Review: JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa (Duplex Suite)

Cheapest nightly rate: 3,150 THB (3,739 after tax)
When to book: Seven months in advance

This huge resort holds one of longest pools in the world. You can literally swim from your room to the lobby, gym, restaurant and spa if you want. It has exchanged hands multiple times in the past. It has been called Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon, Sofitel Magic Lagoon, Kempinski Beach Resort, Rixos Premium Resort, Cher Fah Resort and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa since July 2014. It was tragically hit by the devastating tsunami in December 2004 when it was under the management of Sofitel. The amount of restoration work that has taken place since that fateful day is pretty incredible.

Arrival

I arrived by car from Phuket International Airport. The northward drive took about 1 hour and 30 minutes and traffic was clear all the way. Huge contrast to what it could have been if I drove south into Phuket instead. The are two parking areas. One near the lobby and another one near the tennis courts. Parking is free and I never had any trouble finding available space.

We were offered really refreshing towels and drinks at check-in. I was also offered a welcome gift choice of a snack plus one beverage or 1,000 points. This was probably the only time that I did not choose the points as my welcome gift. Scroll down to the welcome gifts below and you will know what I mean. As if the welcome gift is not enough, we were offered two drink coupons for each night for redemption at Czar Bar.

The suite (Duplex Suite)

As a Platinum member, I was also upgraded to the beautiful Duplex Suite! The staff also took the effort to decorate the room as they knew that my birthday was just a few days prior. Looking at the details, I could tell that it took them a lot of time. Outstanding first impression!

Czar Bar

Platinum members are offered complimentary daily breakfast for two at Waterfront.

Breakfast

Other facilities

Let’s explore more of this resort.

There is a back gate where you you will find annoying taxi touts and masseuses. Put on your ear plugs and a fake smile and continue walking a little to the right. You will find miles of clean, empty beach and sometimes, horses.

Besides the gym, you can stay active with complimentary activities or a game of tennis, squash or table-tennis.

If you have to leave for the airport early in the morning, the hotel provides take-away breakfast boxes for you to bring along. Be sure to submit the take-away form beforehand.

Worth Noting

• Breakfast hours: 0630 – 1100 hours
• There is no Executive Lounge

Conclusion

Hospitality was brilliant from the beginning. I really wished that there was an Executive Lounge but the amenities offered somehow made up for it. There are some restaurants located by the beach with a reasonably priced menu after you walk pass the taxi touts if you want cheaper dining options. If you can find a date that works for you at the cheapest rate of 3,150 THB/night, it is an outstanding value. The next time you decide to land in Phuket International Airport (HKT), considering going North instead.

Ratings

Breakfast: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Location: 9/10
Room: 10/10
Facilities: 10/10
Executive lounge: –
Elite member recognition: 10/10