I recently posted a review of my stay here in my blog. Hope someone finds it helpful!
https://suitesmile.com/blog/review-j...a-duplex-suite

This huge resort holds one of longest pools in the world. You can literally swim from your room to the lobby, gym, restaurant and spa if you want. It has exchanged hands multiple times in the past. It has been called Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon, Sofitel Magic Lagoon, Kempinski Beach Resort, Rixos Premium Resort, Cher Fah Resort and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa since July 2014. It was tragically hit by the devastating tsunami in December 2004 when it was under the management of Sofitel. The amount of restoration work that has taken place since that fateful day is pretty incredible.


Resort map of JW Marriott Khao Lak



I arrived by car from Phuket International Airport. The northward drive took about 1 hour and 30 minutes and traffic was clear all the way. Huge contrast to what it could have been if I drove south into Phuket instead. The are two parking areas. One near the lobby and another one near the tennis courts. Parking is free and I never had any trouble finding available space.



Entrance of JW Marriott Khao Lak



Beautiful driveway to the lobby



Small car park near the lobby



Drop off area and entrance to the lobby



The beautiful lobby



We were offered really refreshing towels and drinks at check-in. I was also offered a welcome gift choice of a snack plus one beverage or 1,000 points. This was probably the only time that I did not choose the points as my welcome gift. Scroll down to the welcome gifts below and you will know what I mean. As if the welcome gift is not enough, we were offered two drink coupons for each night for redemption at Czar Bar.


Welcome gift for Platinum members



Welcome letter for Platinum members



As a Platinum member, I was also upgraded to the beautiful Duplex Suite! The staff also took the effort to decorate the room as they knew that my birthday was just a few days prior. Looking at the details, I could tell that it took them a lot of time. Outstanding first impression!


Duplex Suite 4130 in Wing 4



Dining area



Living area



Decoration on my bed (HBD = Happy Birthday)



Pretty details



View from the upper level



Tub and sink in the bathroom



Aromatherapy Associates toiletries



Shower and toilet



Welcome gift



Close-up of the tasty banana muffins and juice



Entrance of Czar Bar



Warm lighting in Czar Bar



Our tasty cocktails



Platinum members are offered complimentary daily breakfast for two at Waterfront.


Waterfront



Asian food in Waterfront



Asian food buffet spread



Egg station in Waterfront



View of the large Waterfront restaurant



Breakfast with sea view



Let’s explore more of this resort.


Beach bar



Weather forecast



Ample beach chairs placed by the bar



There is a back gate where you you will find annoying taxi touts and masseuses. Put on your ear plugs and a fake smile and continue walking a little to the right. You will find miles of clean, empty beach and sometimes, horses.


Back gate where you can leave the resort



Long empty beach by the resort



Majestic horses



Aquamarine Pool Bar



Kids Pool



Connecting pool around the resort



More connecting pool



Besides the gym, you can stay active with complimentary activities or a game of tennis, squash or table-tennis.


The gym



List of daily activities



Kids CLub



Business Center with multiple workstations



Boardroom



Late Check-out Lounge



Clinic



ATM machines



Shuttle bus timetable



If you have to leave for the airport early in the morning, the hotel provides take-away breakfast boxes for you to bring along. Be sure to submit the take-away form beforehand.


Take-away breakfast boxes

Worth Noting

• Breakfast hours: 0630 - 1100 hours
• There is no Executive Lounge

Conclusion

Hospitality was brilliant from the beginning. I really wished that there was an Executive Lounge but the amenities offered somehow made up for it. There are some restaurants located by the beach with a reasonably priced menu after you walk pass the taxi touts if you want cheaper dining options. If you can find a date that works for you at the cheapest rate of 3,150 THB/night, it is an outstanding value. The next time you decide to land in Phuket International Airport (HKT), considering going North instead.

Ratings

Breakfast: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Location: 9/10
Room: 10/10
Facilities: 10/10
Executive lounge: -
Elite member recognition: 10/10