Pimalai Hotel

Thailand

Woven into the coastal landscape of the lesser-known, southern Thai island Koh Lanta is a modern day Eden. With hornbills and eagles, monitor lizards and macaque monkeys roaming the grounds, it’s no wonder a strong environmental agenda was a top priority when Pimalai Resort & Spa was founded 21 years ago. There’s still a near breathlessness when describing the environment the hotel exists in and every effort is made to leave a light footstep: Pimalai has its own coral propagation project, it recently helped return 50 endangered turtles and millions of crabs to the Andaman Sea, and has a strict zero-waste food policy. Any excess organic food is used to fertilise the gardens – though leftovers are rare thanks to exquisite cooking at four restaurants, particularly Rak Talay, which serves fresh seafood beachside. Here, you can kick back in the knowledge that every effort is being made to preserve the views over the jungle canopy and sparkling sea below.

Doubles from £285. 00 66 2320 5500, pimalai.com

Words by Rachel Walker.

This review was taken from the February 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.