Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort review

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa review: What our readers – normally cosmopolitan and discerning guests – usually have in common is a yearning for those special moments, preferably in company with great friends and spouses and ideally in an inspiring and luxurious setting. It could for instance be a beach club, on board a yacht or at a resort hotel taking you into that zone of harmony and real pleasure, resulting in what feels as a really unique and unforgettable experience. One can’t get it all in one go, but what is to be presented here can actually accomplish most of this!

Krabi comes with that distinct and perfect resort name, which rightly reminds of lazy days, uninterrupted leisure time, celebrations, joyful parties and romance. And such a name with an international touch could just as well be a resort destination somewhere in the Mediterranean.

But as most of you seeking out trips and destinations in Asia know, this destination is situated in Southern Thailand – no matter how non-Thai the name can seem – and increasingly becoming a preferred getaway for visitors from far and near. And for good reasons, as well shall see in this example: Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – mark it high on your priority list. In the beginning, things started low-scale on this destination on the other side of Phang-Nga bay from the so far more well-known boating and holiday Mecca Phuket, and with the famous Phi Phi Island somewhere in the middle, when tour operators started flying in tourists mainly from Europe.

But development now – with regular resorts already established in sufficient numbers – is going to the next level where the big future for Krabi is likely to be about upscale and five-star luxury. Increasingly more Thai high-end resorts have recently been launched and more international top brands are coming on board.

Sofitel Krabi Phokeetra Resort

Among them, and perhaps the finest so far, is the Sofitel brand with its Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, built in a prime setting on Klong Muang Beach and overlooking the splendid archipelago of Phang-Nga bay with its distinguishing lime stone rocks jutting out from the sea.

It is perhaps not so commonly known and somewhat a surprise to some that Krabi is already equipped with among the most concentrated clusters of five-star and high-end resorts in Thailand, while at the same time being in an environment of sustainable development that is an idyll for leisure-seekers.

Nightlife though is pretty non-existent and the city of Krabi itself is very much an intact Thai small town. Having said that, a marina is being built in the bay outside town so increased demand for amenities is likely to follow.

Around the hotels and resorts, with the exception of the tourist horde, concentration that Ao Nang beach has turned into, the local surroundings are very much intact – and will hopefully stay so.

The high end resorts that are being built are designed nicely to enhance the destination, going well with the surroundings. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, amidst lush green forest hills and a cost lined with beaches and important mangrove forests, does just that, and, it seems, despite its colonial style reminiscent of a bygone era – as if it was made for the location.

It’s not exactly a location with any colonial history, yet such architecture is not far away; with the neighbour island Phuket having its fair share of Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket Town. And, not to forget, the Straits region further south has plenty of colonial architecture.

Lobby, Sofitel Krabi Phokeetra Resort

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Resort: colonoial sophistication and Siamese style

But what probably most of all makes another Sofitel of the kind designed in colonial building style feel genuine, and not out of place, in a vacation spot like Krabi, is the fact that Thailand also used to be the home brand to the colonial, former railway hotel Sofitel Hua Hin.

Sharing the distinguished pedigree of its former sister property, this prominent and sophisticated resort marriages old world colonial charm with doses of modern and Siamese style. Located in a secluded area about 10 kilometres to the north of Ao Nang, it clearly resembles the grand resort in Hua Hin.

So there is a fine tradition to build on for Sofitel Luxury Hotels’ new flagship resort, and even more so this brand has reinvented itself, aiming for today’s more demanding and versatile consumers.

Given this, and in a time when Sofitel is spreading its wings further also within Asia, a brief about their refined approach feels appropriate here. France being renowned the world over for its luxury traditions leadership in luxury, this French brand has gone upscale for real to become ‘Europe’s first luxury brand’.

Visiting a Sofitel resort these days your aims should be high and yet your expectations should be surpassed because such is the case that the brand aims to take its guests to an even higher level of excellence – with a French touch.

With its colonial classics in the portfolio and new prestigious hotels being launched they are out to deliver ‘inspired moments’ and offer “the best of French elegance, from food and wine rituals to bedding, design and personal care products”.

The new Sofitel creates unique contemporary luxury hotels and resorts in the world’s most attractive destinations, by blending of its origins and the very best of local cultures.

At the Krabi property this of course means that nothing has been spared in terms of including Sofitel’s signature French Style Décor interior and products.

Combining all this with the devoted Thai staff’s natural talent to serve, should be an excellent recipe for success, given that the guest relations are at the heart of the matter for Sofitel when the trend apparently is that their guests are shifting from materialism to experiences.

With the idea that consumers increasingly want memorable experiences, this location and resort in Krabi will certainly do the trick.

