Had a very enjoyable 5 night stay here at the end of January. The resort as has been said previously is quite remote but there are a few bars and restaurants located just a few minutes walk away.
We had a deluxe room and it fulfilled our requirements. It was very spacious and had a superb bathroom. We didn't have much of a view because we were located on the ground floor of a block of four rooms however, this didn't detract from spending a couple of hours each evening sipping a cold beer.
Our room was located in the bottom part of the resort and we did venture up to the Pool Villa part of the resort. The views were fantastic as well as the infinity pool up there. We didn't spend a huge amount of time there because we preferred the beach aspect of this resort.
The breakfast buffet is out of this world with so much to choose from including fresh breads and pastries to freshly cooked eggs, traditional Thai and fruit
The beach is fantastic and is plenty long enough for a good walk if inclined.
The only downside of the Pimalai is the price of the food and drink. We had dinner one night at the Rice and Spice restaurant and to be honest for what it cost was a bit disappointing. 1 starter, 2 mains and 2 carafes of white wine came to an astonishing 2600 baht.
We therefore took all of our remaining meals at a nice little place along the beach (Bay Front).
We appreciate that a 5 star resort doesn't come cheap but a bottle of Chang will cost you 180 baht after tax and service charges. Down the beach 60 baht!!
There is a 7-11 in the small town so if you do tend to like a tipple pop down there and fill your fridge in the room, which numerous guests seemed to be doing.
Overall a lovely place but with the food and drink prices we felt it tended to push guests to other locations in the area.

Second time at the pimali even more beautiful this time
worth the long journey.beach truly stunning and the hotel beautiful also the grounds are breathtaking nice little restaurants along the beach if you dont want to eat at the hotel

After seeing photos and reading positive reviews on the Pimalai I had my heart set on going there - it exceeded my expectations, such a beautiful place. My partner and I stayed at the Pimalai for 12 days and can honestly say it was the best holiday we've ever had.

Greeting at the airport was swift and easy, we were provided with chilled water and travelled to the Pimalai in the minibus (which went on a ferry). Normally you'd go on their private speedboat but when we arrived the tides were in the wrong place for that. Check in was swift and easy and we were given a room upgrade (which we later found out they do as standard when the hotel is not full - what a fantastic policy!). Words cannot even describe the beauty of the grounds and the room. The whole place is set in the forest basically so you're surrounded by trees and natural beauty, but the Pimalai has managed this so well when being built, incorporating the trees, streams etc into the way the resort is set out. Makes you feel like you're part of the scenery rather than it being pulled down to accommodate a new hotel (as it is the eco approach at this resort is the best I've ever known - don't put straws in drinks because they end up in sewage system, have introduced conservation of local clown fish population, have own water reservoirs etc). Our room had an outside tap to be able to wash your feet, had it's own sunbeds on a little decking area, a 'lounge' area with sofa and tv, HUGE bed, bathroom with inside shower, bath, outside shower and two sinks. Wardrobe area even provides you with beach bag, dressing gown, slippers, flip flops, decent hairdryer, torch etc. Every day we had a turn down service with flowers left for us, fresh fruit and freshly made biscuits left every day. Plenty of chilled and room temperature water as well as tea and decent coffee. Cleanliness was perfect - maids were great and security fantastic (one day I left the safe open, the Manager came down and closed it with new code and left note for us to visit reception to get it sorted).

Location - it's quite far out and somewhat on it's own as a resort. We loved this, others may not. There's a beach bar down the beach which was quite fun with live music and cheap drinks (WARNING - going elsewhere makes you realise how well the Pimalai manage the bugs, when at this other bar I got bitten badly!!). The possible downside for this resort is just how steep it is to get everywhere, we're reasonably fit so managed it. To be honest though, they have golf buggy's if you need to be picked up, and the staff were so amazing I think if you asked them to carry you they'd find a way!!

Food - WOW, so good. They bake fresh breads and pastries twice a day (make sure you eat the breakfast pastries - incredible), buffet breakfast is a mix of naughty, healthy, yet all so good. We tended to fill up on breakfast, eat the fruit from the room for lunch and then just have dinner as we were half board and didn't want to pay for lunch. We had lunch once, which was lovely. Went to another hotel's beach bar once for some cheaper food - disgusting, wish we hadn't bothered. Dinner wise - we ate at the restaurant on the beach - Rak Talay - seafood and meat, Spice n Rice - Thai food (which is where you also have breakfast), and Seven Seas - posher food. All were amazing, seafood - you could choose your own lobster! Wine was also good (have to pay for all alcohol if you're half board), as were cocktails. Due to the location of the Pimalai they sometimes haven't had deliveries of certain foods/wines - totally u nderstandable and there's always an alternative.

