Hotel Openings

Avani Hotels has announced the opening of activity-focused Avani+ Khao Lak Resort As a 327-key oceanfront property this is the brand’s largest resort in Thailand by number of keys, located on the sandy shores of Bangsak Beach in Thailand’s Phang Nga. The property based in highly popular Khao Lak also serves as a launch pad for AvaniFit — the brand’s new lifestyle concept aiming to put fun and variety into hotel fitness.

The 100,000-square-metre resort combines modern design with a blissful pool, family-friendly amenities and chic dining venues boasting stunning Andaman Sea views. A wide range of room categories ensures all types of travellers are catered to; from Deluxe Lagoon Pool Rooms for couples and solo travellers featuring a spacious balcony to Family Pool Suites with plenty of running room for even the most energetic mini-travellers, garden views, separate living room and dining area, king and twin beds and a private balcony.

The resort’s AvaniFit is a dynamic, 24-hour facility that aims to challenge fitness enthusiasts with a combination of endurance and resistance training, aerobics and high-intensity interval training. Depending on their fitness objectives, guests can also sign up for boxing or tennis classes or try their hand at hanging yoga and indoor or outdoor climbing wall. Outdoor activities are key to the stay experience and range from beach assault courses and pool workouts to kayaking, on-property PADI lessons and surfing nearby.

Another wellness amenity is AvaniSpa specialising in pampering treatments and healing therapies, as well as express and kids’ spa treatments. There are six treatment rooms and lush gardens, so guests can pamper themselves with soothing spa and beauty treatments, then refuel and revive with healthy menus or multi-day nutrition and wellness packages.

At the three-storey AvaniKids club, Khao Lak’s largest, children of similar ages get dedicated play zones featuring age-appropriate playgrounds, board games and PlayStation corner. To encourage more outdoor time, there is a splash park, beach activities and a private skatepark complete with half pipes, handrails, ramps and funboxes for older kids to perfect their kickflips and board slides.

Elements is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant serving hearty breakfasts, gourmet lunches and themed dinners, where local ingredients are spun into fresh dishes served in a contemporary setting. Relaxed and unhurried, The Beach House is the preferred spot for sultry sundowners and grilled seafood. Splash, a poolside venue where options range from artisan pizza to homemade gelato, will hit a note with families, while Aqua Juice Bar with its vitamin-packed cold-pressed concoctions caters to the health-conscious. The Pantry, Avani’s signature on-the-go dining concept, offers wholesome salads and sandwiches, cold pressed juices and fresh pastries. The property sources all produce responsibly.

“I don’t believe there’s a better way to celebrate the return of international travellers to Thailand than with Avani+’s debut in Khao Lak — a destination on the up offering a sense of escape and rejuvenation thanks to its natural beauty and world-famous hospitality,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Minor International, the parent company of Avani Hotels & Resorts.

In addition to cooking classes, sunrise yoga and other on-property activities, holidaymakers can enjoy a lazy cycle along the coast to check out nearby Bang Niang market or up the intensity with more challenging excursions into the lush terrain surrounding Khao Lak. Excursions to Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay or Koh Phi Phi are also on offer, as are day trips to Phuket. For event planners, Avani+ Khao Lak Resort offers over 500 square metres of meeting space, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 attendees, a dedicated wedding pavilion, flexible breakout rooms, a breezy outdoor garden and a stunning beachside venue.

Avani+ Khao Lak Resort is located 90 kilometres north of Phuket International Airport and can be reached by car in approximately 1.5 hours.