155 Nong Thale, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
T. +66 7562 8000 I E-Mail I WEBSITE
How often, in the midst of everyday life, do we find ourselves longing for paradise? For a place where the pace softens, where urgency and stress seem to recede, leaving space for body, mind and spirit to breathe.
Well travelled and, admittedly, accustomed to many of life’s finer comforts, I have been fortunate enough—despite my still relatively young years—to encounter some truly remarkable places and equally memorable people. Several destinations have felt close to paradise, not least the Seychelles. Yet I was still unprepared for the moment I realised that, after 38 years of travelling, I had finally discovered what may be my most personal highlight of all: Krabi, in southern Thailand.
Just under ninety minutes by air from Bangkok, the province of Krabi remains, for many first-time visitors to Thailand, slightly outside the usual spotlight. Names such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Phuket tend to dominate the conversation. Krabi, however, offers something altogether more elemental.
This is Thailand at its most vividly natural: intense colours, sweeping horizons, hidden coves and beaches of almost improbable beauty. Just as striking are the people, whose warmth feels genuine, effortless and deeply rooted in the culture of the region.
Whether one arrives with a backpack or a polished aluminium suitcase is largely irrelevant. Krabi has a rare ability to accommodate every kind of traveller, from the budget-conscious explorer to those in search of comfort, privacy and a more indulgent escape.
It will come as little surprise that we chose the latter. In doing so, we discovered a particularly special retreat—one that turns a stay in Krabi into an experience of genuine ease and restoration.
I wish you an exceptionally pleasant stay.
Warmest regards,
Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor
Relaxed Luxury on Klong Muang Beach
Our home in this idyllic corner of southern Thailand is Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, an elegant and generously proportioned retreat from the Thai hospitality group Dusit International. The architecture is open and airy, and from the moment of arrival a light coastal breeze drifts through the pagoda-inspired lobby, setting the tone for the stay ahead.
From here, pathways and discreet golf carts lead through the grounds to the resort’s various buildings, which together house 228 rooms and 12 suites. Despite its scale, the property has retained a distinct sense of intimacy. At almost any hour, the atmosphere remains calm and unhurried, even when the resort appears to be operating at full occupancy—a telling sign that the design has achieved what many large hotels struggle to deliver: genuine space to breathe.
The setting is equally compelling. The resort occupies a privileged position on Klong Muang Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coast north-west of Krabi Town. Whether travelling by golf cart or walking through the lush, jungle-like paths that wind between the buildings, the landscape feels unmistakably tropical.
Dense greenery, warm air and glimpses of the Andaman Sea combine to create a sense of place that is both exotic and deeply restorative. Here, the journey through the resort becomes part of the experience itself.
Beyond the highly recommended Devarana Spa, two distinct pool areas—Breeze and Cocovida—offer equally inviting ways to unwind. Cocovida, recently redesigned from the ground up, feels particularly special, its setting and the striking architecture of the adjoining Cocovida Bar creating an atmosphere that is both contemporary and effortlessly tropical.
Elsewhere, the resort’s broad emerald lawns provide quiet corners beneath the palms, while sun loungers positioned just above the beach invite long, unhurried hours beside the Andaman Sea.
Massages are also offered here, accompanied by the soft rhythm of the waves and uninterrupted views across the water. It is difficult to imagine a more restorative setting.
Rooms and Suites
The resort’s guestrooms are distinguished by their generous proportions and a design language that feels both contemporary and unmistakably connected to its surroundings. Following an extensive refurbishment undertaken in collaboration with Bangkok-based LEO International Design Group, every room and suite across the resort’s eight low-rise buildings has been thoughtfully reimagined.
The new interiors draw inspiration from Krabi’s remarkable natural landscape, particularly its ancient mangrove forests. Soft, organic tones, tactile materials and fluid forms echo the region’s coastal beauty, creating spaces that feel calm, airy and effortlessly sophisticated.
The transformation extends well beyond aesthetics. Alongside beautifully redesigned furnishings and an updated colour palette, the accommodation has been equipped with the latest guest technology, including premium televisions and dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi access points in every room.
Equally impressive is the resort’s commitment to sustainability. Reverse-osmosis water dispensers significantly reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles, while energy-efficient air-conditioning systems improve both comfort and environmental performance. Solar panels installed across the rooftops further reinforce the property's long-term commitment to responsible hospitality.
The result is accommodation that combines contemporary luxury with intelligent design—where innovation quietly enhances the guest experience without ever detracting from the relaxed spirit of a tropical escape.
Suite Dreams — The Club Lounge Experience
To experience the resort at its most indulgent, book one of the newly redesigned Club Premium Suites or One Bedroom Suites, overlooking either the gardens or the Andaman Sea. Under the direction of Swiss hotelier Urs Lienhard, these expansive residences have been conceived as private retreats, combining space, contemporary elegance and an unhurried sense of tropical luxury.
