Passing through manicured lawns, perfect for petanque and croquet, baby fountains sprouting in a huge lily pond surrounded by tall skinny palm trees, the Sarojin hotel in Khao Lak is a tropical cocktail of occidental architecture with a dash of colonial relish.
East Meets West with a Glorious Beach at the Sarojin Hotel in Khao Lak, Thailand
We head for the beach. Now we realize why Mr and Mrs Smith suggested we come here. It's one of those dreamscapes you conjure up in the mind's eye, when you're working in an office staring at the computer on a bleak winter's day. Perfect powdery white sand and the welcoming warmth of the Andaman sea.
Accommodation at the Sarojin Hotel, Khao Lak
There are 56 rooms and suites and ours is simple, elegant and practical. A large bed, big bath, separate shower, loo, lots of mirrors and an excellent wifi connection. There is also a generous daily fruit basket but no naughty choices on the pillow at night – a dieter's nightmare.
There’s no spin here. Quoted by a regular to the Sarojin, Catherine Gledhill hailing from Huddersfield with her husband David, “If you’re looking to be in the ‘in crowd’, nightlife or pumping iron all day – forget the Sarojin. If you just want to be yourself and enjoy beautiful food in peaceful surroundings with discreet superb staff – go.”
Rejuvenate Body and Soul at the Sarojin Spa
There’s nothing Quasi about the Spa Treatment – a his and hers Royal Oriental massage designed to relax the mind and body.
We are asked to choose between four essential oils for our treatment.
- Kob Koon (thank you) – a fresh blend of plai & ylang ylang to calm nervousness.
- Jai Yen (calm heart) – mint & eucalyptus to relieve sluggishness and refresh mind and body.
- Jai Dee (kindness) – lemon grass, lavender and sandalwood to relieve stress.
- Chock Dee (Good Luck) – blended geranium and bergamot to induce a romantic feeling.
"What’s luck got to do with it?” Says Macho-Man.
I choose the stress-buster; my husband Philip rather touchingly chooses romance. Off we go to don our robes. My partner emerges standing there in the little black stretch ‘modesty’ briefs and grunts, fancying himself as a young Tarzan. The pretty Thai girls giggle good naturedly and send him back to the changing room to return with his robe.
After our feet are tenderly washed in a fragrant footbath we lie side by side as the masseuses work in unison, kneading and stretching our bodies. We are soon drunk with relaxation.
Beach Point Dining at The Edge Restaurant
At the International Restaurant forty Thai chefs perform for European sophisticated taste buds and conjure up superb pasta carbonara and succulent meat dishes.
For those who cannot abide all the wonderful meat, fish and foul on offer at the Sarojin there is an excellent and equally imaginative Vegetarian menu.
There is harmony between the guests and the staff. They always seem to be a step ahead of you guessing your needs.
It’s hard to imagine the impact of the Tsunami in 2005 when owners Andrew and Kate Kemp had to watch their hotel being washed away room by room.
It took ten months to rebuild and the reason why the hotel has such heart is because of the effort, commitment and unity by the loyal staff, who returned to help resurrect the Kemps shattered dream. In honour of the staff’s loyalty each of the rooms are named after them. Now, after five years with 200 staff and 40 chefs, the Sarojin stands in a commanding position as one of the best boutique hotels in Thailand.
Over cocktails and canapés on the Sarojin lawn Andrew says, "The biggest compliment is when guests return year after year; better than any words."
Room rates are from £246 per night including breakfast and taxes. We booked with Mr & Mrs Smith who offer a best rates on the net guaranteed and no booking fee.
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Nina Saville - Nina Saville is a freelance lifestyle journalist, covering theatre reviews, restaurants, luxury hotels, spas and fragrances.
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