Khao Lak, Thailand: 11 November 2022 Pioneering resort, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is setting a new benchmark in integrated luxury hospitality following an 18-month long renovation and expansion that has transformed the property.
The reimagination of the resort completes the vision of creating a “destination within a destination” and heralds a new era for Khao Lak, Thailand’s hottest beach destination located an hour’s drive north of Phuket International Airport. This is due largely to the considerable additions that open up new market segments for the destination – but also importantly due to the innovative guest experiences that have been introduced.
“We are delighted to be unveiling the reimagined JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa today. There is high demand for fully-integrated, beachfront resort experiences in Thailand from around the world and we are positioned to deliver this across multiple segments and market sectors. I believe Khao Lak is ready and I believe the destination will become one of Thailand’s leading leisure tourism and MICE hubs in the years to come,” said Abhimanyu Singh, General Manager, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa.
A total of 127 additional rooms and villas have been built: 76 Deluxe Lagoon Pool View Rooms, 28 Deluxe Lagoon Pool Access Rooms, 20 Family Pool Access Studios, two One-Bedroom Villas and, for the ultimate escape, the Two-Bedroom Villa, to create a total of 420 rooms, suites and villas – including 178 with direct access to a private pool or the resort’s 2.4 km lagoon pool waterway – the longest in Southeast Asia.
Inspired by traditional southern Thai houses, the standalone villas are located on Khuk Khak Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea. The one-bedroom villas feature naturally-lit living spaces with contemporary furnishings, spa-inspired bathrooms and extensive outdoor space, including a private pool. While the two-bedroom villa spans 213 square meters, with a master king bedroom and a twin bedroom for children, extended family or friends, featuring two separate infinity pools.
The new accommodation is complemented by new facilities for everyone. Couples can enjoy the privacy of a collection of secluded pool view and access rooms around an adults only swim up bar – and numerous serene spaces around the resort. Curated experiences just-for-two also include a couples spa journey, private temple excursions, romantic beachfront dining, cooking classes, a DIY spa workshop and mixology masterclasses of cocktails inspired by the sea.
Families will love the Aqua Play Zone, an exhilarating new destination and where the water fun, literally, lasts all day long. Highlights include the wave pool where kids and families get the chance to duck and dive before heading over to the fountain trampoline, an inventive water-drenching activity designed for, what else, jumping!
The aqua theme continues with a waterslide and outdoor playground before kids and parents can retreat to the Sala Restaurant & Bar, a cool, casual outlet serving comfortable, familiar and healthy classics. Sala is expected to quickly become basecamp for kids during their stay so they are close to the action – and can take part in the daily pasta making, mixology masterclasses and marshmallow roasting held at Sala.
Friends and family can also have a go at Muay Thai Sea Boxing, a hilarious but highly competitive sport where two boxers sit astride a poll and try to knock each other off. One of many other activities available are helping the environment in the Art of Trash workshop, or guests can simply cruise around the 2.4 km pool on their floating hammocks, grabbing an ice-cold fresh coconut on the way courtesy of the resort boats that ply the waters – before catching a movie at the beach. Alternatively, families can enjoy a beach picnic in our family tents – or enjoy the interactive Teppanyaki Show at Sakura Japanese restaurant.
The resort’s collection of 11 restaurants and bars offer an array of dining choices, ranging from traditional Thai cuisine with sunset views at Ta-Krai to authentic Italian cuisine at Olive, and international fare at Waterfront. New additions include Sala Restaurant & Pool Bar, while Drift Beach Bar & Grill is the resort’s new steak and seafood grill, inspired by regional Mediterranean cuisine. All-day refreshments and cocktails can be enjoyed at the Deli, Beach Bar, swim-up Infinity Pool Bar, Aquamarine Pool Bar and Czar Bar.
Vacations are all about reconnecting with your loved ones, and a key ingredient for this is the JW Garden, an outdoor space dedicated to cultivating organic fruit and vegetables. Here families are guided by the resort’s chef to pick fresh ingredients and learn how to cook Thai dishes. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a family picnic among the fragrant herbs and flowers, or even in the privacy of their own suite or villa.
A brand-new ballroom is a major part of the expansion creating a new MICE destination in southern Thailand. Chic, stylish and naturally-lit, the 758-square meter venue can host up to 810 attendees for life’s most meaningful and memorable moments, such as gala dinners, award ceremonies, corporate conventions, and weddings. It is fully equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, can be flexibly divided into three separate spaces for more intimate events, and the inviting pre-function area can also host exhibitions.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is now complemented by our latest addition, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, an exclusive collection of 52 stylish two-bedroom suites that range from 89 to 111 square meters, ideal for families, with bright indoor and outdoor spaces, southern Thai-inspired design, contemporary living areas and private terraces or balconies that overlook the natural tropical surroundings. On the ground floor, pool access suites allow guests to step straight into the inviting 2.4 km-long lagoon swimming pool.
Other facilities and experiences include a fully-equipped fitness center, tennis and squash courts, the Kids Club and Quan Spa, which offers holistic healing therapies from traditional Thai massages to revitalizing body wraps and scrubs, many of which use organic coconut oil produced onsite at the resort. A series of serene spaces such as cozy cabanas let guests reconnect and create memorable moments, whilst Khuk Khak Beach offers an idyllic setting to stroll, splash or sit in the shade of palm trees.
To learn more about JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, please visit www.jwmarriottkhaolak.com.
