Blessed with lush, jungle-clad hills, blissful beaches and crystal-clear seas, the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta is a paradise on Earth. Yet, with far fewer tourists than nearby islands such as Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, it still feels blissfully off-the-beaten-track.
Ever since Pimalai Resort & Spa, the natural five-star sanctuary nestled in 100 acres of native forest, was first woven into Koh Lanta’s coastal landscape 21 years ago, this enchanting resort has strived to preserve the environment and empower local people. Now, it is inviting discerning travellers to join it on a sustainable journey.
The resort recently helped to release 50 endangered turtles and millions of crabs into the Andaman Sea, as part of its commitment to conserving the marine environment, and guests can also join in regular beach cleaning activities to keep the shoreline and local islands free from litter.
No motorised water sports are permitted at Pimalai, but there are plenty of opportunities to feel the spray of the ocean waves with complimentary kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and more. Koh Lanta is also a dream destination for snorkelling, and Pimalai is dedicated to keeping the offshore reefs healthy with coral propagation initiatives.
Travellers can also embark on small-scale, sustainable excursions to exotic offshore islands including “Koh Haa Sunset” which showcases a breath-taking collection of limestone islets which enclose a dazzling aquamarine lagoon.
Visitors can rest assured that Pimalai operates a zero-food waste policy, with excess organic food being used to fertilise the resort’s gardens – part of a series of “reuse, reduce and recycle” programmes.
Back at the resort, guests can unwind in style in a collection of 121 spacious rooms, suites and villas, enjoy four exquisite dining options, plunge into shimmering infinity pools that appear suspended in the jungle canopy, enjoy soothing therapies at the award-winning Pimalai Spa, play tennis on full-size courts, or enjoy immersive activities such as yoga, muay Thai, cycling, fitness, Thai cooking classes and more.