Sarojin Resort, Khao Lak
Independant Review
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The first sensation that greets the visitor is one of confusion – is this a resort or an ornamental park? And where are the buildings? The airy and lofty lobby is backed by a large lily pond, which in turn is backed by a lake, which in turn is backed by the swimming pool. All this water is surrounded by a large manicured garden shaded by palm trees. |
Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to stay at the Sarojin, in a deliberate policy to appeal to honeymooners and to families with older, and so hopefully quieter, children. The breakfast in this up-scale resort is not a buffet, all meals are a la carte – and breakfast is served with sparkling wine. Romantic dinners-for-two can be arranged on the beach. |
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The resort has a beach-front bar and restaurant which is perfectly situated for sunset dinners. The waiting lounge area contains chairs which are only big enough to comfortably accommodate small back-sides. Visiting travel journalists whose rumps have been swelled by rather too many coimplimentary dinners need to loiter at the bar while waiting to be seated.
The resort offers complimentary kayaking and sailing. The wide sandy beach and the restaurant fronting it are approached by crossing a wooden bridge over a lilly- and reed-filled waterway. |
Accommodation
Pool Residence
These 14 villas are beautifully presented, and are candidates for being the most up-market accommodation in Khao Lak. Each features opaque glass screens which diffuse and soften light, and wooden panels inset with many small mirrors increase the impression of spaciousness. The décor seems remarkably similar to that of the 6-star Amanpuri resort in Phuket, prompting suspicions of plagiarism. Wherever the design came from, though, it works beautifully.
Each villa’s open-plan bathroom features a stylish tub for two set on a floor covered in sea-smoothed pebbles and decorated by a large, antique-looking flower pot and a beautiful piece of driftwood. The pot and driftwood form a tasteful tableau – nature’s own art, complemented by a fine product of human hands.
| Outside, the small walled garden is surrounded by just the right amount of foliage and gives the plunge pool and sala (open-sided pavilion) perfect privacy, ensuring two more spots for honeymooners to get romantic – many couples are rarely seen outside their bungalows, taking most meals in their sala and only emerging for the occasional sunset walk on the beach. |
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Garden Residence
These 28 villas are the same as the ‘Pool Residences’, except that the sala is not enclosed in a private garden, and there is no plunge pool. Whilst these villas do not offer the total privacy of the ‘Pool Residences’, they are still very private, due to the low density of accommodation in the hotel and to the fact that their entrances are screened by foliage. |
Sarojin Suite
These enormous suites are all on the upper floors, and are immaculately presented throughout. Each suite has a large l-shaped sofa in the living room which can be converted into beds for 12-18 year old children. Whilst the living room has its own toilet, there is no door between the master bedroom and the living room, and so no night-time privacy for parents. There are better luxury choices available in Khao Lak for families. The huge living room, if not used to accommodate extra people, is so huge that it is a waste of space and money, and it makes these suites neither cozy nor intimate when only occupied by just a couple. Couples are better advised to book one of the above two ‘Residences’.
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Prices
We offer a 5% discount on the hotel website's prices.
Hotel website: www.sarojin.com. Click
here for more on Khao Lak, here for holiday packages, here for other destinations.
Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 23/8 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Thailand
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