After five lovely days on Phuket we waved goodbye to the island and were driven two hours north onto the mainland to check into our next home: the award-winning The Sarojin at Khao Lak, in the southwest province of Phang Nga. The luxury five star hotel has 56 suites spread over seven buildings scattered around lush greenery, manicured lawns, a sleek infinity pool, tropical gardens and ancient ficus trees bordered by 11km of a pristine white sand beach.
We stayed in one of the Garden Residences, minimalist, gender-neutral and simple rooms decorated in white and neutral tones with warm, dark wood. The 95 square metre living space is furnished with comfortable king size beds, the best hotel bathroom I've ever seen with two massive rainfall showers next to each other, lovely Juku products and a huge terrazo couples' bath filled with petals and an outdoor garden terrace with a Thai sala pavilion and sunbeds.
The water here is much more gentle than the high waves of Surin Beach a couple of days earlier, so we spent hours swimming in the Andaman Sea, as well as the beautiful infinity pool surrounded by palm trees, sun loungers and day beds. The hotel is famous for its specially arranged activities and exclusive, sustainable excursions from jungle adventures and elephant trekking to river safaris, sunset cruises and boat trips. We hired the resort's free mountain bikes to explore the surrounding national parks and a nearby waterfall and did a couple of day trips (more on that later).
In the evenings we stopped by the cellar bar to check out the impressive wine list before heading over to one of the resort's two restaurants for dinner. The Edge restaurant is a relaxed, open air wooden pavilion on the beach filled with sea breeze serving Thai, South East Asian and seafood cuisine. We had one of the most enjoyable meals of the whole trip here, sharing lots of Chef Gogh's favourite dishes including traditional soups, light Thai salads and grilled satay, rice curries and wok dishes. Breakfast is served in the other restaurant overlooking the decorative lotus flower ponds.
Named after Lady Sarojin who was known for her warmth and hospitality, the staff were friendly, attentive and smiling throughout, from greeting us with a glass of Pandanus juice to waving us goodbye as we drove back to the airport. With a stunning infinity pool, 7 miles of secluded beach, contemporary decor, excellent food and good service, I'd recommend The Sarojin to couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic, peaceful and luxurious escape: it's heavenly.
The Sarojin, 60 Moo 2 Kukkak, Takuapa, Takua Pa, 82190, Thailand
