The “Green Season” in Thailand, from May to October, is an inspiring and evocative time to visit, especially for those who love the tropical rains and those who wish to avoid the peak tourist season. It is a time when the rains refresh the land and nature starts to bloom, and the country comes alive with vivid colours, heady fragrances and a pervasive sense of freshness.
This holds true for Ko Lanta island as well, situated at the northern end of the Malacca Strait, near the west coast of Thailand’s Krabi Province. Largely overlooked by international tourists in the past, the island has been gaining in popularity among those seeking to avoid crowds at the more popular destinations in Thailand.
Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, has been a hidden gem for luxury travellers since its launch almost two decades ago. The award-winning property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of socially responsible and eco-conscious luxury hotels.
The property, located on the laid-back southwestern end of the island, cascades through 100 acres of hilly tropical jungle. This ecological preserve blooms with exotic native plants such as banyan trees, coconut palms, jasmine bushes, bird of paradise flowers and ton yang trees. Some of these are 80-metre tall, over a hundred years old and are home to several colourful birds, including hornbills.
At the western end, the property eases its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches – Kantiang Bay. Here, visitors can while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach.
“The green season is such a special time of year in southern Thailand,” says Brice Borin, Pimalai’s General Manager. “The entire region is rejuvenated. Waterfalls flow, flowers bloom, wildlife thrives and everything feels fresh and full of life. Guests should not worry about the rains spoiling their vacation; the cloud bursts are usually short and any puddles dry quickly in the tropical sun. I would encourage everybody to discover Koh Lanta at this vibrant time of year.”
With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room Pimalai resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel at peace in their secluded surroundings. The resort’s accommodations offer a variety of spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings – from Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline. Pimalai’s collection of beachfront and hillside pool villas are private sanctuaries that offer plenty of space, up to three bedrooms, private pools and panoramic ocean views.
The resort boasts exceptional dining venues for its guests. Rak Talay is a popular beachfront restaurant that serves sumptuous Thai-style seafood along with spectacular sunset views. Meanwhile, nestled on a hillside overlooking the bay, within the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up international Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Spice & Rice is a highly authentic Thai restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal produce. The Banyan Tree Poolside Café specialises in light bites and daytime refreshments. These venues also serve halal cuisine.
The resort offers a wealth of activities for couples and families alike. The Pimalai Spa, nestled deep in the heart of the forest, promises highly soothing Thai-inspired therapies. Visitors can choose from a series of complimentary fitness classes, including yoga, circuit training and TRX, or take part in Thai boxing classes, tennis and badminton. Bicycle hire is also available.
Beyond the resort, nature lovers can spend hours exploring this tropical paradise, or follow one of the several hiking trails up to jungle-clad peaks. The island’s Klong Chak waterfall flows freely during the green season, and to get to it, a professional guide can be arranged. Alternatively, the resort’s 900-metre-long sandy beach and glistening Kantiang Bay are perfect for low-impact water sports, such as paddle-boarding, sailing or kayaking.
The bay also doubles as the base for offshore excursions and sunset cruises. While some parts of the local marine reserve are closed to visitors at this time of year (to allow the flora and fauna to be replenished), adventurous guests can visit the island of Koh Talabeng, which is famous for its caves, beaches and clear water – ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking. Koh Lanta’s mangrove forests are great for wildlife enthusiasts, while the Old Town is a captivating place to soak up the culture, which includes a deep and historic Islamic influence.
Deeper discoveries of the underwater world can be experienced with snorkelling and PADI-certified scuba diving trips to Phi Phi Island, the Bida Islands and a pair of shipwrecks that teem with colourful marine life, including large schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays.
The nearest airport to Ko Lanta Island is Krabi International Airport, which has connections to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Dubai. Flydubai recently launched a new seasonal service direct from Dubai to Krabi, between July and September 2023. From Krabi airport, the resort can be reached in two and a half hours by road and a short ferry ride. The resort arranges transfers from and to the airport, and is often included in the resort’s special packages.