Khao Lak is one of those resort and adventure destinations that has eluded me over the years. I had been hearing about it alot from friends and blogs who had gone there for surfing or staying at one of the fancy resorts. That’s when I decided to visit it myself and managed to stay at the JW Marriott Khao Lak.

Before I went, I had no idea how my experience would be. A resort is a resort after all. I’m not the type of person to stay at a hotel or resort for long as I prefer to explore more.

Surprisingly, I actually ended up spending a lot of time at JW Marriott Khao Lak.

Why?

Well, there are plenty of reasons to stay at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort such as these Instagram-worthy photo spots and a bunch of fun things to do.

Lobby

JW really understands the power of social media. Right from the bat, you are welcomed with smiling (behind masks) and friendly staff.

While waiting for your check-in, make sure you get some photos in the lobby. It is beautifully decorated, resonating with the iconic brand of JW Marriott. The style is a mix between traditional Thai and contemporary.

Pool and beach view

From the lobby, walk straight out the door and you will see the iconic view of JW Marriott Khao Lak overlooking the pool and ocean.

This is one of their popular spots for photo ops. The good thing about this is that there are several ways and angles you can take this shot. You can either walk on the fountain platform or swim around in the pool. Too bad diving is not allowed. That could be a sick photo!

Below the lobby

While facing the pool and beach from the lobby, walk downstairs and to the left. You will see this backdrop of the lobby and bar terrace area.

I noticed it quite late (right before checking out) and thought it was a nice pick for this post. You can frame it from far or close up. Either way, quite aesthetic.

White wall

I can’t exactly remember where but around the corner from the previous spot, is this plain white wall.

On its own, it may be nothing or unappealing, but a blank canvas is a space for you to be creative. Use your imagination and creativity here.

Czar bar entrance

The door and entrance of Czar bar next to the lobby is also very aesthetic. If you look unique doors, this is a definite photo op for you.

Facing the hotel lobby

This is another ‘hero shot’ of the resort, as the marketing director tells me. I couldn’t agree more.

To get this view, walk along the pool from the lobby and then on to the fountain platform. Again, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this shot.

Pathways to rooms

You will find there are lots of hidden pathways leading up to the resort rooms. It is simply about keeping an eye out. These maze-like walkways make for a great framed shot and a bit of kick to your Instagram feed.

More white walls

Walk around the resort to find more white walls with lantern-like cutouts. Another great canvas for your artistic shots. At night these light up as well so you can even play with that.

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Inside the rooms

Even the resort’s 300 rooms are exquisitely designed and aesthetically pleasing for photography. Whether you are staying in the deluxe pool-access, duplex suite, Executive Suite, or the 2-Bedroom Suite, there are so many ways you can capture amazing photos.

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I stayed in the deluxe pool-access room but managed to check out the duplex room as well (left).

Any of the bridges

Bridges make ideal photoshoots and JW is dotted with them. They are all over the resort to connect platforms and to get your across the meandering swimming pool.

You can get really creative with your Insta-shots on these bridges. Get an angle from straight from the front, behind, above, or under.

You can even stand on the bridge and take pictures of you or your friend/significant other in the pool. The options are limitless.

3 fun things to do

BTW, this resort is listed in the top 10 best hotels in Khao Lak according to Hotels.com. They also mention that guests have very little reason to leave the property during their stay.

Here’s why.

Sports, fitness and bike tour

What I love about JW Marriott Khao Lak (and other JWs also) is that there are so many recreational activities at the resort. Apart from a fitness and yoga center, they also have a squash and tennis court.

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There are water activities at JW Marriott Khao Lak as well. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard. In the future, they may also have surfboards. I think this is an awesome way to spend your beach vacation.

Another exciting activity here is the bike tour that they offer periodically. You can rent a bicycle on your own to explore the surrounding area as well.

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I decided to join the bike tour (only one) during my stay. The guide took me to a nearby temple and lake. It took about 40 minutes.

Eat or drink by the beach

In between taking pictures and partaking in the activities at the resort, take some time to wine and dine at the restaurant and bar.

The Olive restaurant, just a few meters from the beach, currently serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food at Olive is excellent, especially the breakfast buffet. There was a bit of everything – Intercontinental, Asian, and even Indian options.

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Due to COVID, all the other restaurants were shut at the moment, so Olive was a one-stop restaurant. By December, they are scheduled to reopen.

The Beach Bar was my favorite place to wind down in the evening. Cocktail in hand, sound of waves crashing and a gorgeous sunset – who could ask for anything better?

Swim around the resort, literally

The swimming pool at JW Marriott Khao Lak isn’t like most other pools. It is quite possibly the most intricate one that I have seen.

It connects each and every room on the ground floor, twisting and turning around the resort. We were told it is about 3 km if you put it all together in a straight line, which is quite impressive!

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A cool thing to do would be to bring a float and meander around the entire resort via the pool. I wish I did that.

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Hopefully, this post inspired you to visit and stay at JW Marriott Khao Lak. I had a great time and even thought to myself that 2 days here was not enough. I needed at least another day or two.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
41/12 Moo 3 Khuk Khak, Takua Pa District, Phang-nga 82220
076 584 888 | jw.khaolak.reservation@marriott.com