Thailand treasure

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18 JUNE 2004
Island life on Lanta Yai
There’s no better way to reach an island than by boat, and that’s how you get to Pimalai on Lanta Yai – by a sleek motorcruiser that purrs through the translucent Andaman Sea and deposits you on one of the most pristine beaches you’ll ever see: a crescent of golden sand against a backdrop of lush foliage.

Lanta Yai is as dreamy as Phuket was 20 years ago before the big operators moved in. You have to look hard to see the island’s top hotel, the Pimalai Resort and Spa, its 75 beachfront and hillside cottages hidden among glossy tropical vegetation. Deceptively simple but with a luxury twist – rooms come brimming with mod cons – the accommodation features bathrooms with their own walled garden.

Walkways weave through landscaped gardens and waterfalls to the restaurants, bars and infinity pool, which has sweeping views over the sea. Feel part of nature in the resort’s spa as the warm breezes sigh through the open treatment rooms. The hotel also runs low-key excursions, such as snorkelling safaris and elephant treks, but few holidaymakers want to stray far from the beach.

There is, however, no shortage of nightlife. At the other end of the beach to the hotel, backpackers’ haunt Bob Marley’s attracts travellers, hotel staff and locals at the weekend when everyone sits on the sand and listens to long-haired Thai groups belt out reggae and western pop. All for the price of a 50p beer.