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A Tropical Paradise for Humans & Animals
After having visited the paradisiacal 5-star resort with three beaches, a huge pool, and four restaurants surrounded by unbelievably beautiful nature and enchanting monkeys back in 2014, we returned there in May of this year. And the resort is still just as fantastic as it was back then. The magnificent pool set against the rocky backdrop remains incredibly impressive, and the monkeys are even more approachable.
Rayavadee is nestled in Krabi, in one of the most stunning areas in southern Thailand, right on the famous and beloved Railay Beach. Located on the edge of the Krabi Marine National Park and surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs, this is the perfect place to experience breathtaking sunsets over the turquoise Andaman Sea.
Rayavadee can only be accessed by water. The hotel’s own high-speed yacht shuttle picks you up at Nong Nuch Pier in Krabi and takes you to Nammao Beach in Railay West (a climbing mecca for rock climbers from all over the world). During low tide, a rustic tractor ride takes you to the shore.
The resort is nestled amidst three beaches – Phra Nang Beach in the south, Nammao Beach in Railay West, and Railay Beach in the east.
This luxurious beach resort covers 26 hectares of lush tropical landscapes and is part of the “Leading Hotels of the World” collection. There are more than 120 species of plants and tropical trees and more than 250 species of ferns and herbaceous trees to discover.
Infinity Pool with a Sea View
Once again, it was the spectacular infinity pool that drew us back to this idyllic resort. The view of the sea and the age-old rock formations is truly unique and incredibly beautiful. This time, the monkeys even frolicked in the trees around the pool.
The southern langur, recognizable by its white markings, is a conspicuous species that loves tropical rainforests. Here at Rayavadee, they seem to thrive, and you can observe them every day. At the same time every day, the entire troop ventures through the trees around the pool, feasting on leaves, buds, flowers, and bark. Many young ones swing around the branches like they are on a playground. You could watch them for hours.
The smallest langur babies have a yellow-orange fur until they are four months old.
With a bit of luck, you can also spot monitor lizards and hornbills in the vast tropical garden. With a self-guided garden walk map, you can explore the diversity of the area’s flora and fauna.
Luxurious Pavilions
Among giant coconut palms and fish ponds, you can stay in one of the 94 luxurious pavilions. These round pavilions are sustainably constructed from natural wood, covered with thatched roofs, and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. All pavilions consist of two floors, with a living room on the lower floor and an elegantly designed bedroom with a bathroom on the upper floor.
Some pavilions even come with their own garden and private pool. There are also huge beach villas and family pavilions with two bedrooms.
Pool Pavillion
This time, we stayed in a 115 square metre Pool Pavilion with a large private pool (3 x 8 meters) and sun loungers. Nestled within a lush tropical garden, this Pool Pavilion offers a wonderfully secluded experience.
Inside the spacious pavilion, you will find artistic decor featuring bamboo, polished wood, vibrant fabrics, and handcrafted details. The bathroom, complete with a freestanding bathtub, is elegantly designed and provides luxurious care products, including mosquito repellent.
The evening lighting and overall ambiance are simply incredibly romantic. And do not miss out on taking an evening dip in the huge pool while watching the sunset.
RESTAURANTS
RAITALAY TERRACE (Railay Beach)
This open-plan restaurant is located right on the beach, adjacent to the infinity pool, offering breathtaking views of Railay Beach. It specializes in Mediterranean and International cuisine. During the day, you can even have a light snack brought to the poolside. And with a refreshing cocktail in hand, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the magnificent sunset.
KRUA PHRANANG (Phra Nang Beach)
This is the resort’s romantic Thai restaurant. Here, you can enjoy classic Thai dishes and specialties right by the sea, including curries, salads, soups, seafood, and freshly caught fish.
THE GROTTO (Phranang Beach)
The Grotto restaurant is one of the most famous in all of Thailand, nestled beneath an ancient limestone cliff on the edge of the stunning Phranang Beach. Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, or a twilight set menu dinner while watching the sunset.
