Thailand's Rayavadee Resort in Krabi launches Newly Restored Siamese Junk

The luxurious Rayavadee in Krabi, one of the most exclusive and secluded resorts in Thailand, has just completed a full renovation of their traditional Siamese Junk offering hotel guests the additional attraction of excursions on the Andaman Sea.

The Pla Luang is one of the last survivors of a fleet once built by Chinese merchants. The junk was historically utilised for the ancient trade in mangrove-tree charcoal from southern Thailand to as far a field as Singapore.

Extensive renovations, including a new teak cabin, designed in the style of a traditional Thai house, pantry, a spacious bathroom and changing room, now enable the 16.5 metre junk to cater for "full service excursions" such as BBQ dinners through the myriad of nearby tropical islands. The junk is also used for sunset cocktail cruises and snorkelling expeditions.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Rayavadee is styled after a southern Thai village in 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical gardens accessible only by sea -- backed by limestone mountains and bordered by three National Park beaches, including Phra Nang, rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Aboard the Pla Luang, guests also have convenient access to islands including Phi Phi, renowned as the location for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The resort features 98 one and two-bedroom pavilions and five exclusive beachfront villas. Its award winning Rayavadee Spa, offering a wide range of massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, baths and beauty treatments, is hailed as one of the most relaxing sanctuaries in southern Thailand.

Gourmet dining ranges from the elegant yet informal Raya Dining Room & Lounge, serving western and Thai specialties, to traditional Thai cuisine at the beachfront Krua Phranang Restaurant and Bar; informal meals at the poolside Raitalay Terrace; and lunchtime snacks and evening barbeques in The Grotto, nestled in the nearby waterfront limestone cliffs.

The five new private beachfront villas with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea offer the ultimate in indulgent luxury including a private butler service. Rayavadee Villa, the signature hideaway, is an elegant oasis on Phra Nang beach with a private pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Rai Talay Villa is the ultimate in secluded hedonism only metres from the shore of Railay Beach, complete with hydro-pool. Three Phra Nang Villas are hidden amid dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking Phra Nang beach. Two have private pools, the third has its own Jacuzzi.

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