Beach-bums, families, and anyone who wants to re-create ‘The Beach.’
Krabi is on the South-West coast of mainland Thailand, looking out over the Andaman Sea, and the famous Pi Pi islands. Centara Grand Krabi is just 30 minutes from the airport, and a few minutes’ drive from the town of Ao Nang.
Centara Grand Krabi has 9 different types of suites and villas to choose from, making it the perfect choice for families or couples. The 195 garden and ocean facing retreats are built in traditional Thai style, with spicy colours, and dark tropical woods. Huge bi-fold doors lead out onto your private sun-deck, making the most of the incredible views and bringing the exotic landscape inside. After a day frolicking on perfect beaches, you can rinse off the sand in your invigorating rain-shower, or – if you’re staying in one of the pool villas – you can plunge into your private infinity pool or open-air Jacuzzi. For views that are so good they’re almost surreal, stay in the Beachfront Villas: perfectly situated for watching the sunset.
Food is probably the only aspect of ‘The Beach’ you won’t want to re-create, but don’t worry – there’ll be no drawing of short straws for rice-runs here! Centara Grand Krabi has four restaurants to choose from, including the Rim Sai restaurant where you can enjoy succulent seafood, perfect for sharing and served with mild and spicy dips. For a theatrical dining experience, eat at the hotel’s Hagi restaurant where Sashimi and other Japanese dishes are prepared right in front of you. There's also an all-day bar and grill on the beach – great if you’ve worked up an appetite from swimming and diving.
Beach-bums can lie back on Centara Grand Krabi’s heavenly private bay, or reach the popular tourist idyll, Ao Nang beach, by walkway or speedboat. There’s also a huge pool, surrounded by vegetation and complete with fountains, and children have their own pool and kid’s club. To achieve even deeper relaxation, there’s the traditional Thai spa and a meditation hall for yoga. All this is perfect after exploring the famous Pi Pi islands (including Koh Pi Pi Leh from ‘The Beach.’) The resort also has PADI certified dive instructors who can take you to some of the best snorkelling and diving sites that the world has to offer. Other activities include sea-kayaking tours to see 3000 year old cave-paintings, and unforgettable elephant-treks.
One of the most exhilarating things you can do around Ao Nang is a Deep Water Solo Climb: scaling the incredible limestone cliffs without a harness, before dropping into the beautiful waters. Make sure you do it with a reputable company who can show you the best crags and routes for your ability.