Lusso - A Different Side of Thailand: Discovering Koh Lanta and Pimalai Resort & Spa

By Mark Crosby

Somewhere between Krabi and the open Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta still feels like an island that remembers what Thailand used to be. Long beaches remain largely undeveloped, fishing villages continue their daily rhythms, and the soundtrack is more likely to be cicadas and long-tail boats than beach clubs.

At the southern end of the island, reached by a short boat crossing, Pimalai Resort & Spa occupies a hillside above Kantiang Bay, a family-owned resort that has quietly become one of Thailand's most enduring luxury addresses.

What makes Pimalai distinctive is not just the setting, though the setting is exceptional. Villas are tucked into tropical forest, many with sweeping views across the bay, while beachside suites sit steps from the sand. The architecture leans into traditional Thai forms rather than international minimalism, and the atmosphere remains noticeably unhurried. This is luxury with a sense of place.

A Thai Beach Escape

For travellers who have already visited Phuket, Samui or Bangkok, Koh Lanta often feels like a discovery. Pimalai works particularly well as the beach chapter of a wider Thailand journey: a few nights in Bangkok, perhaps time in Chiang Mai, then a final stretch on the Andaman coast where the pace slows considerably.

The resort's hillside villas are its signature accommodation. Designed with sloping roofs and generous outdoor terraces, they combine privacy with panoramic sea views and private pools. Families tend to gravitate towards the two- and three-bedroom villas, while couples often choose the one-bedroom pool villas for their seclusion and sunset views. Even the entry-level rooms are unusually spacious and positioned to make the most of the bay.

“It’s easy to explore local villages, not least Lanta Old Town, and see an authentic Thailand which has been lost in other destinations. Not forgetting the fantastic sheltered beach, the Pimalai is one of my favourite hotels in Asia.”

Mark Crosby, Lusso Senior Product Manager, South East Asia

Beyond the Beach

One of Pimalai's strengths is that it encourages guests to leave the resort as much as to stay within it. Koh Lanta rewards curiosity.

By Sea

Exploring the area by sea is one of the highlights of a visit, with snorkelling trips to the stunning islands of Koh Rok and Koh Haa offering some of the clearest waters in southern Thailand. For those keen to dive deeper, renowned sites such as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are easily accessible, showcasing dramatic underwater landscapes, vibrant coral formations and an abundance of marine life. Away from the reefs, kayaking excursions provide a more leisurely way to experience the coastline, winding past towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves and secluded stretches of shore that are often inaccessible by land.

By Land

Exploring Koh Lanta by land reveals a different side of the island, where culture, nature and local traditions come together. A visit to Lanta Old Town offers a glimpse into the island’s heritage, with its charming wooden stilt houses, waterfront seafood restaurants and independent craft shops lining the historic streets. Early-morning mangrove tours provide an opportunity to discover the island’s rich ecosystems while learning about the fishing communities that have long relied on these waterways. For wildlife enthusiasts, Following Giants offers an ethical elephant encounter centred on observation and education, allowing visitors to appreciate these remarkable animals in a more natural and respectful setting.

Dining With a View

The resort's restaurants make good use of the landscape. Rak Talay sits beside the beach, Spice n Rice focuses on Thai flavours, and Seven Seas pairs fine dining with elevated views across the bay. Sunset drinks at the Heritage Bar have become something of a ritual for returning guests.

The Verdict

Pimalai is not the place for nightlife, shopping malls or a see-and-be-seen scene. It is the place for long breakfasts overlooking the Andaman Sea, afternoons spent between the pool and the beach, and evenings that end with the sound of waves rather than traffic.

In a country where many luxury resorts now feel interchangeable, Pimalai's greatest luxury may simply be that it still feels unmistakably Thai; family-owned, rooted in its island setting, and connected to the community around it.

For travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Thailand without giving up comfort, Koh Lanta remains one of the country's best-kept secrets, and Pimalai its most compelling address.

Ask your travel agent about a Lusso stay at Pimalai and they can organise it through us, helping you make the most of an amazing trip.