When the chance came to join Designer Travel and Pure Luxury on a seven-night adventure including five nights in Thailand, I couldn’t resist. Exploring new properties and locations to recommend was a great opportunity, and Thailand truly lives up to its nickname as the "Land of Smiles."
Here’s how my whirlwind week unfolded...
Flying with Thai Airways, the experience got off to a wonderful start at London Heathrow. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and a private tour of the aircraft before boarding. On the 11-hour flight, the service was exceptional, and I was lucky enough to have a whole row to myself – perfect for setting up a mobile office and getting some work done in comfort!
We landed in Bangkok at sunrise and made a quick connection to Phuket. (We all had to wear stickers to show we were in transit – I couldn’t help feeling like a reduced aisle bargain in the supermarket!)
After braving a stormy landing, including my first-ever aborted approach, we touched down safely and were warmly welcomed by the Destination Asia team. Two luxury minivans whisked us away to our first stop...
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas
Nestled between mangroves and the Andaman Sea, this boutique resort is a slice of paradise. The blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern luxury is stunning, and with just 69 rooms, it feels wonderfully exclusive.
We received a warm welcome and started with a site inspection of a couple of rooms and facilities before regrouping for drinks and canapés.
The resort offers an array of activities, including Thai boxing, yoga, bike tours, cookery classes, spa treatments, meditation, and even an Explorers Kids Club. There's also a daily shuttle to nearby Khao Lak, just 15 minutes away, making it easy to explore the local area.
With a little free time, we wandered through the lush gardens and relaxed by the elegant pool before experiencing the Meditation Sound Bath. Having never tried this before, I was amazed at how deeply relaxed I felt - nearly drifting off to sleep!
Dinner at the resort’s Takola Restaurant was a feast of authentic Thai cuisine, and the setting couldn’t have been more magical.
A beautifully decorated table awaited us, and we were joined by members of the hotel management team. The specially curated menu showcased the best of authentic Thai cuisine, including a starter in the shape of Thailand - I was completely in my element!
Exploring Khao Lak
The next day, we ventured into the jungles of Takuapa, often referred to as "Little Amazon", on an Eco Plus tour. Seth, our guide, provided colourful ponchos to combat the rain, adding a touch of humour to the boat trip.
Looking oh-so-glamorous, we glided through the canals, surrounded by towering banyan trees. Along the way, we spotted snakes coiled on branches and listened to the calls of exotic birds.
My kayak exit, however, was far from graceful - I nearly ended up back in the canal for a second dip!
After a refreshing hike to Tam Nang Waterfall, including a cooling swim, we were treated to a traditional Thai feast at a riverside kitchen. Chicken fried rice, spicy soups, and the biggest bottle of Singha beer I’ve ever seen kept us happily fuelled for the day.
That evening, we visited La Vela Khao Lak, a modern, vibrant resort located along Bang Niang Beach. With its beachfront pool and lively atmosphere, it was a great spot to unwind. Dinner and sundowner cocktails at Kokulo Beach Club, featuring fresh lobster and a fire show, were the perfect way to cap off an adventurous day.
The Sarojin
Leaving Devasom behind, we made cultural stops en route to The Sarojin. Highlights included a boat trip to Koh Panyee, a charming floating village in Phang Nga Bay, and the Monkey Cave Temple, nestled within a limestone cave and home to playful monkeys that greeted us on arrival.
The Sarojin immediately struck me with its elegance and tranquillity. This beautiful resort has a deeply personal story, with rooms named after staff who helped rebuild following the devastating 2004 tsunami. Sustainability and community are at the heart of everything they do here.
Dining beneath the canopy of an ancient tree at the Ficus Restaurant was another magical dining experience, showcasing their incredible attention to detail and local flavours.
One of the most moving moments of the trip was a candlelit ceremony in memory of a dear colleague we’d recently lost, who had been a previous guest at The Sarojin. It was a deeply emotional and unforgettable tribute.
The following morning, after indulging in The Sarojin's all-day breakfast and impressive facilities, I took some time to explore. A short cycle ride brought me to Sai Rung Waterfall, where I enjoyed the serene surroundings, followed by a peaceful stroll along the vast, unspoiled beach nearby.
Later, we visited The Little Shore Khao Lak by Katathani, a hilltop retreat with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.
Dinner at The Nest, the resort's serene restaurant, was the perfect way to end the day. The gourmet dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients, complemented the tranquil setting beautifully.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Our journey to Banyan Tree Phuket began with a stop at the spectacular Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, where the sweeping panoramas of Phang-Nga Bay, with its turquoise waters and dramatic limestone peaks, were simply stunning. Lunch with this stunning backdrop was amazing.
Another photo-worthy moment awaited us at Sarasin Bridge, which connects Phuket to the mainland, before we arrived at our final hotel.
The Banyan Tree Phuket epitomises luxury. Nestled within a lush tropical lagoon, this resort offers everything from world-class spa treatments to private pools and exceptional dining.
Our final dinner was a private affair, featuring a delicious fusion of Thai and international dishes - a truly fitting way to end the trip.
As our flight home gave me time to reflect on a whirlwind few days in Khao Lak and Phuket, I felt incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality, unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights Thailand had shared with me.
Thailand really does have it all, from vibrant cities to serene beaches and luxurious resorts. If it’s not already on your travel list, it really should be - I’d love to help create the perfect itinerary tailored just for you!
