Pimalai Resort & Spa 

What's included

Breakfast at Seven Seas Restaurant from 6.30am to 10.30am

Upgrade options

Half Board • Breakfast at Seven Seas Restaurant from 6.30am to 10.30am • Dinner at Rak Talay Beach Bar & Restaurant.

The spa is a stand-out spot and is so highly regarded it has won awards from the likes of Condé Nast. Alongside the traditional and more modern treatments carried out in oh-so-tranquil rooms tucked away like a village in the forest, there’s the chance to make that relaxed holiday feeling last a lifetime thanks to a trio of spa classes. There’s the Art of Traditional Thai Massage, an hour-long session teaching you the pressure points and techniques to relieve tension, and the Art of the Neck and Shoulder Massage – a great way to release the tensions of our 21st-century lifestyles. You can also learn how to create an aromatic herbal pouch and how Thai herbs can be used in everyday life.

There are regular classes in Thai boxing, aerial yoga and circuit training.

Explore the mangroves by boat, follow the self-cycle route or make a visit to the Sports Centre where tennis, pétanque, badminton, pickle ball and a running track await.

Located on a 900-metre stretch of beach, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports here. Kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and sailing are just some of the activities on offer. Diving can also be arranged for beginners and experienced or you may prefer to take a speedboat to Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park for snorkelling amongst the limestone coves.

Both the natural world and local communities are important to the folks at Pimalai and a lot of emphasis is put on protecting and advancing them both. One of the most exciting projects that the resort is part of is The Little Scientist House which was set up by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn. Her goal is to encourage the children of Thailand to take an interest in science and further the education of primary school children. Pimalai now works with 11 Koh Lanta schools that are part of the project and they help them provide a wide range of scientific activities by providing materials and inspiring their staff to get involved. There’s also a real focus on locally created arts and crafts in the resort boutique and guests are encouraged to visit Old Town Lanta to shop, eat and drink, and also to visit the Lanta Community Museum and learn about island life.

On the environment side, the resort runs a selection of programmes including local litter picks with local children to show them the importance of keeping the island clean and safe. They also have a zero-waste project to ensure everything that can be recycled is recycled and food waste goes to a fertiliser-making facility. This low-waste agenda starts before the waste is even produced – the menus are designed to create minimal leftovers, produce is not over ordered and any ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables are used in soups and smoothies.

There’s also a plan to reintroduce the clownfish to the surrounding waters – the surrounding waters were a natural habitat for the famed fish species made famous by the film Finding Nemo. In 2004, they discovered that the population had disappeared thanks in part to the pet fish industry. Through trial and error, they successfully released clownfish and seahorses back onto the Andaman Sea and then started up a coral propagation programme.

There's a weekly schedule of activities for children at the Kids' Corner. From making art from nature and balloon twisting to kids pétanque and Thai boxing.