Escape to Paradise: Rim Khao Resort, Koh Lanta's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Rim Khao Resort - Koh Lanta's Not-So-Secret Secret (A Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't going to be your vanilla, corporate-speak hotel review. I just got back from Rim Khao Resort on Koh Lanta, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Not always perfect, not always smooth, but definitely memorable. Think of me as your slightly-sunburnt, overly-caffeinated travel buddy, spilling the tea (and the Chang beers) on what to expect.
Accessibility: (The Good and the "Almost" Good)
First things first: Accessibility. This is a mixed bag. I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a definitive verdict, but there are a few things I noticed. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests". That's a good start! The entrance itself seemed relatively flat, and there's an elevator, which is a massive plus. However, I didn't spot any ramps to the beach or around the main pool area. The pathways, while mostly paved, seemed a bit uneven in places. So, it's worth contacting them directly to confirm specific accessibility needs before you book. Don’t go in blind people!
Wheelchair Accessible: Again, I'm unsure. Investigate before committing.
Getting Around: (Scooters and Sunburns)
Airport transfer was smooth. They had a decent little van waiting, which was much appreciated after a long flight. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yep, plenty of parking. And hey, if you're like me and rented a scooter – which I HIGHLY recommend for exploring – they had plenty of space for those too. The scooter, by the way, was my best friend for the week. Just remember the sunblock, folks! I learned the hard way.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Feeling Secure-ish)
Let's be honest, in the post-pandemic world, we're all a little hyper-aware of cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services… Rim Khao seemed on top of it. I felt pretty safe roaming around. They had hand sanitizer in all the right places and staff trained in safety protocol, which is reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays also. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property definitely added to the security, although I still locked my scooter up at night, just in case.
Rooms:
- Available in all rooms: Well, what is available?
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food, Glorious Food… and the Occasional Hiccup)
This is where Rim Khao really shines… and occasionally stumbles. The restaurant had options for every culinary craving. I'm a sucker for a good Asian breakfast (hello, delicious khao pad!), and they hit the mark. Western breakfast was available too, for the "safe" eaters.
- Restaurants:
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The poolside bar was a lifesaver. Especially during happy hour. And let me tell you, after a day of exploring, a cold Chang beer with a view of the ocean… pure bliss! Room service [24-hour]: also a blessing for those lazy days.
Now, the hiccups. Sometimes, getting consistent service could be a challenge. There was the one morning the buffet was a little sparse. And the coffee, while plentiful, wasn't always the strongest. But hey, you're on island time, right? Just roll with it.
My biggest personal dining experience: The massage from the Spa team, followed by a poolside bar drink was the highlight.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Pampering and Poolside Perfection)
This is where Rim Khao REALLY shines. Picture this: You wake up, stumble out of bed, and… BLAMMO! Swimming pool [outdoor] right there, begging you to jump in. Heavenly.
- Things to do: ways to relax
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steam room, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Spa was a standout. Seriously, I had one of the best massages of my life. The pool with a view was, I think, my favourite thing! The Fitness center was great, and the gym was well-equipped, for if you're that dedicated type.
Internet Access: (When it Worked, Which Was Most of the Time)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And yes, it actually worked. Mostly. There were a couple of moments where it got a little… spotty, particularly during peak hours when everyone was uploading their Instagram stories. But hey, that’s life, right? Internet access – wireless
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Matter)
- Services and conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was super helpful with booking tours and arranging transportation. The daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. Ironing service was a lifesaver, helping me get rid of those pesky wrinkles. Dry cleaning and Laundry service, for the win!
A Slight Rant About the "Shrine":
Okay, this is a minor thing, but it just felt off. There’s a shrine on the property, which is perfectly fine (it's Thailand!), but it was tucked away in a corner that felt a little… neglected. It would be nice to see it better maintained and more integrated into the overall aesthetic. It’s a small thing, but it would add a tiny bit more character.
For the Kids: (Family Friendly Vibe)
- For the kids
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Check-in/out: (Quick and painless)
- Check-in/out:
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]
Final Verdict: (Go, But Be Prepared)
Rim Khao Resort is a solid choice. The location is great, the spa is fantastic, the food is (mostly) delicious, and the staff are generally friendly. If you're looking for a luxurious, flawless experience, this might not be it. It’s more of a "real, lived-in" kind of place. Embrace the imperfections, and you'll have a fantastic time.
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Rim Khao Rhapsody: A Koh Lanta Chronicle (Expect the Unexpected)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't pretty. It’s more like a beautifully bruised peach, slightly squashed in the backpack of life. We're going to Koh Lanta, to Rim Khao, and pray to the gods of good vibes we actually stick to this… roughly.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Beach-to-Hotel Catastrophe
- 15:00: Arrive at Krabi Airport (KBV). Cue the humidity, the glorious, soul-soothing humidity! Grab a pre-booked shared minivan to Koh Lanta. Side note: why do they always blast the air conditioning like a polar bear convention in those things?
- 17:00 (ish): Arrival at Rim Khao Resort. Oh. My. God. The view. (Yes, I know, everyone says that, but seriously… the view.) Check-in… which, let's be honest, probably involves a slight language barrier and me pointing frantically at my booking. The room is supposed to have a balcony. Fingers crossed!
- 18:00: Settle into the room (yay for the balcony!). Unpack. Immediately realize I packed way too many impractical dresses. Why did I think I was going to a cocktail party on a deserted island?
- 19:00: Sunset cocktails at the resort bar. The plan is to sip on a Mai Tai and become one with the ocean. The reality: I spill half of it down myself in a moment of pure clumsy joy while trying to take a picture of the sunset. Epic fail.
- 19:30: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Food, glorious food! Hopefully, I won't fall face-first into my Pad Thai this time.
