JW Marriott in Khao Lak Thailand is a Stunning Hotel on an Amazing Beach

The amenities are many: wonderful ethnic restaurants, an amazing deli that we used a lot for meals, delicious smoothies, healthy choices, great lattes, homemade breads and pastries and whole fruit at a good price that they cut up and you could take to you room. All of the staff was especially sweet and helpful.

They have ping pong, pool, bikes, a well equipped and clean fitness center that looks out over the pool area, a business center with multiple computers, a huge lobby with traditional Thai furnishings that was inviting to just hang out in and an area for those who have late check outs so they can stay and swim, etc in the afternoon.

The pool is indescribable, you have to see it to believe it. It goes on and on, similar to a lazy river, around the whole complex. In addition, there are two large pool areas you can hang out in with loungers in the water, a swim up bar and jacuzzi area. One of the large pools is tucked away in the lush greenery, is for over 12 only and has private areas to sit in.

The beach is one of the best if not the best. We walked a several miles in both directions and checked out other four and five-star properties. We were so glad we booked at the Marriott.

They offer a shuttle service to town that costs 100 baht.

The rooms are fantastic featuring wonderful Thai artwork, beds huge and comfortable, the large bathroom with the shuttered window opening up into the room is very interesting and makes the room seem bigger. We had a pool access room where we could walk directly into the water. Definitely a "Wow factor"! We liked Block 1 better than Block 2 as it received more sun.

The spa looked very nice however we did not use it as we had just come from Sri Lanka and Morocco and had many "hammams" and massages in those countries.

We ate several nights at the beach shacks to the right of the hotel, we walked over barefoot in the sand and loved the ambiance. The food was delicious and inexpensive. We ate a lot of squid and shrimp, as well as anything coconut! There are massage "booths" up and down the beach at 300 baht or so. Buy a flying lantern from a beach boy at night and make a wish. Only in Thailand!

We got a taxi to the Tsunami Memorial and museum a half hour north of Khao Lak. We also went into the museum and park in Khao Lak. It is good to be reminded and "pause for a thought and prayer" for the large scale loss of human life in 2004.

We would have loved to have stayed longer, it truly is a "paradise" and you need at least five days to relax and rejuvenate! You will be glad you chose the JW Marriott it is enchanting!

Room tip: Block 1 gets more sun than block 2, we loved room 1029! They are all lovely. Block 3, 4 and 5 are better for families.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Thailand. In need of further inspiration? Check out Charlotte Burgoyne‘s guide, Thailand's Best Hidden Beaches (Family-Friendly).