THE ISLAND ESCAPE
Avani+ Koh Lanta
A two-hour drive (including a scenic ferry crossing) away from Krabi International Airport, Koh Lanta might not be as well-known as some of Thailand’s big hitters, but it’s all the better for it. Avani+ Koh Lanta is about embracing life off the beaten track, arranged between several buildings on a hilltop that overlooks Koh Kwang Beach. While its remoteness is part of the appeal, the resort has ensured guests have everything they could need at the hotel. Our sea-view villa boasts a traditional aesthetic with a gabled roof. Inside, it’s light and breezy, freshly painted white and finished in bright primary colours. The living area leads out to the terrace, where a small private pool invites you to take a dip among the trees. In the afternoon it becomes ideal for spotting local wildlife and enjoying the flame-hued sunsets this corner of the earth is renowned for.
To switch off, the hilltop spa is a haven of relaxation where Thai massages press out the knots and kinks using aromatic oils of lemongrass and pandan leaf.
For a more social experience, the resort’s pool is where guests gather for drinks at the swim-up bar and to soak up the sun on the sea-facing loungers. It’s here that much of the culinary action also happens, with aptly named The Cliff restaurant extending from the indoor restaurant out to the poolside terrace. Here, mornings start with fresh fruit and eggs cooked-to-order, leisurely lunches offer views down to the resort’s private beach and dinner under the stars offers the opportunity to enjoy one of the island’s best pad Thais while watching the rhythmic lapping sea. Then there’s Reggae Bar, a local legend that’s thoroughly deserving of its reputation as one of the best sundowner spots in Koh Lanta. Framing the craggy rocks at the base of the resort, this wooden beach shack is mellow and charming, and the friendly team shake up fruity serves as the sun sets. Guests choose from perches on the wooden swing, in private booths or recline on cushions in a treehouse as the sorbet colours light up the sky at nightfall. Sit up here and watch the sun – and your worries – drift away. avanihotels.com/en/koh-lanta-krabi