- Anecdote: The first real-life food experience after a long journey is always a bit of a rollercoaster. My stomach does a 'wha-wha' a.k.a. a silent protest and asks to slowly ease into the delicious local cuisine.
Day 2: The Promise of Paradise (and Potential Sunburns)
- 07:00 (Attempted): Wake up to the sunrise. Spoiler alert: I'm going to hit snooze at least twice.
- 08:00: Actually, attempt to have breakfast the resort. Grab some fruits, toasts and coffee.
- 09:00: Beach time! Lounge on the sunbeds, read my book, and try to relax. *Emphasis on *try. I swear, every time I close my eyes, a rogue wave threatens to swallow me whole. This activity is going to involve significant amounts of sunscreen application.
- 12:00: Lunch at a beachside restaurant. Gotta try some authentic Thai food! Maybe some Green Curry next.
- 13:00: Nap time alert. Afternoon siesta in the room to avoid the hottest time of the day.
- 16:00: Explore the beach, collect seashells, and attempt to not get sand everywhere. It's a losing battle, I know it.
- 18:00: Sunset again! But this time with more grace and less mai tai on my shirt. Watch the boats. Observe the sky. Just breathe.
- 19:00: Dinner at a restaurant outside of the resort. Local food explorations ahead! This is when the real fun begins, isn't it?
- Quirky Observation: The local dogs here are masters of the art of sunbathing. They find the perfect spot, and they just melt into it. Teach me your ways, doggos!
- Emotional Reaction: The air is so thick with the scent of the ocean and the spices of the curries… I could cry. In a good way, of course.
Day 3: Diving, and the Unexpectedly Intense Beauty of Underwater Life
- 08:00: Head off to the dive shop. I'm a bit nervous, but also wildly excited.
- 09:00: The dive! Oh. My. God. This is a thing. The initial descent is terrifying and exhilarating.
- Anecdote: The Great Mask Fog Disaster. The first few minutes underwater were a blurry mess. My mask kept fogging up! I was frantically trying to clear it, feeling like I was drowning in my own spit. Then, the instructor gave me a thumbs-up, and I took a big, deep breath… and it was magic.
- 10:00-12:00: Scuba diving. Fish! Coral! All the colors! The fish are unbelievably vibrant, like they've been painted by a crazy, genius artist. I spot a sea turtle. I might have shed a tear. The coral has all these colors, and it's all so beautiful.
- 12:00: Head back to the resort. Lunch and relax.
- 15:00: Spa treatment. A massage is a must!
- 17:00: Sunset on the beach, again. I promise to try my best not to fall this time.
- 19:00: Dinner at the resort. Maybe something lighter this time?
- Messy Rambling: Diving is a complete mind-melt. Your brain just… resets. You're reduced to pure, unadulterated awe. It’s like hitting the reset button on your whole damn life. And those fish! I never knew such colours could exist.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I’m not kidding, I felt a deep, visceral connection to the ocean. Like, I actually understood the world for a brief, glorious moment. I could have stayed down there forever. It was the most perfect experience.
Day 4: Island Hopping and the Potential for Chaos
- 08:00: Book a boat tour. Praying for good weather and no seasickness.
- 09:00-16:00: Island hopping (Koh Rok, Koh Haa, etc.). Snorkeling, sunbathing, general island fun. I'm picturing a postcard-perfect experience, but let's be real, it'll probably involve a near-drowning experience and a sunburn.
- 17:00: Back to Rim Khao.
- 18:00: Sunset cocktails at the bar (the barman knows to expect the clumsy me now).
- 19:00: Dinner at a restaurant in the village. Hoping to find a hidden gem.
- Imperfections: Boat trips are a gamble. You're at the mercy of the weather, the tides, and the general whims of humans. I'm sure there will be delays, minor squabbles, and a collective sense of “are we there yet?”
- Opinionated Language: Koh Rok is on the "must-see" list, so it's a waste of time.
Day 5: Relaxation, Reflection, and the Sadness of Leaving
- 09:00: Lazy morning. Sleep in, relax on the balcony with a book. Possibly re-read the book I’ve been trying to finish all week.
- 11:00: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Gotta bring back something for the folks back home, right? Nothing too cliché, though… maybe.
- 13:00: Lunch at the resort, one last time. Savouring every bite.
- 14:00: Pack my bag. Ugh, the worst part.
- 16:00: Final walk on the beach. Breathe in, breathe out. Capture the moment.
- 17:00: Say goodbye to the sunset.
- 19:00: Farewell Dinner. A proper send-off with all the food I still want to try.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already feeling that melancholic pull of leaving Paradise syndrome. The thought of returning to real life makes me want to throw myself back in the ocean and never come out.
- Natural Pacing: Honestly, I could stay here forever.
- Stream of Consciousness (and a bit of a sob): This place… the ocean… the people… It's beautiful. It’s not perfect, of course. But it’s real. I’ll miss the heat, the salty air, the constant hum of the cicadas… and the way the sunset paints the sky every damn night. I’ll miss it all.
Day 6: Departure (and the promise of returning)
- 08:00: Check out and catch the shuttle back to Krabi.
- 10:00: Arrive at Krabi Airport (KBV).
- 12:00: Flight home. Until next time, Koh Lanta.
And that, my friends, is the messy, glorious, probably
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Bel'Air Jausiers - Your French Alps Dream Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Rim Khao Resort - The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe a Few Cocktails)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Rim Khao *really* as dreamy as those photos make it look?
What's the deal with the bungalows? Are they actually charming, or just… rustic?
Food! Is the restaurant any good? I'm a picky eater, you see...
Are there any activities to do? I get bored easily.
Tell me about the staff, are they friendly?
Okay, real talk: Are there any annoying things I should be prepared for?
Is it kid-friendly?
Is it worth the hype?
