The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020 - Issue 27

bite travel Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta Offers Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays W ith 900 metres of beachfront and 100 acres of par- adise, Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta in Thailand offers thrill-seeking travellers the ultimate island adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here you can discover the magnificent marine life of the Andaman Sea and dive alongside the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, in their natural habitat. This beautiful coastal area is one of the first to welcome the gentle giants each diving season, reaching up to 15 metres long and weighing over 40 tons. This season, in partnership with Scubafish, the PADI 5-star Gold Palm and IDC-certified dive centre, Pimalai planned to offer divers a chance to explore the tourist-free turquoise waters of Koh Lanta where whale shark sightings are more frequent. After a day of exploration, travellers can retreat to the hidden paradise of Pimalai which has its own infinity pool surrounded by 11 acres of lush, tropical forest away from the hustle and bus- tle of the better-known Thai islands. At Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta, you will find signature Hill- side Ocean View Pool Villas standing amidst the lush tropical forests and endless Andaman waters, allowing visitors to expe- rience nature on their doorsteps. Located 60 to 80 metres above sea level, guests will enjoy astounding views of the sea from the comfort of their villa while soaking in some sun from their pri- vate sundeck or taking a dip in the personal infinity-edge pool. Other rooms available include Deluxe which is surrounded by lush greenery and the endless ocean with a view of Koh Lanta’s serene landscape from the comfort of the private balcony. The bathroom features a bathtub and a separate walk-in shower that either opens up into the bedroom or overlooks quaint gardens. The Bayfront Deluxe rooms provide an astounding view of the sea. Each room is equipped with a large bathroomwith a double vanity basin, a separate walk-in shower, and an elegant bathtub. For a taste of luxury and elegance, try the one-bedroom or two-bedroomPavilion Suite. All master bedrooms are equipped with a king-size bed and elegant traditional Thai-style interi- or design, complete with polished teak wood flooring. In the two-bedroom suites, the second bedroom has its own separate entrance and features plush twin beds and a large bathroom with double vanity basins, separate walk-in shower, and an el- egantly fitted bathtub. This accommodation also has a living room area. Another luxurious place to stay at the hotel is the Beachside Villas which overlooks the glorious Andaman sea and offers guests a classy Thai-style living space. The one-bedroom (two units) can be rented together with two units of the one-bed- room Pavilion Suite to accommodate up to 12 people with a living room, dining and kitchen facilities. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas come with their own private infin- ity-edged pool where guests can relax and rejuvenate in their privacy. Pimalai Resort & Spa Koh Lanta has four restaurants and bars - Rak Talay Beach Bar and Restaurant which serves interna- tional seafood; Seven Seas Restaurant offering western fine din- ing; Spice and Rice Restaurant with authentic Thai food; and the Banyan Tree Poolside Cafe where you can have a variety of drinks. Guests can take advantage of the treatments at the Pimalai Spa which offers a combination of traditional contem- porary techniques that will rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. www.pimalai.com Small Luxury Hotels of the World Images courtesy of Fox Communications