Adventures in the World of Travel and Entertainment™ / International Edition
Kicking Back at the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort - Thailand
This is a flashback to a previously published story. Some of the characters may have changed, but the place is still fabulous!
Find more photos like this on NotesFromThailand.com
Before you turn green with envy at my deep tan and the description of my pool villa, let’s delve into the significance of the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa’s recent win of both “Thailand’s Leading Spa Resort” and “Asia’s Leading Spa Resort” at the World Travel Awards. Before “the envelope please” and “the winner is” gets recited from the podium each year, hundreds of thousands of industry experts cast their votes. No other property in contention—worldwide—received such a coveted award in two categories and it has been written that “the resort is recognised globally as a major catalyst in Thailand’s upscale tourism resurgence.”
When travelling from Bangkok, one can get to the resort easily in about half a day, and this takes into account the taxi ride to the Bangkok airport, early arrival at your airline, the flight to the Phuket, and the 90 minute ride (which can be arranged by the hotel rather inexpensively) through increasingly tropical terrain before checking into one of the 243 guest rooms or villas. The buildings, none of which are higher than two stories, are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and designed with “a simple palette of wood, stone and marble,” perfect situated on the shoreline of the Andaman Sea. And don’t forget the coconut trees!
Villa Royale
I initially stayed in one of the luxurious Ocean Front Pool Villas (each villa is its own building), and on my return trip, I spent two nights in a Deluxe Room before transferring to a luxury Poolside Villa—all three were quite comfortable, but of course, my favourite was being ocean side in my own private courtyard with pool and sala—complete with reserved beach lounges not 20 meters away. The Pool Villas that are not ocean side have their advantages as the private outdoor pool areas are completely secluded for those people who really want to get back to nature. If really do intend to skinny dip, for complete privacy, ask for one of the pool villas that is not immediately adjacent to a two-story buildings. In a true confession, I skinny dipped in my ocean side pool at night (still quite private).
All rooms include turndown service, wake-up service, in-room climate control, 24-hour room service, umbrellas (this is the tropics), 29” remote controlled TV with satellite channels—unless you’re in pool villa with a 44” plasma TV! Also included are international direct dial phones, alarm clock, iron and ironing board (but I’m not doing that on vacation), hairdryers, DVD player, refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, mini bar, and bathrobes and slippers for the ultimate in lounging. For those of you with laptop in hand, the rooms have high speed internet as well (but there is free WiFi in the outdoor lobby, complete with gorgeous views and a tropical sea breeze).
Spa-Tacular!
Only in recent years have I discovered the rejuvenating, healing and meditative qualities of a spa experience. Connoisseurs of spas all have their preferences—some would prefer a treatment or two every day or so during their resort vacation. I prefer to have several treatments in a row for truly blissful results. When possible, I like to spend one day of each vacation simply luxuriating in a spa!
The Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort has three pools, one of which is distinctly adult, adjacent to Le Spa. The private luxury villas at Le Spa, of which there are eight, have sunken Jacuzzi tubs, steam room for two and a private outdoor terrace. “Designed with the amorous couple in mind,” explained my guide, “two stylishly dressed massage tables form the centerpiece of the open concept treatment rooms.”
On my recent trip to Le Spa, I experienced “a pampering hand treatment to nourish and beautify the hands and nails with a gentle scrub, hand mask and luxurious hand cream.” My nails were then “buffed to a healthy shine” but I didn’t know it at the time because I slept through it! I then had my total foot treatment before indulging in the four-hand (performed by two therapists) signature Le Meridien Massage, “a combination of Thai, Hawaiian-Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish and Balinese.”
I followed up my massage with a half-hour herbal steam. My only regret is that I didn’t add an hour to my spa package to experience another one of their many facials. On my first trip I had the Nature’s Balancing Facial, which uses “a natural cleansing gel for deep pore cleansing and softening…accompanied by a cooling mask of lime and camphor.” Designed for men, this facial is “especially formulated to make you actually look forward to your next shave.”
Dance Attack at the Kuk Kak
One of the motivators for my second trip was to attend the grand opening of the Kuk Kak Bar & Grill, on the resort property but open to the entire community. In fact, there are free shuttles which bring in locals and guests from other resorts. The kick-off party marked the launch of high season, and to prove it, the hotel was full! The Kuk Kak is named after the surrounding area and includes a spacious dance floor, snooker table, and outdoor patio overlooking a lake. The venue has a spectacular live band performing your requests so you won’t be able to resist that dance attack.
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort has a variety of great restaurants in venues ranging from beach side to pool side traditional upscale Thai. Internationally experienced Executive Chef Olivier Belliard, in his suave and debonair fashion, oversees the great food and beverage service throughout the property, but I especially love what he’s done at the Kuk Kak which offering a large selection of international draft beer and spirits, plus Tex-Mex and BBQ options, international tapas, and even boasts a Tandoor oven and a new Indian chef! The Kuk Kak has an extensive roadhouse menu, and there’s a Korean BBQ grill adjacent, in its own gazebo overlooking the lake.
Hint, Hint
The best rates at this must-visit resort are available online, and if you happen to have booked a suite and when you arrive there is a Pool Villa available, the upgrade is minimal! Get ready to relax in Khao Lak! I’ll meet you on the beach!