Pools/Beach - as we weren't in a villa that had it's own private pool we used the two available pools (at the lower resort, and upper resort). Both were lovely, we had beach towels provided in the room that we took with us. Pools are clean, there's a jucuzzi and you get brought water and fruit sometimes. Can't fault any of it. Beach was gorgeous. Loads of comfy sunbeds well spaced out for privacy. Guy from the beach bar walked all the way to us at the other end of the beach with iced water! There's also security both sides of the beach so we felt 100% safe.

Facilities - we used the gym a few times which is really well equipped. You can get a little electric golf buggy to go from the lower to the upper resort (where they gym is) but we chose not to - there's a lot of steps so we started our workout early!!! Used the spa once as well for a massage each. Ambiance and surroundings are beyond stunning (any UK spa just won't be good enough anymore!!) and the massage was lovely.

Trips - we were keen to go on a few trips/activities. We did Thai cooking within the Pimalai, kayaking and monkey feeding, and elephant ride/waterfall. Thai cooking was so good, the chef who taught us was friendly, professional and happy to answer all our questions. You even get a Pimalai apron, framed certificate and recipe sheets to take away with you! Kayaking was ok, I found it a bit boring (realised I don't really like monkeys and you can see plenty at the resort anyway). Elephant ride and waterfall is well worth it (if you tip your guide on the first elephant ride he seems to let you do more on the way back eg sit on elephant's head whilst he walks on ground taking loads of photos). We then had a different guide going up the stream to the waterfall - really knowledgable, happy to chat to us. We also did Scuba Diving through ScubaFish (based at the Pimalai) - this is also well worth it. Our divemaster Louise was incredibly patient and took us round to see loads of marine life. Well worth the money.

The staff at the Pimalai could not have done more to make our stay amazing. Even when I was suffering with mosquito bites (from the bar down the beach) they gave me cream and were happy to call the doctor anytime I wanted if I required. The Food & Beverage manager was doing the rounds whilst people were having breakfast/dinner and spoke to us a number of times which is a lovely thing to do. All staff would probably do anything you asked and were also so respectful of our privacy whilst still being really friendly.

Bear in mind that this resort is set in the rainforest so there are wild animals there - monkeys, snakes, lizards. We didn't see a huge amount and when we had a snake in our outside shower, you just call reception and they come and catch it straight away. Never felt unsafe.

Weather - we were there at the end of rainy season. Temperature was perfect. There was lightning storms out to sea most nights which were spectacular, we had one day of rain and every now and then there would be one hour in the late afternoon of rain but that's it.

Overall - best holiday we've ever had. Might be difficult to stay there if you have mobility issues due to the steepness of the hills but I'm sure they would accommodate you! We loved it so much that we recommended it to friends who are now going there on their honeymoon!

My first experience at Pimalai in 2007 was grand! Everything seemed so precise and luxe : from the airport pick up and speedboat drop off at the hotel jetty, to the excelling staff.

Four years later, there are rough edges showing in my opinion. I didn't really see any signs of wear on the villas or grounds at all as others have commented. Everything seems to be kept in pristine condition, even though some items are looking a bit dated compared to newer resorts.

This last trip the speedboat was not running so we had to take the longer journey via three different vans and a ferry. We were told that the weather was not permitting, but there was no rain and the surf looked as mild as it ever does. I also noticed that the fountains, waterfalls and water effects were not running around the grounds and pools most of the time. The buggies that used to be available for going up and down the steep hill to the villas is now supposed to only be used for check in and checkout, and the infirm (to preserve the environment). Not to be too picky, but these and a few other minor issues left us with the impression they were they were really just cutting costs, despite whatever explanations we heard...Just our observation.

Koh Lanta and the Pimalai are more remote for the most part ... this is not the Phuket area. Although there are some little restaurants/ bars, a 7-11, a pharmacy, etc. within a short walk up the road, (we did this walk several times without incident. fyi), you will likely spend most of your time at the resort. Plan accordingly.

OVERALL.... Pimalai is a unique spot with fantastic views and sunsets !!! Breakfast and all of our meals were just fine! Housekeeping was excellent ! Bottles of water are replenished generously each day, etc. I LOVE the soaps and lotions they make and provide... The spa is very good. And we had no problems with check-in / check-out billing issues, etc either.

As I said in my title... We still love the place. And wouldn't hesitate to recommend the place to friends and family.