The Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort and Villas Review

The beautiful and stunning beach of Khao Lak, Thailand, is quiet and unspoilt, with a relaxed vibe and just the right amount of hotels dotted along the pure white sand beach to make it a true “bare foot’ luxury holiday destination. One of Khao Lak’s newest hotel resorts is the ultra luxurious Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort and Villas, at just over a year old and sister hotel to the Devasom Hua Hin, this hotel exudes a polished and refined luxury experience, where guests are guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed and recharged.

The Luxury Editor was asked in February to discover more about this new premium resort in the district of Phang-Nga. Read on to discover more about why we rate this as one of the best luxury hotels in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Background & Concept

The Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort and Villas is the perfect Thai luxury resort to really get away from it all. Located on the waters of a natural lagoon to one side and the pristine shores of Khao Lak’s most stunning sunset beach Khuk Khak Beach, to the other, this truly unique beachfront resort is set in an enchanting place where two worlds meet. The hotel is the newest luxury property to open in Khao Lak having launched in 2018, it is also the second Devasom property to open in Thailand with its sister and multi award-winning property in Hua Hin being regularly ranked among the best small luxury resorts in Thailand. The property itself sits across three hectares of lush manicured grounds and at only 69 guest-rooms and suites there is a real feeling off having plenty of space to yourself.

The resort design pays homage to the 6th and 7th century taking influence from India and Sri Lanka and the land the resort was built on was a key trading post in the Spice Road. In fact the area was once known as Takola and evidence dates back more than 1400 years show it was a significant trading post during the period . Many of the hotels doors, tiles and bricks were imported from places on the Spice Road, like the massive wooden doors at the reception and bricks leading along from reception into the main complex of the hotel.

In addition to the stunningly beautiful setting, Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort and Villas has an infinity pool looking out to the beach, two restaurants serving exquisite Thai and Western cuisine, a beach grill and bar, wine cellar, spa and gym. You can hire bikes to explore the local area, go out in a kayak in the lagoon, for families there’s even a kids club to keep the little ones entertained and daily shuttle buses can take you up to Khao Lak village free of charge.

Lobby & Check In

As you drive up to the front of the hotel complex there is a real feeling of exclusivity as your taxi driver shows ID to security the gate is drawn back and up your car heads to the lobby. Your car door is opened for you and a warm greeting is given by multiple receptionists and porters as your bags are whisked away and you are guided to a lobby sofa.

It’s hot here all year round and even under the gentle swishing of a fan spinning on the roof, the welcome drink, chilled towel and fresh coconut water is a great way to refresh yourself when you arrive.

Devasom translates to “Deva” meaning “angels” and “Ashram” meaning “residence” and guests are asked to ring the gong upon checking in to connect with the angels.

Location

Positioned perfectly on Khuk Khuk beach you have wonderful sunsets and the surrounding beach to yourself. You can walk about ten minutes to some local beach bars and restaurants and the JW Marriott is around a 15 minute walk along the beach. If you want to visit Khal Lok village the hotel offer a complimentary shuttle bus throughout the day which takes 20 minutes each way.

You can hire hotel bikes for free and explore the area, there is a beautiful Buddhist temple complex and Chinese temple around 10/15 minutes by bike which is well worth exploring. If you want to go further afield you can explore more of Phang Nga on a day excursion and bringing it back closer to home, the hotel offer free kayaking in the lagoon, where you can explore the surrounding waterways and mangroves around the hotel, which is lots of fun.

The nearest airport is Phuket which is a 1 hour 15 minute journey by taxi and the hotel can organise airport pickup and drop-off in one of the fleet of cars.

Guest Accommodation

Built across quite a large space and surrounded by rich tropical gardens and coconut groves the resort is home to just 69 guest rooms, suites and villas making it truly boutique in service and style. Guest accommodation come in six categories and range from their classic Seaside Grand Deluxe rooms, which are laid out in a traditional hotel bedroom format, through to their large Junior Suites with jacuzzi and Pool Paradise Suites complete with your own private pool. If you are wanting even more space, taking your family and want barefoot access to the beach then their pool villas are incredible. Or if you want to go all out their two Devasom Sky Villa Pool Penthouses really have the WOW factor!

Get a flavour of the various room categories below.

