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Under the Umbrella of Luxury
It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. Somebody had to
visit the Rayavadee resort in Krabi and spend a weekend in pure
indulgent splendour. I gladly agreed and now as I approach the resort
in glamorous style by private speedboat my anticipation is paramount.
I feel I've finally made it, hit the big time. I love my job. The
resort comes into view and to my delight, I see a spread of dense
vegetation broken by a scattering of low-rise structures. I recall
an article I read that said the Rayavadee has won several awards
for its environmental sensitivity and my first impressions of the
resort resound with understated subtlety.
I am greeted at Nam Mao beach by a gracious hostess who drapes
a fragrant lei around my neck and leads me to meet the resort's
very sociable and engaging Villa Manager, Khun Pairoj Chukhean.
Khun Pairoj is the kind of personnel that every resort should have.
He is highly enthusiastic about his job and dedicated to making
each guest's stay a little more special. I could not imagine having
a more friendly or interesting guide for my visit.
Enroute to my accommodation, Khun Pairoj related a little of the
history of the site. Centuries ago, a Hindu Princess and her attendants
were sailing off the coast of Krabi when a violent storm whipped
the sea into a frenzy, sending the Princess' boat whirling into
the land that is now Phra Nang Beach. Shipwrecked and frightened
the Princess took refuge in the darkness of a towering cave. Today
an altar sits inside the cave and it is good luck to offer the Princess
gifts of flowers, jewelry, alcohol and a phallus or two for fertility.
Each month the resort honours the Princess with a procession to
Phra Nang cave to pay respect at the shrine that was erected in
her honour.
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The site of the Rayavadee is exceptional, set by Cape Phra Nang
where no less than three pristine beaches face the dramatic limestone
rock formations scattered throughout the Ko Yao and Phuket Seas.
Krabi province is regarded by many Thai people as one of the most
scenic in the Kingdom and Phra Nang Beach has been declared one
of the world's most beautiful beaches. In addition, Nam Mao and
Rai Lay beaches are gorgeous, bordered by looming limestone cliffs
and a sea, the colour of which defies words.
As we toured the resort, I learned that it boasts 98 luxurious
pavllions and two exquisite beachfront villas built discreetly among
a colossal 26 acres of mature coconut groves and lush jungle surrounds.
All accommodations are generously appointed and furnished in elegant
Southern Thai style with modern amenities including a television
and DVD player in each bedroom. The pavillion that was reserved
for me was nothing less than a two-bedroom house with a private
garden and hydro-pool. The interior decoration is elegant having
been custom made for the resort and adds to the glamour of residing
in these oversized accommodations. The rotundas feature a spacious
living room on the ground floor and a resplendent master bedroom
and ensuite on the first floor. The bathroom features a deep tub
built for two, which is encircled by candles, and the resort provides
a luscious range of bath and shower products including aromatic
bath salts and massage oil. Two bedroom pavillions have an additional
rotunda connected to the living room which houses an enormous double
queen sized bed and another ensuite.
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Each pavillion enjoys a scenic view of the thriving gardens, lagoon-style
swimming pool or the turquoise ocean. Two plush beachfront villas
are graced with spectacular sea views and secluded outdoor areas.
The Rayavadee and Premier Villas have a private outdoor jacuzzi,
sauna and pool, beachside terrace and a butler service for a completely
indulgent and romantic getaway.
Khun Pairoj's personal tour of the resort wound through the spectacular
resort gardens which are maintained but not manicured, retaining
a sense of the wilderness among all this luxury. We came to the
lovely Phra Nang Beach where a bar sets tables in the shade of a
looming cave by the water's edge. Light refreshments are also served
at a nearby sundeck, but watch out for the cheeky local monkeys
that visit everyday for although they are friendly and extremely
cute they have been known to help themselves to guests' plates.
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The resort is very sensitive when it comes to the environment and
the many fish ponds located around the grounds are a fine example.
