Pullman Khaolak Resort

A leisurely drive

We’ve arrived at a brand new resort that opened its doors earlier this month after a 1.5-hour leisurely drive from Phuket International Airport to Khao Lak. Drive through a high red brick wall to the open-air lobby with a sea view over the lotus pond, the starting point of our new adventure.

At first sight

The garden lawn greeted us with a warm and restful atmosphere. Swimming pools that curl up with U-shaped buildings around the area seem to welcome everyone who visits this House of NaiHua design. Tierra Design has done an excellent job blending the cultural history of the little mining town of Takuapa with Khao Sok National Park.

The Tree of Life and the concept of Baan Nai Hua [The boss’s house]

The ‘Tree of Life sculpture on the large boat right in the lobby was the first item that drew our interest when we arrived. You can find many art pieces in the resort developed by Khun Yui, the Co-founder of Artslonga, under the Pure-art concept. An in-room décor also incorporates themes and paintings inspired by the Iron Bridge of Khok Khanun and the heyday of Takuapa’s tin mining history. In the room, there are two buffalo-shaped pillows on the bed to greet you. These buffalo pillows are local handicrafts from Sakon Nakhon province’s One Tambon One Product project, which the hotel owner personally chose to support this local campaign.

Art & culture

The resort’s located in the middle of Khao Lak and downtown YanYao, a community of Takua Pa District. Make it easy for guest who wants to go out to visit the cultural walking street market area, the surfers to go to memory beach, bamboo water rafting, hop on a boat for a day trip to Similan, or even head to Khao Sok National Park can all be done within an hour.

Surrounding

Local cuisine is not to be missed. You can get it at the resort’s breakfast buffet or head out to discover the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants nearby, which took a few days to finish all the lists. On a sunny day, you may want to start with fresh steamed dim sum before 9 a.m., then go on to Kanom Jeen [rice noodles with curry] with lots of vegetable side dishes, the renowned Sarika Durian, the original Tao Sor, or a Homemade Wonton Noodles, not to mention a very fresh seafood feast at a very reasonable price.

Leisure

For those who love spending the entire day at the resort, there is enough to do for the whole day. After a Qi Gong stretch on the beach, relax by the pool before heading to the spa’s signature treatment, the Hamman Beauty Baths. Complete your day with Sunset Cocktails at the beach club in the evening; a workout at the gym or bike ride can be ideal.

Personal touch

If a guest wishes to address the employees by name, don’t be surprised if you see the prefix “Gee” for ladies and “Goh” for males, followed by their nickname on the name badge. These pronouns are used by locals here, and the resort follows this practice for its personnel, which is adorable. We had Jee Kob with us at check-in, and she brought us to the room, explained all we needed to know, and wished us farewell as we left, which is why we knew her name.

In a nutshell

For those seeking a truly relaxing vacation with or without out-of-resort discovery, Pullman Khaolak might be one of your finest alternatives in Takuapa. In this culturally rich and lovely town, once is undoubtedly not enough…