It takes a little extra time and effort to get there, but it’s worth it. First is a 70-minute flight from Bangkok to Krabi. A shuttle van will pick you up at the airport and drive you through the karst landscape, rubber and palm plantations to Nopparat Thara pier, about 30 minutes away. From there, a speedboat whisks you 4 km. down the Andaman coastline to Pai Plong Bay.
As you walk the resort’s private pier towards the beach, you can’t quite believe the scene before you. Tall limestone cliffs surround a private cove, framing palm trees rising from the jungle. The resort’s villas, restaurants and spa are built into the hillside, interrupted by terra cotta tile patios, Thai salas and mythical figures in stone. Streams tinkle down into landscaped pools; flowers and lawns dissolve into a white sand beach. The sea is many shades of blue and green, punctuated by a giant rock monolith in the foreground and dreamy islands in the distance.
How long did you say we could stay here? Might we extend our reservation a few days or weeks? May I call the office to…request a leave of absence?
Pai Plong Bay is just one beach over from Krabi’s popular Ao Nang, but it is only accessible by boat - or a steep path over the hill that separates them. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is thus an ideal hideaway for romance and honeymoons. But it also attracts families and other guests, of every age, from Thailand to Scandinavia and beyond. And they come back, because perhaps no other place offers such a combination of dramatic nature, serene seclusion, and restful enchantment.
The resort itself offers tranquility, peace and a sublime setting to relax in. Traditional Thai architecture inspired the design of the low-rise buildings, fused with features of contemporary tropical living.
Luxury abounds at this 5-star Centara resort. Guest rooms, suites and villas look out onto lush gardens, water features and pools, cliffs, jungle, and the Andaman Sea. Each spacious room and suite has a fully furnished balcony or terrace where you can enjoy lounging or dining al fresco. For an extra dose of indulgence, stay in one of the special spa rooms that includes its own private, outdoor Jacuzzi on the balcony.
The crème-de-la-crème accommodations are the resort’s villas, with expansive, furnished terraces, separate lounging and dining areas. There are one- and two-bedroom options, as well as the opulent 239-square-metre Royal Villa. Some villas also offer private plunge pools, and a few are on the beachfront. All have every comfort and amenity for a holiday hideaway. Privileged guests staying in the villas also have access to The Club Lounge with its exclusive facilities, free Wi-Fi, concierge services and complimentary food presentations scheduled throughout the day.
The resort’s other facilities and services have been designed with equal care. The large, landscaped swimming pool is complete with a kiddie pool and Jacuzzi. Children are well looked after at the Kids’ Club, so their parents can take a much-deserved break. There is a Camp Safari for small children and an E-Zone to keep teens entertained. Staying in shape at the resort is made easy with the well-equipped fitness centre. And there is a SPA Cenvaree, the award-winning sanctuary of pampering for body and soul, where traditional aromatherapy, therapeutic massages and facials are administered by attendants whose gentle charms belie their serious expertise.
Befitting the laid-back tempo of this stunning resort, a variety of dining venues begin early and finish late. If a snack attack overcomes you in the middle of the night, the in-room dining service is available 24/7. Lotus Court is open from 6.30am until midnight, with a short hour break to transition from breakfast to lunchtime. Starting with the extravagant breakfast buffet, the Court serves an amazing variety of Thai and international cuisine, accompanied by live music in the evenings.
Suan Bua is the fine dining beachside seafood and Thai restaurant open in the evenings. Japanese food is prepared and served in delicate, traditional style at Hagi. The resort’s beach bar and grill is called On The Rocks, for casual seaside dining throughout the day. Open until 1am, Deep Blu Bar plays vibrant tunes, with light snacks and post-dinner nightcaps, from 4pm onwards. You will not go hungry or thirsty at this resort.
It is no exaggeration to describe the sands and waters of this bay as pristine. The crystal-clear ocean and fine, white sand make a picturesque playground for watersports such as sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. Equipment is available as a courtesy for resort guests. The PADI dive centre allows ocean enthusiasts to go deeper and explore the reefs further afield. The centre offers both serious courses and fun dive trips.
The resort’s tour desk can suggest and arrange excursions to neighbouring islands. Caves, waterfalls, hidden lagoons, wild flora and fauna, and awe-inspiring rock formations await your exploration. This is one of Thailand’s most popular regions for photographers, nature enthusiasts, divers and rock climbers.
If - perish the thought - you want a break from all the nature and seclusion to do some shopping, a short boat ride to Ao Nang should do the trick.
Krabi and Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas combine to tick all of the boxes for a truly tropical hideaway: understated luxury, a spectacular private bay, blissful spa treatments, enticing cuisine, a variety of activities ranging from relaxing to adventurous, and multi-lingual staff serving you gracefully and efficiently.
A good way to sample these delights is Centara’s current “Sublime Getaways” promotion for the resort, which starts from Baht 5,530, plus service and tax, per room per night. You can find out more and make reservations at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/CKBR or by contacting their reservations centre, 02 101 1234 or reservations@chr.co.th. The website encourages Centara “The 1 Card” members to log in and get an additional 10% discount. This is an excellent programme and if you are not already a member, it is free and easy to sign up on the website.
