Koh Lanta, Thailand, January 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The eco-conscious five-star Pimalai Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta has been named “World’s Top Best Hotels” and “World’s Best Hotel With a View,” and has also received prestigious UNESCO and Green Globe certifications for sustainability. The resort is celebrating one of the most successful years in its 21-year history with six highly regarded awards. But instead of resting on its laurels, the resort is now announcing a series of exciting new developments for the coming year!

In 2022, Pimalai was selected by TripAdvisor as one of the top 1% of hotels worldwide with the "Traveller's Choice Award 2022 – Best of the Best Awards"—an impressive accolade based on authentic guest reviews and testimonials. Agoda.com, one of the world's largest online travel platforms, also awarded Pimalai an outstanding rating of 9.4 out of 10 with its "Customer Review Award 2022."

Condé Nast Traveller, one of the world's leading luxury lifestyle magazines, has announced its 2022 Readers' Choice Awards, selecting Pimalai as one of the "Top 15 Resorts in Thailand." These awards are given by the magazine's readers, who are among the world's most discerning travelers. In addition, Pimalai was honored with two prestigious titles at the 2022 Boutique Hotel Awards: "Best Hotel with a View in Asia 2022" and "World's Best Hotel with a View 2022." These accolades highlight the breathtaking views that guests of Pimalai can enjoy from its stunning hillside location overlooking Kantiang Bay and the Andaman Sea.

As an oasis of sustainability, Pimalai is committed to perfect harmony with the environment and the community. This dedication to environmental protection was recognized in 2022 with the "Green Globe Certificate," awarded to the resort following an independent audit of its business practices. Furthermore, Pimalai received the "UNESCO Sustainable Travel Badge," underscoring the resort's ongoing commitment to the pillars and principles of responsible travel.

“We are delighted and deeply honored to have received so many awards and accolades this year. The fact that so many of these awards are based on the opinions of our guests makes them all the more special for us. We are also thrilled that our commitment to sustainability has been recognized by two of the world’s most respected organizations, Green Globe and UNESCO. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to Pimalai’s success in 2022 – our customers, partners, employees, and friends in the region. We look forward to further enhancing our offering in 2023 with fantastic new facilities and activities,” said Brice Borin, General Manager of Pimalai Resort & Spa.

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites, and spectacular pool villas spread across 40 hectares of pristine jungle, gently sloping down to the 900-meter stretch of sandy Kantiang Bay, Pimalai is an oasis of luxury and tranquility. Guests enjoy ocean and mountain views from their private balconies or elevated infinity pools and can unwind with kayaking, cycling, Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai, yoga, and much more. Small-group excursions allow explorers to discover idyllic offshore islands and world-class diving and snorkeling spots like Koh Haa and Koh Rok, or to embark on a jungle trek to Klong Chak Waterfall, where they have the opportunity to visit a giant wild banyan tree. The award-winning Pimalai Spa offers deeply effective wellness treatments amidst the lush jungle, and the two excellent seaside restaurants – Rak Talay and Seven Seas – pamper their guests with regional and seasonal products, including organic herbs and seafood from southern Thailand.

Sustainability is a core element of the Pimalai concept. Travelers are invited to participate in numerous eco-friendly activities, such as beach cleanups, turtle releases, mangrove tours, and much more. Pimalai's tours and excursions also directly support the local community. For example, guests have the opportunity to visit Lanta's Old Town, purchase authentic handicrafts, dine at local restaurants, and much more. Naturally, Pimalai has eliminated single-use plastics throughout the resort. This multi-award-winning resort is part of the Considerate Collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), an exclusive association of socially responsible and environmentally conscious five-star hotels.

Looking ahead to 2023, Pimalai is preparing to enhance the guest experience through renovations of the beach villas, additional spa treatments, new culinary concepts – Thai Night Buffet: every Wednesday evening at the Spice N' Rice restaurant – Surf and Turf: every Sunday evening at the Rak Talay Beach Restaurant – and other sustainable initiatives – including a drinking water program.

The Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta's first five-star resort, has been setting new standards for luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it opened nearly two decades ago. Ranked second in Southeast Asia's World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure, the award-winning property sprawls across 40 hectares of tropical jungle and borders one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches: Kantiang Bay. Here, guests can spend relaxing 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 dining options are the true stars. The legendary Rak Talay beach bar and restaurant are renowned for their delectable Thai-style seafood and breathtaking sunsets. Nestled in the heart of the resort's jungle, Seven Seas serves all-night menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. Guests can also indulge in a variety of wellness options, from traditional Muay Thai classes and early evening tennis matches to relaxing afternoons at the exclusive Pimalai Spa. With its 121 rooms and no direct neighbors, the resort is a tranquil haven where guests can feel completely at ease in their private surroundings. From the Hillside Ocean Pool Villas with breathtaking views of the landscape to the Beachside Villas just steps from the beach, Pimalai offers something for everyone, with spacious layouts and designs that blend seamlessly into the natural environment.