Travelling to Phuket, to be completely transparent, is not something you will find on my must-visit list. While I avoid the usual, undesirable tourist traps and veer toward the more local cultural experiences, it’s becoming less and less of a fulfilling experience. Commercialised development is inevitable, but I truly believe in the preservation of authenticity and charming characteristics of the local way of life.
I was fortunate enough to visit a couple of virtually undisturbed locations, the Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa and the Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort. Granted, the latter is in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Phuket, and while the former is more secluded and relaxed, I was surprised to see that the juxtaposition of two completely different properties somehow produces a sense of synergy. Little did I know, this was done with strategic intent.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS of Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
The comfortable drive from the airport to my first destination was a credit to the team at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa and their extra attention to detail and care. Pulling up, in its quiet demeanour, the resort seemed to exude a calmness in the late hours of the morning, veiling the humdrum of families and friends basking in the sunnier side of the resort beachside. The entrance is as welcoming as any other 5-star resort, but the inner layers become the more enticing reasons to spend a few days in this tropical beauty.
After checking in and settling in, I was invited to have lunch with the resort’s General Manager, Suyash Kumar, and the Executive Chef, Anil Rawat. I believe it goes without saying that my first proper meal at this resort was not only delicious but filled with insider knowledge you would never receive outside the premises. Those that were on the record, of course, have been reserved for the latter half of this travel piece. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to be given a personal tour of the property by the GM himself as he provided me a first-hand look into the 12 types of rooms, suites, and villas with spacious balconies overlooking the resort’s fun-packed pools and the stunning Khao Lak coastline.
It was clear to see that the Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa is an ideal destination for couples, families, and even professionals working on signing a deal. There truly is something for everyone in this secluded property with panoramic ocean vistas, private terraces with direct pool access (which I thoroughly enjoyed), Thai and International culinary delights throughout seven of the hotel’s restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, and a luxury spa, which I had the pleasure of experiencing.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS of Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort
Arriving at the Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, as you can imagine, presents a completely different vibe from the former’s slightly reserved embrace. I was genuinely surprised by this one-of-a-kind inner-city resort. Nowhere in Phuket will you find an oasis that flawlessly transitions from a family-centric environment into an adult party scene.
The energy is pulsing and vibrant the moment you walk onto the property, yet in some twist of puzzling sorcery, I was able to isolate myself away from the humdrum of my surroundings. The layout of this resort is ingenious, where restaurants, activity spaces, and a new beach club are extensions of the hotel, offering respite from each other, creating their own identity, and maintaining anonymity. A perfect example of this was my decision to skip breakfast from The Phuket Eatery with the rest of the resort’s guests and sneak away to ES Café – a beautiful beachfront coffee shop and bakery with lower-level views of the Endless Summer Beach Club. It was fascinating the way I was enjoying a quality cup of cappuccino and croissant (as I do every morning) while peering outward to the beach club at eye level and felt absolutely unbothered by the work that lay in front of me. There is no mistaking that each of these spaces is a part of the resort, but once you step foot inside, the illusion of a destination with no relation to the Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort takes over.
I had the opportunity to convey my genuine admiration for these pleasant surprises to the General Manager, Samer Alhaj, and Shannon Creado, Market Director of Sales & Distribution; yet another lovely lunch and valuable session of conversing. Interestingly enough, as mentioned earlier, there is an intangible bridge connecting the two properties. The Endless Summer Beach Club space actually serves as a companion to celebratory occasions.
Imagine bringing in family and friends for a big-fat desi destination wedding. Sure, you’ll want all the traditional or non-traditional grand bells and whistles, but major wedding events are usually hosted in a more private setting, where the wedding guests produce the extravagance and jubilant noises in their exclusive venues. But what about the celebrations before and after the wedding? That is where the facilities at Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort come into play.
Like the resort’s beach club, this is a companion to the experience of Le Méridien Khao Lak. Be it the groom’s clique or the bride’s entourage, they’ll need a safe space for a proper, unadulterated day or two of fun, and there is no better place than the Endless Summer Beach, emulating the essence of Ibiza or Portimão – DJ-spinning Amapiano and Afrobeats, champagne flutes clinging, cocktails flowing, and guests looking their stunning best in beach-chic garbs.