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort
9/9 Moo, 1 Tambol Kuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, Phang Nga 82190 Thailand
Phone: (66) (76) 427 500 Fax: (66) (76) 427 575
Website: www.LeMeridien.com
Find more photos like this on NotesFromThailand.com
The Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort is leading Thailand’s upscale tourism resurgence while celebrating its win of both “Thailand’s Leading Spa Resort” and “Asia’s Leading Spa Resort” at the World Travel Awards
By Nicholas Snow
I’m a Taurus and I love to be pampered, so where did I go on my vacation? I kicked back at the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort.
Before you turn green with envy at my deep tan and the description of my pool villa, let’s delve into the significance of the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa’s recent win of both “Thailand’s Leading Spa Resort” and “Asia’s Leading Spa Resort” at the World Travel Awards. Before “the envelope please” and “the winner is” gets recited from the podium each year, hundreds of thousands of industry experts cast their votes. No other property in contention—worldwide—received such a coveted award in two categories and it has been written that “the resort is recognised globally as a major catalyst in Thailand’s upscale tourism resurgence.”
When travelling from Bangkok, one can get to the resort easily in about half a day, and this takes into account the taxi ride to the Bangkok airport, early arrival at your airline, the flight to the Phuket, and the 90 minute ride (which can be arranged by the hotel rather inexpensively) through increasingly tropical terrain before checking into one of the 243 guest rooms or villas. The buildings, none of which are higher than two stories, are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and designed with “a simple palette of wood, stone and marble,” perfect situated on the shoreline of the Andaman Sea. And don’t forget the coconut trees!
Villa Royale
I initially stayed in one of the luxurious Ocean Front Pool Villas (each villa is its own building), and on my return trip, I spent two nights in a Deluxe Room before transferring to a luxury Poolside Villa—all three were quite comfortable, but of course, my favourite was being ocean side in my own private courtyard with pool and sala—complete with reserved beach lounges not 20 meters away. The Pool Villas that are not ocean side have their advantages as the private outdoor pool areas are completely secluded for those people who really want to get back to nature. If really do intend to skinny dip, for complete privacy, ask for one of the pool villas that is not immediately adjacent to a two-story buildings. In a true confession, I skinny dipped in my ocean side pool at night (still quite private).
All rooms include turndown service, wake-up service, in-room climate control, 24-hour room service, umbrellas (this is the tropics), 29” remote controlled TV with satellite channels—unless you’re in pool villa with a 44” plasma TV! Also included are international direct dial phones, alarm clock, iron and ironing board (but I’m not doing that on vacation), hairdryers, DVD player, refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, mini bar, and bathrobes and slippers for the ultimate in lounging. For those of you with laptop in hand, the rooms have high speed internet as well (but there is free WiFi in the outdoor lobby, complete with gorgeous views and a tropical sea breeze).
Spa-Tacular!
Only in recent years have I discovered the rejuvenating, healing and meditative qualities of a spa experience. Connoisseurs of spas all have their preferences—some would prefer a treatment or two every day or so during their resort vacation. I prefer to have several treatments in a row for truly blissful results. When possible, I like to spend one day of each vacation simply luxuriating in a spa!
The Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort has three pools, one of which is distinctly adult, adjacent to Le Spa. The private luxury villas at Le Spa, of which there are eight, have sunken Jacuzzi tubs, steam room for two and a private outdoor terrace. “Designed with the amorous couple in mind,” explained my guide, “two stylishly dressed massage tables form the centerpiece of the open concept treatment rooms.”
On my recent trip to Le Spa, I experienced “a pampering hand treatment to nourish and beautify the hands and nails with a gentle scrub, hand mask and luxurious hand cream.” My nails were then “buffed to a healthy shine” but I didn’t know it at the time because I slept through it! I then had my total foot treatment before indulging in the four-hand (performed by two therapists) signature Le Meridien Massage, “a combination of Thai, Hawaiian-Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Swedish and Balinese.”
I followed up my massage with a half-hour herbal steam. My only regret is that I didn’t add an hour to my spa package to experience another one of their many facials. On my first trip I had the Nature’s Balancing Facial, which uses “a natural cleansing gel for deep pore cleansing and softening…accompanied by a cooling mask of lime and camphor.” Designed for men, this facial is “especially formulated to make you actually look forward to your next shave.”
Dance Attack at the Kuk Kak
One of the motivators for my second trip was to attend the grand opening of the Kuk Kak Bar & Grill, on the resort property but open to the entire community. In fact, there are free shuttles which bring in locals and guests from other resorts. The kick-off party marked the launch of high season, and to prove it, the hotel was full! The Kuk Kak is named after the surrounding area and includes a spacious dance floor, snooker table, and outdoor patio overlooking a lake. The venue has a spectacular live band performing your requests so you won’t be able to resist that dance attack.
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort has a variety of great restaurants in venues ranging from beach side to pool side traditional upscale Thai. Internationally experienced Executive Chef Olivier Belliard, in his suave and debonair fashion, oversees the great food and beverage service throughout the property, but I especially love what he’s done at the Kuk Kak which offering a large selection of international draft beer and spirits, plus Tex-Mex and BBQ options, international tapas, and even boasts a Tandoor oven and a new Indian chef! The Kuk Kak has an extensive roadhouse menu, and there’s a Korean BBQ grill adjacent, in its own gazebo overlooking the lake.
Hint, Hint
The best rates at this must-visit resort are available online, and if you happen to have booked a suite and when you arrive there is a Pool Villa available, the upgrade is minimal! Get ready to relax in Khao Lak! I’ll meet you on the beach!
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort
9/9 Moo, 1 Tambol Kuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, Phang Nga 82190 Thailand
Phone: (66) (76) 427 500 Fax: (66) (76) 427 575
Website: www.LeMeridien.com
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