JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Set along a white-sand beach a 10-minute drive north of Khao Lak, the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is one of the most stunning properties in the area. The resort is made up of a few dozen two-story buildings designed in the traditional Thai style, consisting of pitched roofs decorated with sleek ‘lamyongs’, cute balconies with wooden railings, and huge windows. A massive pool runs throughout the property, connecting all buildings and forming big, lush islands with additional swimming areas, including separate adult-only and kiddy sections. Two of the hotel’s four restaurants, as well as the spa, are built right next to the beach, while the other two dining venues are set across from each other on one of the islands. Interiors are no less gorgeous and elegant than the outdoors. Common spaces have a strong local feel, in particular the lobby, which is housed in a beautiful white building with soaring wooden ceilings, huge windows on all sides, and handsome wooden furniture with plush pillows. Although the property caters to families with many kid-friendly amenities and spacious rooms for up to six guests, the vibe is relaxing and quiet, and many couples choose the JW Marriott for their honeymoon. 

Rates here are high but on par with comparable properties in the region, and most guests seem to find them reasonable for the level of luxury offered. Another excellent high-end option is the Robinson Club Khao Lak, which offers villas with private pools as well as standard hotel rooms and bungalows. Travelers seeking something cheaper may want to compare rates at the Khaolak Merlin Resort or the Khaolak Laguna Resort. The Haven Khao Lak is an excellent alternative for guests seeking an exotic, adult-only vacation without breaking the bank.  

The hotel is located on a beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters that is a 10-minute drive north of Khao Lak town. The area is home to a few other resorts and a handful of beach bars but is otherwise quiet and secluded. Though there isn’t much to do in the immediate vicinity, this location is convenient for those wanting to go diving in the Similan Islands, which are about an hour away by boat. The famous Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park -- known for its wildlife, waterfalls, and hiking trails -- is about a 15- to 20-minute drive away. The nearest international airport is in Phuket, about an hour and 20 minutes from the hotel by car. 

The hotel has 297 rooms spread over a couple dozen small buildings set around the massive lagoon pool. Decor is upscale and full of local touches, including handsome wooden floors, silk-like upholstery with round pillows, and large local paintings above the bed. Top-floor rooms feature traditional pitched wooden ceilings. Furniture is elegant in all rooms, with carvings and soft lines, plus wicker accents on lamps, and an understated earth-tone palette. Some guests have reported minor wear and tear on furniture. Also on the downside, none of the rooms offer ocean vistas.

Starting at 592 square feet, rooms are large and airy, with enough space for at least a small seating area with a sofa bed, coffee table, and an armchair. Huge windows open to balconies furnished with at least a couple of chairs or loungers, and some rooms offer direct access to the pool. Families and groups can choose from a range of room types, the largest of which is a 1,399-square-foot two-bedroom duplex unit with three bathrooms and a living area. 

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, robes, slippers, electric kettles, and DVD players. Bathrooms are big and appealing, with separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs, stone sinks over wooden vanities, and shutters that open to the bedrooms. Free water, toiletries, and hairdryers are available in all rooms, and turndown service is standard.

Along with the beautiful beach, the hotel’s huge lagoon-style pool is a definite property highlight. It runs through the entire property and features adult-only and kiddy areas, as well as two swim-up bars and several whirlpools. Small wooden platforms hidden away behind lush greenery offer a private spot for couples to relax. Dining is also top-notch, with three a la carte restaurants that open for dinner only and an excellent beachfront buffet serving all three main meals. The a la cartes serve up Thai, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine, while the buffet offers a huge international spread with hot and cold options. Note that the breakfast room can get crowded at peak times.

Wraps, scrubs, massages, hair and nail services, and steam rooms are available at the beautiful beachfront spa, while the 24-hour gym offers a wide array of machines, plus fitness classes for a fee. Bikes and water sports are also available for an extra charge, and guests can practice tennis, squash, and volleyball on-site as well. 

The kids’ club hosts age-appropriate activities, both indoors and outdoors, plus a computer room for older kids, a library, play areas with toys and games, and a movie room. The hotel also features nine meeting rooms, the largest of which has a maximum capacity of 260 guests.