Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon Opens

The Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon Khao Lak Resort officially opened Sunday (15 December) in Thailand's emerging Phangnga province north of Phuket. The brand new luxury resort is located just 85 kilometres, less than a one-hour drive, north of Phuket International Airport.

Accor's innovative Coralia resort label is ideally suited for the hotel's attractive Thai-style architecture, which blends perfectly with its lagoon-style landscaping. All buildings are a maximum of three stories high keeping the structure under the tree line and offering stunning sea-views from many rooms. Most primary building materials have been sourced locally in Thailand.

Guestrooms on the ground floor have easy access to one of Asia's largest lagoon-style (4,008 sqm) swimming pools, with the 50-sqm rooms (including terrace or balcony) accentuating the spacious resort. 

Ninety-two rooms opened on December 15 with four superior restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood, Mediterranean fare or outstanding Thai cuisine. The resort will be closed early May 2003 for construction of the second phase. It will re-open in November 2003 with a total of 308 rooms including a 200-pax meeting facility with four smaller break-out rooms.

By 2004 it will be the first hotel in Khao Lak to remain open all year, unlike neighbouring resorts that close during Thailand's traditional low season between May to November.

Tucked into a pristine stretch of Khuk Khak beach, the area surrounding Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon is spotlessly clean and uncrowded except for the occasional deckchair. There are miles of white-sand beaches and around 30 small resort-type hotels in the area but no nightlife, high-rise buildings or shopping malls. 

Once the second phase is finished the hotel will offer a complete range of water sports and recreational facilities, in addition to two tennis courts, football training pitch, a luxurious spa and fitness centre.

For guests looking for adventure, the hotel's Discovery Desk is a guide to explore the nearby Similan Islands where sunken shipwrecks and spectacular coral reefs are the highlight of any dive trip. Excursions to the Khao Lak, Khao Sok or Lam Ru National Parks are prime trekking territory, including the nearby Chong Fah Waterfall, where visitors can cool down in one of the many freshwater pools after a vigorous four-hour walk.

Both the hotel and the destination are ideally suited for families with children. Novotel Coralia's Kids' Club concept keeps young ones entertained while parents relax on the beach or enjoy a revitalising traditional Thai massage.

The Novotel Coralia Magic Lagoon will be the first internationally managed hotel in Khao Lak - and combined with the nearby Novotel Coralia Phuket - Accor is able to offer two outstanding resorts in one of Thailand's finest beach destinations.