Pullman Khao Lak Resort has opened its doors, introducing a new era of elegant Thai hospitality, ancient heritage and intuitive design to this hot and up-and-coming beachfront destination, overlooking the Andaman Sea.Nestled on the soft sands of Bang Muang Beach, in the north of Phang Nga province, this sensitive low-rise retreat fuses the cosmopolitan vibe of Pullman Hotels & Resorts, Accor’s high-end international brand, with the captivating culture of this coastal region. During the 13th Century, the nearby town of Takua Pa was the finest harbour on the west coast, as maritime trade routes fostered exchanges across the Indian Ocean. By the 1900s it had become a cultural melting pot and a haven of Sino-Portuguese art, architecture and cuisine.
Pullman Khao Lak Resort reflects this rich backstory in its design concept. The experts at Tierra Design, led by Martin Palleros, modelled the resort on a traditional merchant’s house, with a series of courtyards and ponds. The towering curved sculpture at the entrance has been crafted from handmade red bricks, a famous material of the local area, creating a dramatic first impression for all visitors.
Artworks, handicrafts and sculptures by up-and-coming Thai artists, including Jatuporn “Yui” Wongtong, co-founder of Artslonga, a collective of former students from Silapakorn University, are woven into the fabric of the resort, including a huge “tree of life” aboard a boat in the lobby. Hypothesis, another award-winning Thai company, was tasked with developing the impressive event spaces.
Pullman Khao Lak Resort features 253 stylish rooms, spacious suites and luxurious villas, all of which boast either spectacular sea or mountain views, high-speed Wi-Fi, a sofa bed, balcony and an oversized shower with premium amenities. The Family Suites provide exceptional options for parents, with bunk beds, direct access to the garden, or even private steps into the resort’s sparkling swimming pool. For truly special occasions, each of the six Beachfront Pool Villas provides contemporary living space and a large plunge pool, just steps from the sea.
Guests can dine and unwind at a choice of two restaurants, two bars and a beach club, which focus on authentic southern Thai dishes, fresh seafood and street-food inspired bites, alongside international favorites and craft beverages, including cool cocktails by the ocean.
Health and wellness plays an important role in the guest experience, with the Roselyn Spa featuring a Hammam for traditional Turkish baths, and a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre. The tropical pool is a haven of daytime tranquility, beachfront platforms can be used for outdoor activities such as yoga, cycling trails allow guests to explore their surroundings, and Bang Muang Beach is stunning setting for daytime discoveries or sunset strolls. These natural outdoor spaces also provide a beautiful backdrop for team-building activities, social soirées and weddings, complementing the resort’s 260-square metre ballroom and two breakout rooms.
The unique location of Pullman Khao Lak Resort enables myriad opportunities for soft adventure. Khao Sok National Park, one of the world’s most ancient evergreen forests with soaring limestone cliffs, colossal indigenous trees and extraordinary biodiversity, is just 30 minutes from the resort, while the sun-kissed coast is a haven for diving and water sports. Organic farms connect visitors with the area’s natural produce, and the old town of Takua Pa, with its local markets and classical buildings, exudes the grace of an enchanting bygone era.
According to the Khao Lak Hotel Market Update by C9 Hotelworks, hotel occupancies in Khao Lak soared above 80% in the early months 2020, before the global lockdown. With help from the Thai government’s “We Travel Together” campaign and a new social media-driven surfing boom, Khao Lak is enjoying a domestic tourism resurgence. The completion of a new four-lane highway expansion project from Phuket International Airport is set to boost the area’s accessibility, creating a positive impact for the entire Khao Lak coast.
“We are very excited to welcome guests to Pullman Khao Lak Resort, and to showcase the charm and heritage of this relatively undiscovered part of Thailand. While we are only 100km north of Phuket, the laid-back nature of this region feels a million miles away from hustle and bustle of the main tourist hubs. We have strived to highlight this ambience through our art, architecture and design. Our aim is to re-establish the area’s ancient trade routes through modern day travel and hospitality. The local people here – including many of our team members – refer to themselves as “peuan”, which means “friend”, and we will treat every visitor as if they are a personal guest in our own home,” said Hervé Duprat, General Manager, Pullman Khao Lak Resort.
Thai families are now invited to be among the first guests to experience the new Pullman Khao Lak Resort. Under the hotel’s opening offer, a Family Suite is available from just THB 5,800 net, including breakfast for up to four people. This rate is reduced to just THB 3,480 when coupled with the “We Travel Together” discount. A Family Suite Garden Access is priced at THB 6,050 (THB 3,630 after “We Travel Together”) and the Family Suite Pool Access is only THB 7,100 (or THB 4,260 after “We Travel Together”).
For more information and reservations, please visit www.pullmankhaolakresort.com or call 076 592 233.