This incredibly beautiful and special place is perfect for marriage proposals, romantic dinners, or even weddings.
RAYA DINING (Nammao Beach)
The main restaurant, Raya Dining, located at the foot of the immense cliffs at Nammao Beach, serves a diverse breakfast buffet, and on certain days, also Afternoon Tea.
RAYAVADEE SPA
The Rayavadee Spa offers ancient Thai healing traditions and a philosophy of well-being that unites body, mind, and soul. You can choose from revitalizing facial treatments, scrubs, energizing body wraps, soothing massages, and a variety of salon treatments.
ROYAL SIAM MASSAGE
A vigorous and firm massage designed to reinvigorate the senses, employing a blend of Thai and other Asian healing techniques. During the treatment, elbow pressure is used to untie knots on the tense areas while stimulating blended oil relieves tension and relaxes the body.
The treatments in this unique setting are simply unparalleled!
RAYAVADEE SHOP
In the shop, you can find some beautiful things to take home with you. You can also purchase the wonderful spa products from the pavilions here. The scrubs, soaps, and mosquito sprays are simply terrific!
However, there has been a change here. The small shopping area used to be rather modest. But over the past few years, it has developed into a true party and shopping hotspot. So, where it used to be rather quiet, there now is a lot going on during the day and into the night.
CONCLUSION
We have now been to Rayavadee for the second time. The resort possesses a truly special magic. The atmosphere here is incredibly romantic. The time spent in the pool, in our lovely Pool Pavilion, and on this unique beach – should never end. Witnessing the stunning natural beauty and observing the adorable monkeys – is just unique. Add to that the delicious food at the wonderful restaurants right by the sea – magnificent. There is so much to discover and experience here. We thoroughly enjoyed it once again!
Rooms: 94 Pavilions & 7 Luxurious Villas
Temperature: Air 25 – 35°Celsius, Nights 20 – 25° Celsius
Water Temperature: 28° Celsius
Best Travel Time: Early December to Mid-April
Price: Starting from 440 EUR per Night in a Deluxe Pavilion
Transfer: 25 minutes from Krabi Airport, 2.5 hours from Phuket Airport
Overall Rating: *****
Highlights: 3 Beaches, Enormous Pool Area with Stunning Rocky Backdrop, Exquisite Cuisine, Exceptional Spa
Perfect for: Couples, Families, Honeymooners, Nature Enthusiasts, Beach Lovers, Rock Climbers
Rayavadee
214 Moo 2, Tambon Ao-Nang, Amphur Muang
Krabi 81000, Thailand
Tel : (66-75) 620 740 – 3
Fax : (66-75) 620 630
E-mail : reservation@rayavadee.com
www.rayavadee.com
Member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”WINNER OF TRIPADVISOR 2019 HALL OF FAME
WINNER OF CONDE NAST TRAVELER’S ANNUAL READERS CHOICE AWARDS
‘Top 20 Asia Resorts’ 2014-2015‘ and Top 40 World’s Best Beach Resorts’ 2014 -2015UK Tatler Travel Guide’s ‘101 Best Hotels in The World’ 2014 & 2013Winner of Trip Advisor ‘Certificate of Excellence’ 2013 & 2014
Winner of Trip Advisor 2012 Traveler’s Choice Awards ‘Top 25 Luxury Thai Hotels’
Nominated for Travel & Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Hotels’ Reader’s Choice Awards, 2012
Conde Nast Traveler’s Annual ‘Gold List – World’s Best Places to Stay in the World’ 2010
Excellence Award for ‘Best Hotel Project in Southeast Asia’ – ASEAN Association
Recipient of ‘The Royal Gold Medal for Environmentally – Conscious Architecture’ – Association of Siamese Architects
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Note: Our stay was sponsored by Rayavadee. Thank you so much! Nevertheless, the opinions expressed in the article are unbiased.
Monique De Caro
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