Seaside Grand Deluxe Rooms

Seaside Grand Deluxe rooms sit in the front building looking directly out to the Andaman Sea, they are generous in size at 54m2, with each room featuring king sized beds, private balconies, free mini bar restocked daily, tea and coffee facilities, free WIFI, TV and Bluetooth speakers.

Seaside Pool Paradise Suites

During our stay at the resort we enjoyed one of their Sky Pool Paradise Suites. There are 12 of these suites which look out to the lagoon and Andaman Sea. They are very generous in size at 105m2, with a separate bedroom and lounge, large marble finished bathroom, with separate dressing room which leads onto the rain shower area. What makes these rooms so special is that they have their very own private pools. Clever design means they are very private too, so when you are in your own pool area you feel like you have the whole lagoon to yourself.

The infinity pool is 5x 2.4m and the space includes two sun loungers and day bed.

There is a real feeling of space in these suites thanks to the open plan design, the dressing room wall beside the bath slides back and the full floor to ceiling patio windows in the bedroom slide back.

The mini bar is complimentary and replenished daily and if you need anything in between times the staff are incredibly helpful.

The bathroom amenities are endless and if there is something else you need just ask. I burnt myself one of the days I was staying there and they kindly brought some fresh aloe vera gel to me.

There is an evening turn down service so when you come back from dinner lighting has been adjusted, slippers by the bed and the duvet turned down for you.

Beachfront Pool Villas

Beachfront Pool Villas come in one and two bedroom formats. They combine space with privacy and all of them have barefoot beach access, meaning you can take off your flip flops onto the sand at your villa and straight onto the beach. The one bedrooms are 150-160m2 in size, while the two bedrooms are 190-200m2 both feature separate living lounge spaces and bedroom, a private infinity pool with spa jets, outdoor deck and daybed.

Devasom Sky Villa Pool Penthouses

If you want to go completely all out, their two penthouses are really incredible. At 430m2 and perched on the roof of the hotel, the have uninterrupted panoramic views looking out across the beach and ocean. Each of the villas features two bedrooms, a separate living room, dining pavilion, dining room and bar, a private 17m lap pool with spa jets, and courtyard complete with sun loungers. Access to the penthouses is via your private elevator, they also include butler services, airport transfers during your stay are complimentary too.

Both bedrooms include their own indoor jacuzzi while the master bedroom has a walk in twin rain shower area.

The courtyard includes plenty of space for couples or a family to relax in.

Food and Drink

The resort features two restaurants Takola Restaurant and Wine Cellar which serves up Thai and Western cuisines in the all day dining restaurant under the lobby and you can sit inside or outside. While the Devasom Beach Grill and Bar next to the pool serves a selection of Mediterranean food, cocktails, locally caught seafood and meats.

Takola

Breakfast

Breakfast takes place in Takola and offers a wide variety of western and eastern buffet items as well as an egg station where you can have your eggs cooked any way you like.

Devasom Beach Grill

There are frequent cocktail parties at the hotel which take place at sunset, we joined one during our stay, the party includes complimentary cocktails and nibbles as the sunset.

For something extra special for couples the observation tower can be turned into a private dining spot where you can celebrate an evening with a personal waiter and views looking out to the sea.

Spa

If you’re seeking a spa hotel in Thailand with yoga, mindfulness opportunities and one of the most beautiful spa areas we have ever been to then this is it! Inspired by the ancient healing arts of Thailand, treatments at the Devasom Spa traditional, lymphatic or oriental massages, rejuvenating facials and body wraps, the spa area itself is incredible, with traditional Thai massages taking place in their outdoor spa area surrounded by marble and water. Staff can tailor a package from one hour to seven days, ensuring you return home fully restored from head to toe. We have included this spa in our guide to the best spas in Thailand.

The Library

If you are looking for some quiet time or to catch up on some emails, then head to the Library.

Pool and Beach

There are two pools at the resort and plenty of sun loungers so you can relax at and spend a day by the pool and beach relaxing.

As the resort is located next to a lagoon it offers a very sheltered area to go kayaking and the hotel offers free kayak hire.

Final Thoughts

The Devasom Khao Lak is an incredible resort. The guest accommodation is stunning, while the amount of space the resort is laid out over and the ratio of guests means it feels relaxed at all times. The service is first class, staff cannot do enough to help, the spa is most certainly one of the best we have been to and the dining options on offer are guaranteed to delight. We loved our stay here and can’t wait to visit again, it is without doubt one of the best hotels in Thailand.