FOOD & BEVERAGE of Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Dining at this resort is not only elegant but comforting, knowing you are spoiled with several choices. Depending on your mood and time of day, the culinary experience here provides homely breakfast options, delectable lunch dates, and romantic dinners. It goes without saying, but even the sundowners at Coconut Jo’s are stunning. All of which can be an added incentive for those celebrating special occasions.
If you’re looking to see amazing sunsets that take your breath away with a delicious meal, look no further than the airy, casual dining on wonderfully fresh seafood at Beach Grill. At the opposite end of the resort, yet continuing the easy-going vibes, is The Pizzeria, serving homemade-style classic pizzas from a wood-fired oven and a list of pasta that are staples in Italian cuisine, both al dente and paired perfectly with the restaurant’s selection of wine. Then, there is the all-day dining at The Nest. Whether you choose to take a seat indoors or outdoors, the international menu suits any type of diner who decides to start or end their day with zero fuss and fulfilling meals with exquisite plating.
I also found myself indulging in Le Scoop in between meals, a quaint coffee house that serves fresh-roasted organic coffee with a solid variety of light bites and homemade gelato. And when the heat may have felt a tad overwhelming, I gravitated toward Latitude 08 – a lobby lounge overlooking the resort’s plush greenery, offering a wide range of craft gins, rums, cocktails, coffee, and organic tea.
FOOD & BEVERAGE of Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort
I had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into some mouthwatering steak at the Smokestack BBQ & Grill, serving some of the best in barbecue. Yet again, I was impressed by the fine dining privacy achieved by its close proximity to the beach club. For perfectly crafted pizza from the authentic wood-fired oven, head over to Goodfellas Pizzeria, designed with a blend of modern retro aesthetics and Mediterranean influences. As mentioned, ES Café, where you can begin your holiday mornings, can become a go-to place for a light breakfast and a short brisk walk to Patong Beach. The café may have been my favourite spot on the entire property, boasting a cosy interior with beautiful baked goods and quality coffee. With a slightly relaxed environment with safer choices or convenience from an international list of dishes, The Phuket Eatery offers all-day dining for families and friends alike who seek a homemade touch to their meals.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
My visit to Le Méridien Khao Lak was beyond satisfying, even more so after being offered insight into what makes this particular destination so alluring. Suyash Kumar, General Manager of Le Méridien Khao Lak had this to say.
I’ve observed a certain demographic of guests so far. What are the main incentives at the property for Indian or Thai-Indian guests compared to those from other regions? How does the approach differ?
Over the past decade, the Indian destination wedding business has evolved significantly. At Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, we cater to a diverse range of guests, from hosts seeking authentic traditional experiences to the Indo-Thai community looking to extend their celebrations by the sea. Non-resident Indians from around the world find Khao Lak an ideal spot for family reunions and memorable weddings. Le Meridien Khao Lak offers everything needed for a perfect destination wedding, including breathtaking beachside venues, modern and spacious accommodations with 12 different room types to suit all occasions, and exceptional cuisine, which we consider our strength. These features make our resort a top choice for Indian destination weddings, combining luxury, tradition, and natural beauty.
What makes Le Méridien Khao Lak one of the more desirable locations for destination weddings for Indians? How does it accommodate an Indian celebration, from F&B catering to décor?
Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa features 269 guest rooms, suites, and villas spread across three sections, making it ideal for both smaller gatherings and full buyouts. The beachfront area is perfect for hosting welcome sundowners or fun carnival events, while the 540 sqm ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests for sangeet or reception events. The spectacular beach lawn is the best place for wedding ceremonies. Additionally, the resort offers an All-Day Dining restaurant, a signature beach grill, a pizzeria, and Le Scoop for indoor events, providing variety and flexibility. We are renowned for our experienced team, and the quality of our food is consistently praised across all the weddings we have hosted.
At this time of the year, there is a healthy number of guests. As you mentioned, there are around 600 people here as we speak. Why do you believe guests continue to flow in, even when it’s not peak season?
Over time, Khao Lak has established itself as a popular beach destination, comparable to Phuket and Koh Samui. Although business remains seasonal, year-over-year growth has been remarkable. From October to April, it is considered high season, where most guests are European, but after April, there is a significant shift with Thais, Australians, Indians, and Middle Eastern travelers contributing to our occupancy. This healthy mix includes many returning guests, and Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa has earned a reputation as the perfect getaway for a long family holiday.