Last month we had a short break in an idyllic tropical destination. It was the first time we headed to Krabi, located in the south of Thailand, facing the Andaman Sea. After a short flight (about 1 hour 40 minutes), we landed at Krabi Airport and had our first encounter with the warm smiley Thais. Yes, even at Immigration, their officers were so pleasant and welcoming. The drive from the airport to Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort took about 35 minutes, sweeping through narrow winding roads. Along the way, we passed by some big supermarts like Tesco and Big C.
Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort is located at Klong Muang Beach, further north from the famed Aonang Beach – the popular tourist area. Klong Muong is quieter with quite a number of resorts scattered along the area. Once our limo swept through the main gates and stopped at the front lobby, we experienced more Thai hospitality as we were greeted and whizzed through registration. Like most beach resorts, the hotel lobby is airy with an open concept, ie non-airconditioned. Ornate wooden beams run across the ceiling; the wood them is repeated in the furniture too.
Our room was located quite a distance from the reception but worry not, the buggy drivers were more than happy to drive us right up to the building where our room was located.
The 240-room resort is sprawled over a 16-acre landscaped area. It is huge. The building is built quite a distance from the beach so although our Executive Club room faced the sea, we were not exactly close to the beach. Instead, from our balcony, we got to gaze at a big tranquil lotus pond and lots of trees and foliage around – sights that are so good for the soul!
Our room was spacious and comfortable with all the usual Sheraton amenities. The bathroom was roomy, with a wood-based cabinet housing the sink and there’s also a bath tub by the side.
The Club Lounge is located at the main building, behind the reception, which was a bit odd but I guess a central location works best in such a sprawling property. There’s free flow of light refreshments throughout the day and cocktails in the evening. We spent quite a lot of our time chilling out here, downing glasses of orange juice and snacking on their cupcakes and fruits. Their pandan cupcakes were particularly good!
Breakfast is also served there if Club Floor guests prefer a quieter venue – of course the variety is not as huge as in Mangosteen’s, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. We had our breakfasts mainly at Mangosteen’s as it’s more happening and the smell of their croissants baking was so welcoming. Their plain croissants were the bomb – flaky, buttery and crispy!
Load up on these – they’re so good!
As mentioned earlier, the resort’s 16-acre grounds were vast but nicely landscaped. Paved walkways connect the buildings, so it’s really pleasant walking about the resort. At the beach, there are countless deck chairs available – just perfect for guests who want to lie at the beach all day. There’re a couple of hammocks too, if you like a little swinging action!
For the sporty and energetic, there’s a well-equipped gym (the 24-hour Sheraton Fitness), tennis court and two swimming pools. The pool was our favourite – the water’s so warm, it’s almost like a heated pool! That’s because the temperature was really high (+35 deg.C) when we were there.
Yoga, tai-chi and Thai Kick-boxing classes can be organized on request… and cycling trips too, with bicycles for rent. We went on a 10km cycling jaunt with the guides through the scenic rustic roads near the resort.
Further down the beach, there’s the Water Sports Centre where you can arrange all your sea sports activities. Close to that is a Kids Club with lots of games and facilities to keep the little ones entertained for hours.
If you are heading to Krabi and wish to stay somewhere quieter, away from the touristy crowds of Aonang, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort on Klong Muong Beach is a good choice. Aonang is about 20 minutes’ away and taxis are easily available in front of the hotel. To get to Krabi town from the resort, it takes about 30-35 minutes by taxi.
Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort
155 Moo 2, Non Thale, Muang
Krabi 8100
Thailand
Tel: +66(0)-75-628000
Website: www.sheratonkrabi.com
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the waffles combined with nuts look very tasty … and the hammock looks super-comfortable! 😀