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PHANG-NGA
A tranquil tropical enclave north of Phuket, The Sarojin is a family-owned hotel surrounded by lush gardens and rainforest.
Founders
The luxury boutique hotel is owned by British-born Kate and Andrew Kemp, who travelled across Africa, India and Nepal before settling in Hong Kong, then Thailand in 2002 to build The Sarojin. The couple is now based in Singapore with their kids.
The property has seen its fair share of events, including the devastating 2004 tsunami, which struck the region just 10 days before its opening. Quick to respond, the Kemps offered for all the staff members to stay in their home for safety and launched The Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund to help the community. The Sarojin was the first employer to bring back jobs for 100 employees after its rebuilding process, and the Kemps even honoured each of its 53 staff members who worked pre-tsunami, by naming a guest residence after each one of them.
Today, The Sarojin stands tall and mighty, but never forgetting its past. Sitting on the coastline of Phang Nga, its remote location makes it far from convenient – but also the perfect place to rest away from any city noise. It's a retreat for those looking to restore in nature, but if it's parties and shopping you're after, this is not the place for you.
The open-air spa floats over the main estuary and from your treatment room, you'll see the lush rainforest literally at the doorstep. We had a traditional Thai massage while listening to the chorus of cicadas and birds chirping from the treetops above.
The Jacuzzi Pool Suite:
The spacious Jacuzzi Pool Suite provides ample space for restoration for your trip. Spanning 150 square metres, it features two bathrooms, two showers (one outdoor), a standalone bathtub, living area, pantry, bedroom and, perhaps best of all, a huge terrace fitted with a jacuzzi that can fit up to four people at a time. A stay here includes breakfast with sparkling wine for two persons.
Dining:
We stayed at The Sarojin for only one night, but was able to experience the Edge restaurant for Thai classics. The current Thai Favourites Sample Menu offers an unlimited selection of traditional Thai soups, salads, starters, mains and desserts to fully sate your appetite for the local cuisine – while discovering new dishes too. Breakfast was also at the Edge, where we opted for French toast, with the sparkling wine – it's five o'clock somewhere right?
The Sarojin is the type of place you return to, time and time again, and based on the guests who stayed while we were there, it's evident that many of them were loyal long-time customers. The boutique charm of the hotel makes it unique in its own form and lends a character that cannot be found in some five-star resorts. Although the breakfast wasn't as varied as we were hoping, the dinner was memorable and offered a wide range of Thailand's best dishes. This isn't the type of place you'd stay if you're looking to travel downtown Phuket, it is somewhere to stay for a retreat, and gather your thoughts without disruption.
Highlights:
The Jacuzzi Pool Suite is roomy – and affordable too
Pathways Spa – with its open-air layout and jungle views – is the perfect place to restore and unwind; it was also among the best spas we sampled during our trip to Phuket
Dinner is varied, and the Thai Favourites Sample Menu will definitely keep you satisfied for the night
The tranquil, remote environment is perfect for those looking to get away from it all: but not for tourists who want to explore downtown Phuket
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Website: sarojin.com | Phone: +66 76 427 900 | Email: info@sarojin.com | Visit: 60 Tambon Kukkak Takua Pa District, Phang-nga 82190, Thailand | Facebook: @TheSarojin.Thailand | Twitter: @TheSarojin Instagram: @TheSarojin | YouTube: TheSarojin | Pinterest: The Sarojin, Thailand | Trip Advisor: The Sarojin
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