was a cockroach in one of the drawers but once again, it was dealt with immediately and we asked for a discount off our final bill which we got. They also gave us coconut water to say sorry.

The experience at that point was about 3-4 stars but over the next 4 days of our 5 night stay, we grew to fall in love with the place. The buggy service that takes you from the lobby to the Seven Seas restaurant higher up the hill was always useful and I don't know how we could have done without it. You also fall in love with the countless friendly faces and assistance across the entire resort.

This resort has 2 pools however 1 of them was closed for maintenance which wasn't really an inconvenience but it did have an amazing view so it was a shame to miss out on that.

We took advantage of Pimalai's complementary water activities and spa class. We went boogie boarding at the beach and did herbal pouch making before our couple's massage where there was a discounted price for Spring season.

The free breakfast was very nice and they had a wide spread of food to choose from.

The reception staff were also very helpful with currency exchange and they offer better transaction fee than the ATM's. I also told the staff that I had lost my wallet (I found it at an external restaurant from the night before) and they made sure to keep an eye out. When we were walking back to the hotel later that night, the same staff from that morning had just finished their shift and were walking down the road, they greeted us and asked us if I found my wallet.

Even though we had a couple of mishaps that could've ruined our entire time in Pimalai, it was remedied by how amazing the resort is. Don't forget, it is a jungle resort, so you will see all sorts of insects, lizards and monkeys. So if you're not a fan of those then maybe rethink your holiday location.

What took this experience from 4 stars to 5 stars was how they handled our check out. We had to leave at 6am for a morning flight from Krabi airport. Khang and other staff members were waiting for us at the reception with 2 boxes of breakfast arranged for our trip back. It was at that moment we felt that we were really looked after. They once again apologised to us and then helped us on to the transfer bus that was once again just for us. They stood by the entrance until we drove off and they waved goodbye. You really can't put a...

Booking this hotel was probably the best decision I’ve made for my family and myself in a long time. Stayed 6D5N.

If you’re seeking a retreat away from tourist crowds, avoiding partying young adults, steering clear of tourist traps, this luxurious setting is perfect for quality family time, reconnecting with nature, disconnecting from work, and fully relaxing.

This isn’t your typical 5-star business hotel that only provides first-class amenities. Here, you can truly appreciate how the owners and their staff have dreamed up and then carved their dreams into a stunning hillside by the sea.

I stayed in a deluxe room, which already offers unmatched privacy and space from other guests while still providing breathtaking views/sounds of the surroundings.

The staff are incredibly dedicated and consistent, communicating with guests through an app, responding promptly. Housekeeping is done thoroughly twice a day.

Views of the sea, hills, and eagles from the two pools are breathtaking.

They can arrange car trips to locations on Koh Lanta and excursions to other islands. Prices match their service levels.

The room service food is superb; I loved the duck curry!

The spa is excellent, and the facilities, including restaurants, beach equipment, and sports amenities, are top-notch.

Beach staff is enthusiastic, serving iced water, sometimes helping to keep an eye on kids doing potentially risky things in the sea, even if parents are there. This is very unlike other spots where operators just let tourists take unmitigated risks at sea.

Pool staff are incredible. One of the days they even served complimentary watermelon finger food.

We arranged a snorkeling trip through Pimalai for more comfort/safety, even though it cost nearly 2x as much as operators using longtail boats. Our original destination was Koh Rok, but due to visibly bad weather, the Pimalai staff diverted us to Ko Chueak, Ko Ma, and Ko Ngai instead. Our family felt safe in their hands. (I didn’t enjoy Ko Chueak, Ko Ma, and Ko Ngai as snorkeling spots, but that’s not the hotel’s fault).

The hotel provides complimentary pickup to and from Krabi airport, with the vehicle offering free WiFi. The same type of vehicle with WiFi was also used for our trip to the jetty for our snorkeling trip.

The hotel decorated our room for a family occasion, and we are very grateful!

Kid’s corner’s staff voluntarily gave our kid an unscheduled activity :)

However, there are some features of this hotel that, while part of its design, concept, and landscape, might leave some guest wanting more: You’ll need to rely on their buggies to shuttle between rooms, pools, and restaurants, which can mean 5-20 mins waiting at times. Water pressure in the rain showers is a little less gratifying than expected. Room service and housekeeping may take a bit longer in bad weather and at busy hours since staff have to use buggies to navigate the hill and carry food/drinks up/down some steps to reach your room. During rainy weather, getting to the restaurant or other venues can be a bit wet despite the efforts with umbrellas and buggies. The breakfast buffet is good, but not extraordinary. The kids' room could be three times its current size. / Pools could have offered some kids floats or toys. If you’re not inclined to walk 10-20 minutes to the nearby village for local food or a 7-11, you might find yourself ordering a lot of room service or eating at the in-house restaurants. The hotel is 2 hours by car and ferry from Krabi airport. Oddly, the staff don’t seem to recognize you even if you’ve stayed here for multiple days already. Other business hotels might’ve greeted you by name. Prices of rooms, food, and paid services in the hotel are high but reasonable considering the convenience and quality. The Thai hotpot night at the beach restaurant is so-so. shower and toilet-bowl cubicles need towel hooks! wine is strangely expensive, knowing that Thailand recently reduced alcohol tax.

Thanks for the reply, looks like I’ll have to come back...