Koh Lanta, Thailand, April 6, 2020 / travelindex.com / Thailand's pioneering luxury resort Pimalai Resort & Spa is pushing ahead with its recovery plans despite the recent closure of Koh Lanta Island in the southern Thai province of Krabi until April 30.

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These are challenging times worldwide, especially for the Thai hotel industry, which benefited from a boom in international guests over the past decade. For Pimalai, however, the key lies in remaining positive, taking care of the team, and using this time to explore new avenues – in a hotel that opened almost 20 years ago. This is deeply ingrained in Pimalai's DNA.

“Pimalai has always pursued a forward-looking vision,” said Patrice Landrein, General Manager of the Pimalai Resort & Spa and an experienced hotelier who has worked for the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris, among others. “Therefore, we are not panicking, but rather thinking calmly, taking care of our employees, and keeping an eye on the future.”

“When we first opened, many people honestly thought we were a bit crazy, given the destination’s former isolation. But look how the world has changed. We came here to create a private, service-oriented, and nature-based experience. That’s more relevant than ever today – and we’ll continue to follow our philosophy and prepare for our guests’ return,” he added.

Pimalai has begun a complete renovation of 20 of its hillside villas with ocean views and private pools. The villas are nestled in the canopy of native Ton-Yang trees, some reaching up to 80 meters in height and over 100 years old. The design concept, by Thai architecture firm P49, features bright, modern interiors inspired by nautical colors, contours, and dynamic elements. The resort also plans to build the island's first wedding chapel. The designers, Habita, who have previously worked on projects for Six Senses and Soneva, are expected to finalize the designs next month.

To stay connected with guests and inspire them for future travels, Pimalai is offering online yoga classes for home practice. Led by Heart, the yoga master of the annual Zynergy Yoga Festival, the classes are held three to four times a week. You can follow the classes on Heart's Instagram channel (@heartmaher).

Staff training has been intensified in all departments. There are regular English courses, workshops on traditional craft techniques for the individual decoration of the resort, and music lessons to strengthen employees mentally and emotionally. Despite the resort's temporary closure, employees continue to receive three meals a day.

A comprehensive cleaning and maintenance program is currently underway across the entire 300 rai (120-hectare) resort grounds, including accommodations, public areas, restaurants, spa, and gardens. Programs for the use of alternative energy, composting, and organic farming are also in full swing.

Shortly before its closure, Pimalai was ranked number one on TripAdvisor and guest satisfaction reviews were consistently positive – a key reason why the resort remains confident of a swift recovery.

“The loyalty of our guests and the positive feedback we received have been simply overwhelming. It has been a true inspiration and has encouraged us to ensure the resort is better than ever when they return,” said Mr. Landrein. “Like everyone in the hotel industry, we are under pressure due to our temporary closure, but we are confident and will return stronger. We are Pimalai.”

The Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta's first five-star resort, has been setting new standards for luxury hospitality on the Andaman island since it opened nearly two decades ago. Located on the relaxed southern tip of the island, the award-winning property stretches across 40 hectares of tropical jungle to one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches: Kantiang Bay. Here, guests spend their days on a beach that often feels like a private stretch of sand or enjoy action-packed afternoons in the azure waters, diving, snorkeling, or simply taking a leisurely sunset boat ride. While there are a few bars and restaurants along the beach, the Pimalai's own restaurants are the true stars. The legendary Rak Talay beach bar and restaurant are equally renowned for their delectable Thai-style seafood and breathtaking sunsets, while Seven Seas, nestled in the resort's jungle, serves all-night menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. Guests can also indulge in a variety of on-site wellness offerings, from traditional Muay Thai classes and early evening tennis matches to relaxing afternoons at the exclusive Pimalai Spa. The 121-room resort is situated without any immediate neighbors, creating a tranquil oasis where guests can feel completely at ease in their private surroundings. From the Hillside Ocean Pool Villas with breathtaking panoramic views to the Beachside Villas just steps from the beach, the Pimalai offers something for everyone, with spacious layouts and designs that blend harmoniously into the natural environment.

In keeping with the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of Koh Lanta, the Pimalai Resort & Spa offers guests from all over the world the opportunity to enjoy a truly authentic Thai island experience in their own private retreat.