Spanning up to 125 square metres, the suites include a serene bedroom, separate living and working areas, and a generously proportioned bathroom with whirlpool bath, walk-in shower, double vanity and separate WC. Built-in or open wardrobes provide ample storage, while each suite extends outdoors onto a private balcony or, in selected categories, a terrace furnished with sun loungers.
For families, suites with their own swimming pool offer an especially appealing sense of privacy and freedom.
Club status also brings access to the elegant Dusit Club Lounge, whose private terrace looks across the gardens towards the beach. It becomes a natural part of the day: breakfast in the quiet of the morning, afternoon tea as the heat begins to soften, and finely prepared hors d’oeuvres before dinner at one of the resort’s three restaurants.
More than an additional amenity, the lounge lends the stay a greater sense of intimacy and ease. It is a discreet institution within the resort—one that transforms an already relaxing escape into something altogether more exclusive.
Culinary Highlights
The resort’s dining scene is pleasingly varied, with each restaurant and bar bringing its own character to the experience.
Mangosteen’s, with its spacious contemporary terrace, serves an appealing mix of authentic Indian specialities and traditional Thai dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting generous and the flavours confidently rooted in their respective culinary traditions.
For a change of pace, Limoncello Italian Restaurant offers a more Mediterranean mood. Elegant without feeling formal, it combines a warm, inviting setting with carefully prepared Italian cuisine, making it an easy choice for a leisurely lunch or an unhurried dinner.
The most immersive experience, however, is found at Toh Kin Khaw, whose name translates simply as “dining table”. Here, accomplished chefs transform regional and seasonal produce into refined multi-course menus, prepared live before the guests. Themes and menus are announced in advance, turning each evening into a carefully staged culinary event, whether enjoyed as a couple or shared among friends. The restaurant also hosts hands-on cookery classes for guests wishing to take more than memories home with them.
By late afternoon, attention shifts towards the new Breeze Sunset Bar, perched above the beach. It is an easy-going, open-air retreat for chilled drinks, light bites and long, unhurried views across the Andaman Sea. Deep seating and sun loungers encourage guests to settle in as the heat softens and the day begins to fade.
At sunset, the setting comes fully into its own. From this elevated vantage point, the horizon is washed in extraordinary shades of amber, coral and violet, creating a fitting finale to a day spent between beach and pool.
As the bar is entirely open to the elements, it remains in operation only while weather conditions allow—a small reminder that here, as elsewhere in Krabi, nature always has the final word.
Our Recommendation
Set in a peaceful corner of north-western Krabi, the resort feels pleasantly removed from the region’s busier hubs while remaining within easy reach of them. Depending on traffic, a taxi journey to Krabi Town, its popular food market or the lively night market by Ao Nang Beach takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
For the most rewarding stay, book a Club Room or Suite and make the most of the additional privileges that accompany the category. From the resort, set out on day trips to Krabi’s extraordinary bays, islands and beaches; a highly recommended excursion operator is based directly at the hotel, making arrangements refreshingly effortless.
After a day on the water, there is something deeply satisfying about returning to the calm of the resort. Make time for a treatment at Devarana Spa, and reserve at least one massage at Breeze Beach Massage, set just above the sand. With the sound of the waves in the background and the Andaman Sea only a few steps away, it is one of those simple experiences that stays with you long after the journey has ended.
It is, quite simply, beautiful.
A Lasting Impression
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is one of those rare places where arrival slips almost imperceptibly into complete surrender. After a journey through Thailand, or a few high-intensity days in Bangkok, the resort offers precisely what is needed: space, stillness and the gentle rhythm of the Andaman Sea.
The grounds are expansive, tropical and beautifully composed, yet never feel overly manicured. Beneath mature trees, shaded corners invite long afternoons with a book, while the soft roll of the waves provides a constant, calming backdrop. There is little interest here in spectacle—and that is exactly the appeal. Nature sets the pace, measured by tides, shifting light and the languid passing of the day.
The sea is swimmable throughout the day, while the tranquil pools and sun terraces above the beach offer an equally tempting alternative. Hours pass easily here, uninterrupted and unhurried. The newly renovated rooms and suites complement the setting with a fresh, contemporary elegance, quickly becoming private retreats in their own right.
Wellness, too, feels entirely at home in these surroundings. Whether during a massage by the beach or a treatment in the resort spa, even the most persistent tension seems to dissolve with remarkable ease.
The culinary offering is broad and varied, while the villages, islands and natural wonders surrounding Krabi provide ample opportunity for day trips and small adventures. Yet this is also a destination that rewards restraint. Krabi is best experienced slowly, with time, curiosity and a willingness to notice the quiet beauty in between.
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is the kind of place one is tempted to keep secret.
So perhaps do not tell everyone.
Photography: Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez