Spread the love

I had not been to Thailand for some time, and I have to say my memory was instead dominated by the busy, even rowdy, and what one might call, the rather over-the-top streets of Patong, Phuket, and Ko Samui!

I was, though, a great deal younger then, and now being rather more what one might call “mature”, I had not really thought of going to Thailand, as I thought it would be just the same as my memories of Thailand and perhaps even ones best forgotten!

So, perhaps you can imagine my degree of trepidation when I was invited to a wedding taking place in Thailand in a location and property I had never visited, Khao Lak and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, but contrary to my thoughts and earlier experiences, I was very pleasantly surprised.

Yes, of course, the seedier resort areas of Phuket, Patong and Ko Samui and I am sure many others still exist, which frankly I find very sad, that Thais have to get involved in such activities. I imagine these locations are probably even more confronting than they were many years ago, but as we cruised from the airport in Phuket on our one-and-a-half-hour transfer down the coast to Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, a relatively calmer Thailand seemed to be emerging.

Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thailand pool access room – John Alwyn-Jones.

Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thaïlande, chambre avec accès à la piscine – John Alwyn-Jones.

I was also very pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, located on a stunning, stunning private beach of around 80 m, and it seemed I had arrived in a tranquil, peaceful Thailand I had not experienced before.

Have no illusions, though, while the Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa is actually quite large, be reassured that is very cleverly divided by fabulous gardens and pools into a wide range of rooms, suites, and villas, of course at different prices, which are separated from each other, with the pool access rooms, suites and villas effectively and seemingly forming their own luxury resort!

The pool access rooms, one of which we stayed in, and the suites and villas I saw are significantly up to date, excellently equipped, modern, and very spacious. Indeed, and they also have really very nice, contemporary bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, with the villas in particular, very spacious, and private, with some surrounded by a wall or hedge, with a fabulous private pool, with some villas very close to the beach, with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, fridge and more, all perfect for travellers, couples or families, seeking, that peaceful and tranquil luxury stay and experience.

The pool-access room we had was absolutely perfect for us, as it had a terrace that led directly into the massive pool, which appeared to wind through the property. We could even swim across to the pool bar, which, very wisely, to keep noise down, was not open in the evenings!

The beach is everything you would imagine a really spectacular Thai beach should be, with soft, white sand, crystal, clear, warm water and the most amazing sunsets, a sight not to miss!

No resort visit would be complete without commenting on the restaurants and food and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa has a delicious, if a little limited selection of eateries to choose from, with an excellent self-service breakfast with a vast choice of a dishes from a several countries, and also excellent staff to help you, with breakfast, lunch and served dinner in The Nest, with a really excellent pizzeria next door.

Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, The Nest – John Alwyn-Jones.

There is also more of a fine dining restaurant called the Beach Grill, described as casual dining by the sea and a great place to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, offering a range of fresh seafood and choice cuts of meat, some local and some imported, and a reasonable wine selection….and again excellent staff!

I thought long and hard about how to summarise my visit to Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, as it is not what some might consider ultra-luxurious. Still, suppose luxury is also about the experience, the location, the people, the culture, and a dream location, with a choice of luxurious pool-access rooms, suites, and villas within the resort. In that case, Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa ticks the boxes, while also offering couples and families excellent value for money, described by a guest as affordable luxury, and from time to time, some really great deals, including sometimes all-inclusive packages, which include all drinks and food, which is fantastic value for money.

There are plenty of things to do, besides lazing in the vast pool that wound through the property or on the white sandy beach, with a well-equipped gym, spa, kids club and organised activities and tours available outside the resort.

So, I was very pleasantly surprised by Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, with its “luxury resort within a resort” feel, its stunning peaceful location, fabulous beach, delicious food, great atmosphere, the fantastic pool and vitally important for any holiday anywhere, absolutely fantastic staff with nothing too much trouble at all and everything provided with a huge smile!

Oh, and I have to say that the arrangements for the wedding I attended, including the incredible beachside venue, the stunning flowers, the table layout and service area, the food, and more, were superb. I was advised that it was considerably lower in cost than, for example, a similar-sized wedding in Australia, so it was a really magnificent value-for-money wedding location.

For more information, visit Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa.