This brand-new hotel is putting a spotlight on a glorious part of Thailand
It's just like Koh Samui and Krabi but minus the tourist throngs.
Travelling to lesser-known destinations is turning out to be the biggest trend for 2025. And if you're looking for something on the same lines in Asia, it would be hard to go past the village of Khao Lak in southern Thailand, where beaches are as pristine as Koh Samui and waters as crystal-clear green as Krabi but minus the tourist throngs.
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The recent opening of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is the ultimate deal clincher. Located on Bang-Lut Beach, with wide-angle views of the Andaman Sea, the property is home to 283 rooms - from spacious 50-square-metre entry-level options with private balconies to one-bedroom suites and villas if you want to spread out even more. Spend the day kayaking and paddleboarding in the vicinity, swimming in the resort's stunning central pool, working out at the state-of-the-art gym or simply switching off at the onsite Quan Spa; then make your way to one of the eateries - to Thai Curry Sala, say, for flavoursome local fare. marriott.com
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Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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