The click-clack of well-heeled travellers is a rare sound on the streets of Krabi. Many visitors only catch a glimpse of the modest little town through the tinted windows of their plush transfer vehicle, en route to some swanky beach resort.
In the past, Krabi never aspired to being anything more than a sleepy backpacker stopover; it was comfortable shuffling along in the same old familiar flip flops. But lately, the town has taken some baby steps towards a more comprehensive tourist infrastructure.
Without selling out to crude commerciality, Krabi is confidently carving a niche in the high end market. Using facets of leisure, art, culture and health to attract new interest, the town is gaining credibility and becoming a more appealing destination to affluent travellers.
The 46-berth marina, set to open at the end of March 2010, could bring a new wave of tourism with it. The marina is located close to the Krabi’s centre, and will provide a convenient gateway for luxury travellers. With this sturdy rung on the ladder, Krabi has the opportunity to climb to new levels of popularity and profitability.
As local hotels struggle to keep afloat during turbulent financial tides, luxury pool villas are becoming an increasingly popular choice of accommodation. These managed homes not only feature all the lavish trimmings of a high-end resort for a cheaper rate, but they are unparalleled in terms of privacy.
Pierre-Yves Loiers, the creative force behind Krabi Villa, describes the advantages a private pool villa has over a resort suite: “you can play music and drink champagne in the jacuzzi at 3am without causing any disturbance, enjoy a private butler service, and you tell us what time you want the cleaners to arrive.”
Krabi Villa provides guests with a mobile phone with speed dials for a poolside massage, free transport to the beach and the in-villa butler service. Every service can be tailored to suit guests’ individual needs, ensuring the ultimate relaxing experience.
Many luxury travellers are switching to this style of accommodation due to the maximized space, privacy and relaxation, not to mention considerable savings.
Krabi’s dining scene may lack the variety found in Phuket; however, it makes up for it with a few extra ladles of authenticity. Ruen Mai is Krabi’s longest-standing restaurant, and is well known beyond provincial borders, for its exceptional food and incredible ambience.
The restaurant is located in a concealed leafy oasis just outside the town centre. Lush nature paints the perfect backdrop for al fresco dining and Buddhist art pieces add an almost temple-like aura. The array of tasty classic Thai dishes, such as mango and cashew nut salad and tom yam kung (a hot and sour broth with shrimp), are always fresh and sensationally flavoursome.
This blend of delicious food, rustic décor and jungle ambience, ensures the restaurant remains a firm favourite among locals and visitors.
Across town, Takola Restaurant is a newer addition to Krabi’s dining scene, and also offers the winning combo of exotic setting and consistently good food. Takola trades tradition for trend; with brilliant white columns, waxy foliage and subdued lighting creating a modern tropical accent.
Takola prides itself on its range of healthy dishes, which are accompanied by a bed of mixed leaves, freshly picked from the on-site hydrophonic farm.
The chef adds a dash of elegance to everyday dishes by incorporating high quality ingredients. Diners can choose red curry with imported beef, or enjoy spring rolls stuffed with fresh river prawns; the restaurant excels at putting a classy spin on everyday fare.
The wine list features a number of good New World wines, which complement the restaurant’s signature spicy cuisine.
Luxury spa treatments are a necessary indulgence on any visit to Asia, and Kantawan Spa, in Krabi, offers a tranquil setting for some star-rated pampering. The traditional Lanna-style teak house overlooks a lotus pond, and the interior is thoughtfully designed using natural materials and subdued lighting to promote relaxation.
Asian massage, deep-cleansing facials and invigorating body scrubs are performed by professional therapists using nature’s finest ingredients; customers can also enjoy private use of the sauna and jacuzzi.
A stylish new yoga studio has recently opened in Krabi, and offers bilingual instruction in various styles of yoga. Soul of Yoga offers three classes each day, including hot yoga and children’s yoga.
Other noteworthy sites for the discerning traveller include Krabi Contemporary Art Gallery and Wat Gaew Korawaram. Works of national and international artists are exhibited in the new art gallery, many of which depict local landmarks and scenery. The new temple, which is still under construction, will house the South’s largest library of Buddhist literature.
