New Thai resort targets family groups

Khao Lak is what Phuket used to be a couple of decades ago; authentically Thai with an easy going charm and deserted beaches.

But the big hotel chains are quickly catching on to Khao Lak's allure with the latest arrival the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, an all-suite retreat nestled in a beachside setting on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast.

This resort - targeting the family market - offers a selection of two-bedroom suites and is just an hour’s drive north of Phuket.

“The opening of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, with its spacious accommodation and outstanding service, will complement our existing property in Khao Lak, enabling all guests to come together and create meaningful connections,” said Jakob Helgen, Marriott International's area vice-president.

“As the world starts to travel again, this new opening will further stimulate the country’s tourism sector and attract families back to the Land of Smiles.”

On the ground floor, a collection of pool access suites will allow guests to step straight into what is billed as south-east Asia’s longest swimming pool - a 2.4km lagoon that features a water slide, a wave pool, and an aqua trampoline.

Young guests staying in the pool access suites can choose to be transported to their room by boat and guests of all ages can look out for the resort’s Coconut Boat, which will cruise around the lagoon every day loaded with fresh, ice-cold coconuts.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites will share the extensive facilities of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa - giving guests the facilities of two resorts for the price of one.

The dual resorts will boast 11 restaurants and bars offering cuisines from traditional Thai to Japanese and Italian.

“I am delighted to unveil JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites and to welcome travellers from around the world,” said general manager Abhimanyu Singh.

Roads less travelled reveal a different Thailand

Just an hour north from the popular beach resorts of Phuket, visitors can discover a different side of Thailand. 

Think deserted stretches of sand with a hammock to call your own, white-water rafting and award-winning restaurants in which you may well be the only non-Thai in the room. 

For a slice of authentic Thailand that's not too far off the beaten track, Khao Lak delivers plenty of variety. 

Khao Lak is in Phang Nga province and is known for its palm trees, endless golden sand beaches and long winding roads into the hills. 

If you are looking for somewhere stylish to chill out that also offers plenty of activities for younger family members - including a kid's club and a dedicated pool for youngsters - then the recently opened Avani+ Khao Lak Resort delivers.

Opened just a couple of months ago (and still with some work to do on the gardens and signage), the 327-room seafront property on Bangsak Beach offers the chance to stroll almost deserted beaches but also enjoy modern luxuries within the resort - including some superb villas with their own plunge pools and some snortingly good cocktails at sunset.

For more active types, the property is home to an AvaniFit complex offering endurance and resistance training, aerobics and high-intensity interval training. Guests can also sign up for boxing or tennis classes or try their hand at hanging yoga and indoor or outdoor climbing walls. 

Outdoor activities include kayaking, on-property PADI lessons and surfing nearby. But there are no jetskis, noisy motorbikes, or loud ladies offering "massaage".

There are - and more to my taste - several pools, family-friendly amenities and drinking and dining venues with Andaman Sea views. 

A range of room categories features deluxe lagoon pool rooms for couples and solo travellers to spacious and very well equipped family pool suites a separate living room and dining area, king and twin beds and a private balcony. 

The on-site AvaniSpa offers pampering treatments and healing therapies, while the two-storey AvaniKids club, Khao Lak’s largest, is complemented by a splash park and a skate park - both well away from the accomodation. 

Elements is a standard hotel eatery while the beautifully located Beach House (below) is the spot for sundowners and a melange of Thai and European menu options. You can even try a glass of Thai chenin blanc with your dinner.  

It is the many local experiences on offer, however, that set the resort apart. 

Enjoy a cycle trip along the coast to check out nearby Bang Niang market or take an excursion to the Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay or Koh Phi Phi. 

Maybe take a day trip to the Takuapa Old Town or go rafting on bamboo rafts through a local forest. 

Two of my favourite activities, both arranged through the hotel, were exploring the ‘Little Amazon’ of Khao Lak rafting along the Wang Kiang Ku River, and the authentic southern-Thai Chinese-influenced cuisine at Nai Mueang Restaurant, where I believe I was the only tourist tackling the spicy, tasty food. 

Check those activities out here: https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2022/05/a-real-taste-of-thailand.html 

For bookings, deals and further details see: www.avanihotels.com/khao-lak-phang-nga 

The writer travelled with assistance from Jetstar, which has resumed regular direct flights from both Melbourne and Sydney direct to Phuket. https://www.jetstar.com/ 

River cruising with a difference

 

We are cruising on the Wang Kiang Ku River. 

Just me, a few bits of bamboo tied together with string and a local bloke with a pole who I trust knows what he is doing. 

It is billed as a gentle rafting journey through the ‘Little Amazon’ of Khao Lak. 

But don’t expect an easy ride. There are some minor rapids to be encountered and you are certain to get your bum wet. 

This trip with Komol’s Corner Tours sees me as the only farang on the river. While there are plenty of Thai tourists we are just a tad off the beaten track. 

That means no one insists on life jackets, although you can have one if you insist, and the experience seems authentic. 

The views are pretty spectacular, ranging from wild jungle to riverside encampments, even some durian trees. 

My man with a pole points out a large black and yellow snake asleep in one of the trees overhanging the river. We avoid him by a metre or two. 

There are no cushions and no protection from the water: particularly when it starts to rain halfway through our voyage. 

No problem. 

We stop at a deep, calm stretch of the river so you can take a refreshing dip should you wish to do so. 

Onwards to some more mini rapids. So much fun, but you’ll need a back massage afterwards.

This river cruise with a difference is combined with a real (read seriously spicy) lunch at a local gourmet restaurant. Once again I am the only farang in sight. So much the better. 

The trip is one of several excursions put together by the new Avani + Hotel Khao Lak. This is a beachfront family-friendly resort that will be reviewed here shortly. See avanihotels.com/Khaolak

For details of other tour options seek www.komolcorner.com 

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