As for the name, Phokeethra, there is an exciting story for visitors to delve into. The resort rests on sacred land with natural spring water from an underground source nearby. It is believed, according to Thai tradition, that whoever visits this land with pure spring water and Mujalin trees, will return home with good health and eternal prosperity. And according to the local legend of Naga – a giant snake – this Phya Naga Phokee revered for its semi-god and semi-human qualities once dwelled on the premises, which is thus a most serene prosperous place.

During your Sofitel sojourn there, savour the serenity, dine in splendour etc., where these unmistakable French, colonial details and architecture, blended with Asian elements and manners, permeates the whole resort and its service!

Le Spa, Sofitel Krabi Phokeetra Resort

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Resort’s Le Spa

The most poignant authentic Thai contribution is a real attention-grabber in the form of Le Spa, a Thai architecture-based block of buildings with its own courtyard and pond, right in the centre of the pool area and gardens.

The wedding Sala with its elegant high-arched wood roof, placed right in the middle of the blue-tiled 7,000m² freeform swimming pool is indeed also a striking feature where traditional massage treatments can be enjoyed.

Those opting for a honeymoon suite can climb into the pool directly from a private terrace.

Swim up to the pool bar, Koh Poda, for some chilled drinks. Bask on sun-shaded, spacious, balconies under pillar roofs, enjoy the vista and sip that fine wine.

And, as indicated in the name, there is also a brand new nine-hole golf course adjacent to the resort. In addition there are one yacht and one speed boat available, plus other water activities; a wine cellar (why of course!); the Hemingway Club with exclusive Cuban Cigars for tobacco connoisseurs and premium whisky, cognac or brandy; the Le Spa with a Lancôme room for the health- and beauty inclined clientele; and all the rest of it.

All combined you will experience beauty, excellence, quality and ultimate relaxation in a fabulous seaside setting.

The ladies can’t wait until entering their spa heaven, while the gentlemen will perhaps favour the elegant Explorer Bar – excellent for enjoying pre dinner aperitifs and after dinner cocktails and where the piano entertainer and vocalist performs your favourite songs upon request in the evenings.

Once entering the iconic spa, indulge in an exclusive treatment by Lancôme! From this hallmark brand a whole series of luxurious beauty care treatments are on offer, featuring a special saloon and cocoon. On the menu, you find for example Lancôme Pureté, a cleansing facial), or the 90-minue massage: Lancôme Slim success. This saloon also uses the Shiatsu technique from Japan, based on applying pressure to very precise points.

In addition there are of course the traditional Thai spa treatments in abundance; for example an Aroma Relaxing Massage with Warm Oils. A facial like Decléor Sun Ritual with Camomile, Rose & Geranium is also recommendable, using this other high-end skin care brand.

Contemplate the female statue in the centre of the water pond and savour the surroundings featuring orchids and exquisite décor, all in all a truly amazing setting enabling you to wind down even better. Each of the 22 treatment rooms has its own Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.

The kids? They will probably never get tired of the pool playground and the pro-managed kids club.

Dining at Sofitel Krabi Phokeetra Resort

From signature Thai to Italian fine dining

A brief presentation of the dining facilities, the Maya Restaurant serves international cuisine throughout the day; the Maprao Beach Lounge offers seafood and pizza; and Café Vienna in the lobby area offers a selection of coffee & tea, sandwiches, home-made pastry, hot bagels and ice cream.

Meanwhile White Lotus is the Phokeetra signature restaurant, serving signature Thai dishes from the Kingdom.

Ristorante Venezia – for once non-French – offers fine dining, featuring a show kitchen and original pizza oven. On the menu delicate dishes such as Insalatina d’Astice alla Citalan (Lobster salad with arugula, tomato and sweet onions), Pappa al Pomodoro con olio verdi (Cream tomato and bread soup with basil oil), Fagottini All’aragosta con Dragoncello (Pasta with lobster and tarragon sacue), Risotto al Chianti, funghi e pancetta (Risotto with red wine, mushrooms and pancetta), Trancio di salmone con verza, Pancetta in salsa al Marzemino (Roasted salmon with cabbage, pancetta and marzemino wine sauce), or Saltimbocca alla Romana (one of the most classic Roman dishes: veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage) are to be found.

As for the bright and delightfully appointed guest rooms they comprise more than ample space, ranging from 46 sq. m. to an expansive 150 sq. m. (the Presidential Suite), natural wooden floors and richly exotic Thai furnishings – aside the French Sofitel interior and products. The elegant bathrooms of course come with marble sink counters.

Some details on the Phokeethra Yacht (offering private trips to Krabi’s surrounding islands) where an overnight stay is also possible, comes with an en-suite double bedroom, convertible sofa, dining table, LCD flat screen TV and a small kitchen. As for a private party on the speed boat, it can accommodate up to 25 passengers.

The scenic archipelago will most definitely not leave anyone disappointed, just as the resort is a most agreeable experience – guaranteed.