All the water from the guestrooms, staff quarters and restaurants
is treated on-site and fed into these ponds rather than the sea.
The water is re-oxygenated and recycled back through the resort.
Another example of environmental acuteness is in the development
of the resort itself. Award-winning architecture cleverly managed
to design and position the pavillions around existing trees and
vegetation with minimal impact on the surroundings.
The resort is set over such a large area that my tour lasted well
over an hour. The sports and leisure facilities available for guests
are impressive and everything expected of a first-class resort.
Squash and tennis courts, marine sports facilities, a splendid spa
and even a Petanque pitch are just some of the activities on offer
for guests in between the romantic possibilities of the accommodations.
I left Khun Pairoj and headed back to the room for a refreshing
dip in my private pool before we were to depart on a sunset cruise.
The Rayavadee owns a lovely old Siamese junk that has been converted
into a luxury cruise boat and each afternoon guests may board the
junk and sail through the scenic bay full of natural splendours
to watch the sun melt majestically into the horizon. Light refreshments
are served on board and as I gazed at the mesmerizing scene I felt
a tinge of regret that I hadn't brought my loved one with me, for
he is the only one who could have made the moment even better than
it was.
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With the sun gone to shine on another part of the globe, the moon
rose in all her magic to set the sea a-glitter with moonlight. We
dined at Krua Phra Nang, the resort's Thai restaurant located adjacent
to Phra Nang Cave, right on the beach. Khun Pairoj demonstrated
his love of Thai food, ordering much more than we could possibly
have eaten; chicken in coconut soup, massaman curry, fish with black
pepper, crab curry, mixed vegetable and another fish dish which
was delectable although I am unable to recall the name. Each was
cooked to perfection and by 8pm, the restaurant was filled with
guests who were undoubtedly pleased with their meals and the peaceful
location of this seaside restaurant.
After dinner, I decided to take a walk around the resort to soak
up some more of the romantic atmosphere. I passed couples wrapped
in each other's arms and conversation and I hated being alone. It
was during this moonlit stroll that I was hit by the intimacy of
the resort. The next morning when I would eat breakfast with General
Manager, Mr. Regis Catoire, he would tell me that "the Rayavadee
is made for lovers", but already I could see how this resort,
above any others I have experienced, would be my choice for an utterly
romantic honeymoon destination. Feeling a little lonely but determined
to make the most of my luxury weekend, I headed back to my pavillion
and enjoyed a long relaxing soak in the tub before drifting off
into a deep slumber, engulfed by the enormous bed. I had a perfect
night's sleep.
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My breakfast at the Raya Dining Room was made most enjoyable, not
only by the energizing beachfront setting but also by the most energetic
and amiable General Manager, Regis Catoire, a Frenchman with a deep
respect for the natural beauty of the resort and for what his guests
want most, seclusion. "Our guests are lovers, honeymooners
and anniversary celebrants and what they can expect is exclusivity
and privacy." Rayavadee enjoys a 20% repeat guest clientele
and they come largely for the beauty, the peace and the privacy,
all of which are guaranteed by Regis and his dedicated staff. The
management of the resort was recently taken over by Starwood Hotels
and Resorts under the Luxury Collection umbrella. This has brought
about an extensive refurbishment to the resort, bringing this already
distinguished destination to the standard that travellers have come
to expect from the Luxury Collection. As for the future of Rayavadee,
Regis spoke of his continual efforts in environmental protection
and preservation and in "remaining at the top of the top resorts
in Asia."
Suitably refreshed by the tempting buffet breakfast I had a few
final hours at leisure to experience the spa and to say my farewells
to this remarkable resort. The 24 hours I spent at the Rayavadee
were fantastic; at times, I felt I was in a scene of Fantasy Island
or some other production where glamour and romance filter through
everything. Now, as I sit in front of a not so glamorous computer
screen, in my not so glamorous house, I miss it, yet I know that
the magical world of Rayavadee will always be preserved for whenever
I am able to return.
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