You know you’re in for a good time when an air conditioned car with massage chairs picks you up from the airport, drives you to your private boat, which speeds along to the resort.
Situated on the boarder of Krabi Marine National Park, Rayavadee houses 26 acres of land, and boasts stylish, five-star accommodation and fine cuisine. The atmosphere is one of low key luxury, with sustainability being an important part of Rayavadee. You’ll feel totally at home within minutes, and dying to explore the surrounding jungle and beaches. If ever you should need anything, it’s on dial, and it’s never a problem.
Nature-inspired, Rayavadee’s designers take a lot of their ideas right from the resort’s surroundings with beautiful palms, flowers and the monkeys themselves that inhabit the resort inspiring the dÃcor. The pavilions’ and villas’ unique circular design blends perfectly with the surrounding jungle-capped cliffs and limestone rock formations.
No day at Rayavadee will be boring, there’s so much to do and see within the 26 acres and 3 beaches. You can start the day popping into the gym, or the tennis court for a game or two. Throughout the day the choice of rock climbing, canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, escorted hikes, windsurfing is yours. There are also boat trips to visit the surrounding islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Bamboo Island, or even Elephant Riding. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, try the Thai cooking classes, Flower Garland Weaving or Fruit Carving. And if you just want to wind down, visit the Spa for the most luxurious and relaxing massage you will ever experience. Staying in? Pop to the library to find a good book or dvd.
The name Rayavadee comes from Sanskrit meaning ‘Land of the Princess’ after a princess of lore whose spirit is thought to protect and look over the area. Today there is a shrine in a cave just next to the resort and the resort’s staff make colorful offerings of food and flowers there on the full moon day of each month. It is even thought that the princess can give children to childless couples who come and pray to her and ask for a favour.
FOOD
For breakfast, an energizing and wholesome breakfast of fresh exotic fruits, pancakes, waffles, cheese boards with grapes and salmon, fresh sour dough bread and a wide selection of jams and sauces all available at the breakfast buffet, you can also order eggs or steak from the menu. For lunch and dinner the choice is huge. For lunch head to Raya Dining for tasty salads, Lobster or a rack of Lamb, or to stylish Raitalay Terrace which is located next to the free form infinity pool and Raitalay Beach. Here you can gobble down Thai classics and international favourites- perfect if you’ve been in the sea all morning. For dinner, stroll along to Krua Phranang on Phranang beach for a more romantic setting, and try the delicious array of delicious curries, salads, soups, seafood and freshly caught fish. In terms of a bar: The Grotto – a bar built into the cave of a cliff – on Phranang beach is perfect for sunset cocktails.
See our photo of Rayavadee diary below…
Words and photography – Emma Hoareau
