Paradise, It's Not All Lost

A three-hour journey leads to Koh Lanta, which offers peace, solitude and natural beauty in Krabi, a place many tend to overlook now.

- Simran Kaur

Standing in line at the airport check-in counter at five in the morning is an experience I have missed deeply. People were buzzing with excitement, and I was no different, eagerly anticipating my first trip to Koh Lanta.

Thailand has many renowned coastal destinations, but this island archipelago is, unfortunately, not on many tourist itineraries. I suspect that will change in the near future.

Upon arriving at Krabi, an hour-long drive through the mainland is followed by a scenic 40-minute speedboat ride to a charming beach that leads to Pimalai Resort & Spa. While long, the journey is seamless, with transportation managed by the resort. When travelling after dark, there is an alternative route to Pimalai, involving a two-hour drive from Krabi Airport and a five-minute boat ride in between.

After one final, wobbly walk across a makeshift bridge from the boat to shore, you'll find yourself in the beautiful lobby - decorated with teak furniture and overlooking lush greenery - sipping on a refreshing lemongrass drink to rehydrate after a long morning.

The luxury resort is hidden at the southern end of the island, along the Ba Kan Tiang Bay. With 40.5ha of land and 900m of beachfront, Pimalai sprawls over a hillside, yet it has a modest appearance, thanks to the greenery. As Charintip Tiyaphorn (Khun Kade), who oversees operations, explains, the resort is intentionally centred on the island's natural beauty.

Her father - founder and owner Anurat Tiyaphorn - started it as a passion project in 2001. It has since become an expansive estate aimed at creating sanctuaries for Pimalai's guests. Throughout the resort, personal and thoughtful hospitality reflects the family's desire to create unforgettable experiences. Khun's recommendations for guests? Snorkelling and the spa.