The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand was days from opening when the 2004 tsunami struck. At the time Khao Lak was Thailand’s fastest growing tourist destination and nearly 60% of its hotels were under construction. Many of those hotels have been raised from the destruction of the tsunami but luxury 5 star resort, The Sarojin has a special story.

The Sarojin finally opened 8 months after the tsunami, having employed its existing staff to literally rebuild the resort. Every room is named after a staff member to recognise that effort. That commitment to the locals breeds loyalty. Maybe that’s why so many visitors report that The Sarojin is not just an amazingly beautiful resort but that the staff are exceptional even for Thailand, a country renowned for customer service. Nothing is too much trouble, managers introduce themselves to new arrivals and try to fulfill every strange “farang” request they receive.

Today thanks to the miracle of the fast growing tropical vegetation almost all signs of the 2004 disaster have disappeared. The local authorities have also recognized that coastal vegetation can protect against storms and tsunamis and have developed an extensive re-vegetation program along the coastal strip. Khao Lak, and Phuket Island are well and truly open for business once more.

The Sarojin is about 20 minutes by taxi from the Khao Lak town. The town provides great options for meals, shopping, markets and bars and clubs. The Sarojin is about one hour north of Phuket International Airport, in the Phang Nga province of Thailand.

Many guests at The Sarojin will probably never leave the resort. Which is possibly why The Sarojin has just been named “Asia’s leading boutique hotel” for a third consecutive year. The garden setting provides direct private access to 11km of secluded white sand beach, the sheltering Pakarany Cape, allows year-round swimming and water sports.

The Sarojin has only 56 guest residences (each 95-150 sq m) set in a secluded and sheltered 10 acres by the beach providing all year round swimming and has plunge pools, spa pools, intimate couples baths, rainfall showers, private gardens, spa, fitness and dining tables set in extraordinary locations.

Dining options include both the formal Ficus Restaurant (under a large tree!) or beside the shimmering Andaman Sea at the Edge restaurant. Alternatively for the same price meals can be delivered wherever you want: your own private beach barbecue; pool island pavilions; or in the
intimacy of your private dining sala. Or walk down the beach to a local restaurant: probably not as high class but well worth a look for a cheap lunch and a cold beer.
If you can drag yourself away from the plunge pools and beach recliners more energetic options include diving and snorkeling trips to the nearby famous Similan Islands National Park in the Andaman Sea. Or maybe a Thai Cooking class complete with a market visit to buy your ingredients with one of the resort’s talented chefs.

The Sarojin really has risen from the destruction of 2004 and it just one of the shining examples of the positive side of tourism in developing countries such as Thailand. We kept the best to last: we think the pool should be feature on any list of top luxury swimming pools of the world: 

CB Richard Ellis´ sales at an exhibition in Bangkok during May increased 80% over 2007 reports Asia Property Report. The company sold fifty condo units worth a total of $20.5 million US, located in Pattaya, Bangkok and other resort destinations . CBRE says that one of the main reasons for the impressive sales figures is competitive pricing on Thai property - otherwise known as a discount.

Construction costs in Thailand account for a larger portion of the property´s overall cost; as a result, the difference between price and replacement cost is lower than in many other markets. “Millennium Residences,” located in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok´s expat district, achieved the highest sales in total condo units and value. That was followed by “The Pano,” a luxury development on Bangkok´s Chao Phraya River. The Pano has generally been more popular with Thai buyers, but the weekend saw a number of purchases by foreigners.

Strong sales were also seen at “Royce Private Residences,” in Sukhumvit and the “Watermark,” another riverside development.

Pattaya´s “White Sand Beach,” achieved sales of 14 units. White Sand Beach is currently one of the largest projects in Pattaya, with 303 high-rise waterfront condominium and 240 low-rise island lagoon condominium units covering an area of 24 acres that includes a Movenpick Hotel, along with proximity to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, which adds to its popularity.

The Thai economy continues to grow in 2008 with the return of a democratically-elected government. International tourist arrivals in 2007 were up five per cent.

Asia property report