Pimalai Resort & Spa

This is the best hotel I've ever been to and I've travelled extensively over the last 40 years. We opted for a 1 bedroom hillside villa with pool and it was an unforgettable experience, so much so that we plan to return which is something we never normally do as there are so many places in the world to see. In fact, it's the only place I've ever felt quite emotional about leaving, such was the impact that Pimalai had on us. All of the staff were truly exceptional - Thai people are known for their service with a smile but this was on another level. The resort is split into 2 with the villas quite a distance from the main restaurants/bars/pools/beach etc. However, this was perfect for us as we had exceptional privacy at our villa but it so simple to call a golf cart on the hotel app and the driver would be there in minutes to pick you up and take you anywhere on the resort that you would like. The beach is stunning with white sand and turquoise waters and the resort faces west so the sunsets were truly spectacular.

I have created a beautiful hotel overview video on YouTube of Pimalai Resort & Spa! Check out my channel: Travel with Nicola & Isabella. We stayed here in february 2025. The resort is located on Kantiang Bay, in the southern part of Koh Lanta, and is divided into two areas: Hillside and Beachside. We stayed in a Deluxe Room with a stunning view of the bay - wonderful room in a central Beachside location. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery, featuring two beautiful pools and an amazing sandy beach. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Don’t miss the happy hour by the beach, where you can enjoy delicious drinks while watching breathtaking sunsets! 🌅✨

We stayed 14 nights. It was amazing from pick up at airport right through. We had a deluxe garden room but had a wonderful view which we didn’t expect. The first day we arrived we were offered a complementary tea any day but we chose to have it that day. This was because we were a “long stay “ It was amazing and delicious. Also if you bought it - very good value. We ate in all the restaurants. We had the bbq buffet once which was great, the hot pot once - good fun, and the beer and seafood. Hubby had prawns - excellent - I had clams which were a bit of a fiddle and I wish I’d chosen prawns too. We also wandered along the beach and went to 3 restaurants - all good We walked into the little village with lots of shops and restaurants. Once we got a hotel taxi there 150 baht each way. We took the shuttle to Lanta town which is definitely worth doing. Got some wonderful presents. We did the Koh Rok snorkelling trip. It was lovely but I would have preferred a later start and finish. We left at 8 and were back by 1:00 having had lunch at 11:30 We tried the beach but preferred the pool. Never a problem to get a sunbed in the shade. We saw big lizards - one swam across the pool 😂 We went diving on 3 different days with Lanta divers. Once to Koh Bida and twice to Koh Haa. I organised it by email from the U.K. julie was super helpful. Diving was fab. We are pretty new to it having learnt in 2023. We are 66 and 80 and they were very patient and kind. Even managed to teach my hubby how to get his buoyancy right - at last. We have now done about 40 dives so still beginners. We saw a leopard shark, turtles, lobsters, moray eels, mantis shrimps and so many fish. Marcus Joe and Rin looked after us and gave us 3 most wonderful days. Our last day was the best dive ever. Anyway, the Pimalai is great. They have a very efficient. Messaging system to book restaurants and fix any minor issues. Thank you to everyone for the best holiday.

A pleasant sea journey by fast boat to get to the island to be met by the welcome team on the beach. I have to say that the floating pontoon key was enough of a challenge in calm waters, but it would have been quite tricky if the sea had been rough ! We were whisked up the hill to reception where the staff gave us another warm welcome. We were then driven by buggy to our room where we were met with the most fabulous flower welcome for our golden wedding anniversary. Fortunately it had been put on a separate sheet on the bed, so we were able to carefully lift it off and kept it for a few days. Spacious room (404) with wooden floors and an extensive balcony overlooking the beach - and sunsets. We used both the beach and the ‘spice and rice’ restaurants, and took advantage of the special theme nights. My wife is allergic to spicy food , but they chefs were always able to accommodate with a great selection. Our room was ideally situated just a short walk to the main restaurant (spice and rice) where breakfast was served, and then on down to the beach. About 100 steps from room to beach. There were kayaks, a hobby cat and small sail boat all available, as well as quality snorkel gear to use. One evening we had a meal at the ‘same same but different’ beach restaurant which was fun, and there is a village with beach restaurants the other side. All within easy walking distance. The staff , as our experience everywhere in Thailand, were friendly, courteous, and kind. Nothing was too much trouble. We had an early start to leave, but again, everything just worked seamlessly with great efficiency and thoughtfully, even down to supplying an early packup breakfast. It was a wonderful end to our special celebratory holiday. This is a large area, in reality two resorts - one upper and one lower. A buggy is needed most of the time for the upper resort, but what a view from the restaurant and infinity pool! .

Amazing stay – highly recommended! We had a fantastic experience at this hotel! The staff were welcoming and professional, the room was spotless and comfortable, and the amenities were top-notch. Breakfast was fresh and delicious with plenty of variety. Everything exceeded our expectations – we will definitely be back!