We just returned from 8 nights in Thailand, 5 of which were spent at LM Khao Lak. We were on a Cash and Points stay at the old Cat 2 rates so we resisted the temptation to book a villa and took our chances with a decent Plat upgrade. We were upgraded to a huge suite on the second floor that was plenty nice for us as it was easily over 1,000 square feet and included a small kitchenette, 1.5 baths, a dining area, living room, large closet/dressing area, and two balconies. We quickly got over our villa envy. We were given welcome drinks at check-in and cold coconuts arrived in our room shortly after we were escorted there. We also received nightly canapés that were just ok. As Platinum, we were given free daily breakfast at either the main buffet or the smaller restaurant on the lagoon. We dined at both and were quite happy with breakfast. Great variety and both locations were well staffed. We had all other meals offsite so I can’t speak to lunch and dinner at the resort. We mostly ate at Rim Lay down the beach. The two of us could have an excellent Thai meal of three dishes and a couple of bottles of water for about $10 USD total. $20 if we ordered a whole fish and dessert. The menu was extensive and we enjoyed trying different items. The staff are very friendly and they were usually full for dinner. We also used their laundry service (25 Baht for most items) and they came back clean, pressed, and folded as if done by the resort. There are a few other places north of the LM. We ate at one of them and it was also very good. Slightly higher prices, but also larger portions so it was a wash on that front.
The LM is beautiful. The staff to guest ratio seemed high and the service was good, though not as polished as that received at the Sheraton Laguna in Phuket. It reminded us a bit of the Haciendas in Mexico. Attentive service provided by locals who mean well, but are still finding their way at times. The GM greeted us at check-in and we saw him daily around the resort. I heard him mention that they were at about 50% capacity.
We enjoyed a nice mix of quiet time at the resort as well as using it as a base for trips to Khao Sok and the Surin Islands—both amazing. We used Asia Web Direct to arrange our transfers (cheaper than through the resort) and excursions and were very happy with them. We’ve been trying to figure out our next exotic tropical vacation, but are weary that it won’t be able to measure up to this trip. We may just go back to Thailand and spend a few more nights in Khao Lak.