Pimalai Koh Lanta: Our Family's Review of This Luxury Paradise (At an Amazing Price!)
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie here. After what feels like a lifetime of planning, we finally did it – a 24-day family adventure in Thailand! It was truly incredible, and our very first stop set the bar impossibly high: the magnificent Pimalai Resort & Spa on the serene island of Koh Lanta.
If you're looking for a destination that offers true luxury, family-friendly fun, and that peaceful, "get away from it all" vibe without the eye-watering price tag, then you need to hear about this luxury hotel. This isn't just a hotel review; it's the story of how our family fell in love with a resort that gets absolutely everything right. Pimalai Koh Lanta might just be our new favorite family hotel in Thailand.
The Journey & First Impressions: A "Gradual Wow"
Our adventure began with a flight to Krabi Airport, followed by the resort's seamless transfer service, which includes a short car ride and a scenic speedboat journey across the Andaman Sea.
I'll be honest, the "wow" moment at Pimalai wasn't instant upon check in. But the magic of this resort is a slow burn. The kids were immediately captivated by the beautiful pink water lilies in the ponds at the entrance, but for me, the "wow" truly sank in over time. It was when I saw our beautiful accommodation, walked past the two stunning infinity pools, and relaxed in the exclusive and elegant afternoon tea lounge that I was completely won over. This place is about deep, understated luxury and tranquility.
Our Accommodation: A Room with a View
Pimalai offers a wide selection of rooms, from a deluxe room nestled in the gardens to stunning hillside or beachfront villas. Many of the private villas come with their own private pool and offer spectacular sunset views. Our room was incredibly spacious, with a large bathtub and all the standard equipment you’d expect from a five-star resort, providing a perfect, comfortable base for our family.
The Beach at Pimalai: Golden, Soft & Swimmable
The resort is blessed with a stunning, nearly private beach that feels miles away from the world. We visited in mid-July, and even with a few waves, the water was still fantastic for swimming as there were almost no rocks. The sand was soft, golden, and pure beauty – perfect for the kids to build sandcastles on while we relaxed on the comfortable sun loungers under the palm trees.
Dining to Delight: From Beach Bar to Fine Dining
The food at Pimalai is exceptional, with several restaurants to choose from.
The Breakfast Buffet: For Milos, the breakfast buffet was paradise! It had endless choices, but he was most impressed by the perfectly tasty eggs (especially eggs benedict) – his staple food! The breakfast area itself is beautiful, with a perfect view of the sea.
Rak Talay Beach Bar & Restaurant: We loved the laid-back vibe at this beach bar. It's perfect for a casual lunch with your toes in the sand, serving delicious Thai dishes and cocktails.
Seven Seas Restaurant: Perched high on the hill near the upper pool, the Seven Seas Restaurant offers fine dining with one of the most spectacular views on the island. It's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Spice n' Rice Restaurant: For authentic, rich Thai cuisine in a beautiful traditional setting, this restaurant is a must-visit.
Activities & Amenities for the Whole Family
For the Kids: The Kids Club was fantastic. Sofija made a wonderful friend in one of the ladies there, Neeya. They loved the daily activities like creating their own little kites and a magical movie night on the beach!
For Active Adults: There's a fantastic, well-equipped gym, outdoor tennis courts, and even a professional-grade kickboxing and boxing ring. Pimalai also offers a range of fitness classes, including aerial yoga.
For Nature Lovers: We loved the complimentary guided nature walk through the resort's incredible beautiful gardens and lush tropical forest. We learned about the plants, fruits, and spices they grow on-site.
Water Sports: The resort offers various water sports equipment, like kayaks and paddleboards, for guests to enjoy in the calm bay.
A Commitment to Nature: Pimalai's Eco Initiatives
What truly impressed us was Pimalai's dedication to sustainability. We learned about their inspiring eco-friendly practices, like using refillable ceramic bottles for toiletries to reduce plastic, using sugar cane straws, organizing regular beach clean ups, and their incredible annual clownfish release program to support local marine life.
Exploring Koh Lanta: Elephants, Sunsets & Amazing Food
While you could happily spend your entire vacation at the resort, we ventured out for some unforgettable adventures.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: Seeing elephants roaming freely in their natural environment was a powerful and moving experience. It was a poignant lesson on the importance of responsible tourism.
Why Not Bar: We had a sunset dinner here, and the food was incredible (pineapple fried rice, crunchy pork belly!) and such amazing value. It’s a prime example of why we love Thailand.
Destinationz Tip - A Local Gem: Just a 5-minute walk down the beach from the resort, we found a small, local restaurant with super tasty and cheap food. A must-try!
A Note on the "Green Season"
We stayed at Pimalai mid of July, right in the green season. Many tourists worry about rain, but let me reassure you: in our 24-day trip, we only had rain on one day at Pimalai, and that was for a total of just 2 hours! The rain is warm and refreshing, and the landscapes are incredibly lush. Plus, you get to experience one of the best hotel destinations at a fraction of the peak season price.
Our Family Verdict
Pimalai Resort & Spa in Koh Lanta is, without a doubt, one of the best family hotel experiences we have ever had. The location is stunning, all the staff offer fantastic service, and the blend of luxury, family-friendly activities, and incredible value is unmatched. It’s a place where every member of the family can find their own slice of paradise.
Ready to plan your own unforgettable family trip to Thailand? Let Destinationz help you discover gems like Pimalai and craft a trip that perfectly fits your family's dreams and budget.
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