December 18, 2007

Phuket About It

By Matt Crook

For virgin beaches and plush pads, the Thailand cognoscenti are now heading east to Krabi.

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With coral reefs dying and tourism swelling, the bloom may be fading from Phuket’s rose. But that’s no excuse to steer clear of neighboring Krabi — Thailand’s southeastern coastal province whose quiet, pristine beaches have been dubbed “Phuket 10 years ago.” The new Amari Vogue Resort has only heightened the buzz. Set on one of Krabi’s most secluded seashores, the just-open retreat has sixty Lanna-style guestrooms with private balconies, plus four ocean villas featuring personal plunge pools. Oh, and a free-standing spa harbors two 850-square-foot suites, each kitted with a separate treatment room.

Langham Hotels also chose Krabi for their first Thai property, set to open January 1. Just off the mainland on Lanta Yai Island, Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa includes hillside villas — with plunge pools, of course — overlooking the Andaman Sea. When you’re through just staring at the water, opt for some hydrotherapy at Chuan Spa, housed in a clutch of Thai-style pavilions. Or, take a dip in Langham’s “ocean pool” anchored 300 feet off the beach.