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Nowadays, everyone can travel, and luxury travel has become a trend in this era. “IM FIRST CLASS” was invited by Tourism Authority of Thailand, alongside media partners from China, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, for a luxury trip around South Thailand Islands.
These islands include Krabi, Ko Yao Yai, Phang Nga Bay and Phuket Island. Among the local luxury hotels we had stayed in, Rosewood Phuket’s its pavilions and villas come with private pools and 24-hour room service, it truly outstanding. While The ShellSea Krabi and Cape Kudu Hotel in Krabi and Ko Yao Yai are making more suitable for honeymoon trips.
Blue sky, calm ocean and tropical coconut trees are important elements of a leisurely vacation. Wandering around different islands in Thailand, gazing at the boundless ocean and calming greenery, make this a truly rested and relaxed trip.
Krabi
Many things can be done before checking-in to The ShellSea Krabi boutique hotel. First, we visited the Krabi Town iconic sculptures for a group photo. Then, we took a boat ride into the mangrove forest. While enjoying the ecology along the way, we arrived at the Baan Ma Yhing riverside restaurant. The restaurant serves authentic South Thailand cuisine, the food is spicy yet tasty. If you have some free time on the island, you may rent auto tricycle to roam around Krabi or villages nearby. Alternatively, you may also visit the Batik factory to make your own art piece.
After lunch, we checked into our room at The ShellSea Krabi. Upon entering the room, I was astonished by the pool right in front of my room. Without delay, I swiftly adjourn my way to make full use of the pool. Launched in 2017, the hotel has 72 spacious rooms and 12 luxurious villas, offering an awe-inspiring view of Andaman Sea.
The rooms used shell as its decoration theme, while the blue and white theme colour provide an oceanic feel. After my seafood buffet dinner at the garden, and having done exercise in the fitness centre, I went to bed with a big smile on my face.
The following day, we visited Wareerak Hot Spring Spa at Vacation Village located in the pristine nature. We also enjoyed the Thai massage, yoga and outdoor hot spring before proceeding to our next stop.
Ko Yao Yai
Also known as little long island, Ko Yao Yai is located halfway between Phang Nga Bay and Phuket. You recommend a two-nights stay and the island hopping package to islands such as Ko Hong Island. Alternatively, you can also choose snorkelling or sightseeing at Ko Yao Yai island.
If you would visit Ko Yao Yai, our recommendation is for a stay at Cape Kudu Hotel. Each corner of this hotel, including the blue and white theme colours and antique Porsche are great spots for Instagram photos. Interestingly, the guests in this hotel are dressed stylish and that matched well with the hotel’s chic design.
The hotel’s swimming pool facing the sea offers the best spot for the summer. The hotel specially arranged a buffet dinner and wine and champagne at the private beach to welcome us. It was an amazing experience dining during sunset while enjoying the breeze.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay was featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1970s. Since then, it’s become one of the to-dos in the traveller’s bucket list.
We participated in two popular water spots in Phang Nga Bay: canoeing and rafting. These adventure sports provided all the fun while enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.
We stayed at La Vela Khao Lak resort for two nights, and was impressed by the stylish design of the hotel and the comfortable hotel bed. The resort has two swimming pools, one near the hotel rooms and one near the sea. I like sitting on the pool’s deck chair to enjoy the breeze while waiting for sunset. This is the routine of the vacation.
Phuket Island
Nowadays, five star hotels no longer meet the standard of high-end travellers as luxury and boutique hotels have filled the gap and become more popular.
Stepping inside Rosewood Phuket, the brand’s first resort to open in Southeast Asia, I immediately fell in love with this uniquely and phenomenally designed hotel. All 87 pavilions and villas blend organically with the lush tropical landscape. The villa provided for me had a private pool overlooking the enchanting Andaman Sea.
Located at Emerald Bay, Rosewood Phuket owns a 600-metre long private beach, enabling the guests to enjoy the beauty and nature with less distraction. Each of the restaurants in this hotel serves the delicacy of Thai cuisine, highly recommended from the bottom of my heart.
Besides the famous Patong Beach and shopping streets, the historical spot located within the old town is also worth the visit.
