Pimalai Resort & Spa

I recently visited Pimalai for a second time and was again disappointed about the same thing. Given the resort's positioning as a luxury resort and its challenging terrain, it would have been nice if a buggy ride to and from the room was provided to beach-side guests, at least after check-in and before check-out. Like last time, I was led on foot from the lobby to my room, which was much further away from the lobby than last time. I was also told like last time to "walk to the lobby if you need a buggy ride". I asked the staff what about check-out and was told "your luggage will be picked up in advance and you can follow later". Among a few luxury resorts with a similar landscape that I have been to, Pimalai is the only place that does not give their guests, at least non-villa guests on the beach side, a buggy ride to and from their room. This really makes the resort stand out, but not in a good way. Nevertheless, when a buggy came to pick up my luggage, my room was the only room with luggage to pick up at that time so there was room for me ride along. Another reason I came back to Pimalai was because breakfast, afternoon tea and in-room dining were pretty good last time. This time it was not quite the case. Breakfast spread was less impressive than last time. For example, there was no smoked salmon in the buffet line. There were egg and noodle stations but no one to take orders. The second morning I just skipped breakfast and ate what was left from dinner the day before instead. I ordered an afternoon tea set through the chat feature of the resort's app once, but it took me more than 20 minutes to get a response and I had already ordered again via telephone by that time. The afternoon tea set was listed at THB1200++, but when the bill came it was THB1500++. It was also listed at THB1200++ last time but when the bill came it was around THB800. Both the afternoon tea set and in-room dining food were not as good as last time. I visited Pimalai this time specifically to try the Bayfront Deluxe room, which is hard to book due to limited availability. The room, which is basically a small villa, was spacious and as elegant as expected. Since I do not intend to try the villas on the hill side, there is not much left for me to explore here. Nevertheless, I still haven't got to try a boat ride from the jetty to the resort, so I might come again sometime in the dry season to see what it is like and whether the resort will be more generous with buggy service then. Lastly, staff members were nice, especially at the beach bar.

Our stay at The Pimalai was fine, but compared to other 5-star hotels in Thailand, it felt a bit underwhelming for what we paid, although still probably the best hotel on Koh Lanta. The hillside view is picturesque. Lanta is arguably not the most stunning part of Thailand, but Kantiang Bay, on which The Pimalai situates, is pretty and faces West for nice sunset views. The restaurants are very good. One of the reasons we picked this hotel. Rak Talay on the beach was our favourite. The food at the Thai restaurant, Spice'n'Rice, is also great but sadly is in a very sheltered part of the resort so receives no breeze and becomes oppressively hot, which meant we couldn't bear returning for a second visit. It could do with more portable fans or installing some permanent outdoor fans. Banyan Tree Café is probably the most underrated spot. We ate here almost every day for lunch and tried virtually every Thai dish on the menu. All fantastic. The staff are also lovely. The less good points: 1) Monkeys. They look cute, and I'm not entirely sure what the hotel could do about this particular point, but don't expect to enjoy eating outside in your villa and not have them be a nuisance. At least for villa 607-608 anyway. They'll also sit on your beach towels and swim in the pool, so I wouldn't recommend leaving anything outside unattended. Albeit the "floating" dining options (aperitivo and breakfast) in the safety of your pool are one form of defence (despite the monkeys' swimming abilities). 2) The villa interiors are somewhat dated. For example, the showers are simple hot & cold taps with no thermostatic mixer, so you have to constantly adjust to avoid being scalded or frozen. The doors are temperamental and don't always latch. The batteries for one door's keycard system had to be replaced twice during our stay. This is particularly pertinent due to point #1 above. 3) The "buggy" service is, in fact, most of the time a diesel pickup truck (i.e., a Songthaew) acting as a shuttle bus doing the rounds of the resort. Contrary to older reviews, it was rarely a golf buggy during our stay. Worse still, the trucks are poorly maintained, and you'll be breathing in fuel vapours and smoke all the way to your destination. Not a door-to-door service like you would expect from a sprawling 5-star resort. If you're staying in the hillside estate, with its very steep terrain, this becomes a real pain. The "buggy request" feature in the app also doesn't really get acknowledged either, and you're better off using the telephone. 4) Breakfast (in Seven Seas for Hillside guests at least) has disappointingly limited Thai offerings compared to hotels in other provinces. I think the hotel kowtows a bit too much to Western tourists in this regard. Although I did get to try one new local dish, Kaikata, multiple times, which I have to say was delicious. Back to the positives. We did a private boat charter with the hotel to go sunset snorkelling in Koh Haa (aka Five Islands). This has to be in the Top 3 snorkelling we've ever done in the entire world and certainly the best in Thailand. The crew were great, and in particular, our guide in the water knew all the best spots for fish and coral. The clarity of the water and the variety of species was simply breathtaking. The whole place was absolutely deserted too, which made it even better. On the return, we enjoyed the spectacular view as the sun sets behind the islands whilst enjoying the drinks and snacks included as part of the trip. From reading past reviews, the hotel seems to be living off former glories somewhat. I'm sure COVID didn't help, and they have my sympathies, but a little extra attention to the finer details and a bit of TLC should bring the hotel back up to par. The hotel does address issues when you raise them, which is good, but could do with being a little more proactive.

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 photos here.

It has all been said so many times, including by me! You may be thinking ..8th Visit..why not visit other places? Answer..oh believe me, we have especially in Far East. But I have given up bothering to even try and find a second piece of heaven! For my husband, daughter and friends this IS OUR little piece of heaven. The staff, from The Boss, Brice; to the restaurant staff, housekeeping, gate keeper, security officers, boat guys..every single one greets you every day with a beautiful welcoming smile! And it's genuine! Nothing is too much ever! Last stay, we added boat trip to Koh Rok which we thoroughly enjoyed, spa treatments and beautiful Afternoon Tea!!! The villas are simply gorgeous and the pools, proper pools not just pop on size!!!! And the early morning and late afternoon pool entertainment! Well that's unique! To know more about that you'll just have to book your Hillside Pool Villa!! Thank you again Brice and your outstanding team, we are counting days till October for our next visit knowing it will be perfect as always!! We travel from UK so we stay minimum 17 nights but the journey is so worth the travelling. Especially knowing that between Pimalai staff picking up your case at Krabi or Phuket airport, and seeing you through to security on your return home, you have nothing to worry or even think about at all!!

We had a very pleasant stay at the Pimalai. The resort blends in perfectly and respectfully with the magnificent, lush, unspoilt natural surroundings. Very beautiful beach, still largely untouched by mass tourism. The staff are charming and friendly, not distorted by abusive processes and procedures. Noi at reception is very empathetic and supportive. We also enjoyed Mai at the Seven Seas restaurant, who is very helpful in her role as manager The room was very spacious and comfortable, with a splendid view of the sea. One constructive remark: the breakfast could be seriously improved. Particularly the quality of the pastries and cold meats. We'll be back with pleasure.