In Krabi, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich local culture and enjoy a truly authentic experience, while still enjoying all the essential elements of a luxury holiday.
In the past, Krabi never aspired to being anything more than a sleepy backpacker stopover; it was comfortable shuffling along in the same old familiar flip flops. But lately, the town has taken some baby steps towards a more comprehensive tourist infrastructure.
Without selling out to crude commerciality, Krabi is confidently carving a niche in the high end market. Using facets of leisure, art, culture and health to attract new interest, the town is gaining credibility and becoming a more appealing destination to affluent travellers.
The 46-berth marina, set to open at the end of March 2010, could bring a new wave of tourism with it. The marina is located close to the Krabi’s centre, and will provide a convenient gateway for luxury travellers. With this sturdy rung on the ladder, Krabi has the opportunity to climb to new levels of popularity and profitability.
As local hotels struggle to keep afloat during turbulent financial tides, luxury pool villas are becoming an increasingly popular choice of accommodation. These managed homes not only feature all the lavish trimmings of a high-end resort for a cheaper rate, but they are unparalleled in terms of privacy.
Pierre-Yves Loiers, the creative force behind Krabi Villa, describes the advantages a private pool villa has over a resort suite: “you can play music and drink champagne in the jacuzzi at 3am without causing any disturbance, enjoy a private butler service, and you tell us what time you want the cleaners to arrive.”
Krabi Villa provides guests with a mobile phone with speed dials for a poolside massage, free transport to the beach and the in-villa butler service. Every service can be tailored to suit guests’ individual needs, ensuring the ultimate relaxing experience.
Many luxury travellers are switching to this style of accommodation due to the maximized space, privacy and relaxation, not to mention considerable savings.
Krabi’s dining scene may lack the variety found in Phuket; however, it makes up for it with a few extra ladles of authenticity. Ruen Mai is Krabi’s longest-standing restaurant, and is well known beyond provincial borders, for its exceptional food and incredible ambience.
The restaurant is located in a concealed leafy oasis just outside the town centre. Lush nature paints the perfect backdrop for al fresco dining and Buddhist art pieces add an almost temple-like aura. The array of tasty classic Thai dishes, such as mango and cashew nut salad and tom yam kung (a hot and sour broth with shrimp), are always fresh and sensationally flavoursome.
This blend of delicious food, rustic décor and jungle ambience, ensures the restaurant remains a firm favourite among locals and visitors.
Across town, Takola Restaurant is a newer addition to Krabi’s dining scene, and also offers the winning combo of exotic setting and consistently good food. Takola trades tradition for trend; with brilliant white columns, waxy foliage and subdued lighting creating a modern tropical accent.
Takola prides itself on its range of healthy dishes, which are accompanied by a bed of mixed leaves, freshly picked from the on-site hydrophonic farm.
The chef adds a dash of elegance to everyday dishes by incorporating high quality ingredients. Diners can choose red curry with imported beef, or enjoy spring rolls stuffed with fresh river prawns; the restaurant excels at putting a classy spin on everyday fare.
The wine list features a number of good New World wines, which complement the restaurant’s signature spicy cuisine.
Luxury spa treatments are a necessary indulgence on any visit to Asia, and Kantawan Spa, in Krabi, offers a tranquil setting for some star-rated pampering. The traditional Lanna-style teak house overlooks a lotus pond, and the interior is thoughtfully designed using natural materials and subdued lighting to promote relaxation.
Asian massage, deep-cleansing facials and invigorating body scrubs are performed by professional therapists using nature’s finest ingredients; customers can also enjoy private use of the sauna and jacuzzi.
A stylish new yoga studio has recently opened in Krabi, and offers bilingual instruction in various styles of yoga. Soul of Yoga offers three classes each day, including hot yoga and children’s yoga.
Other noteworthy sites for the discerning traveller include Krabi Contemporary Art Gallery and Wat Gaew Korawaram. Works of national and international artists are exhibited in the new art gallery, many of which depict local landmarks and scenery. The new temple, which is still under construction, will house the South’s largest library of Buddhist literature.
In Krabi, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich local culture and enjoy a truly authentic experience, while still enjoying all the essential elements of a luxury holiday.