JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this so-called “premium” hotel was more style than substance. A staff member courteously opened our car door only to vanish into thin air, leaving us awkwardly unloading our suitcases alongside the driver. For a hotel that prides itself on luxury, this was an astonishing misstep right out of the gate. Instead of a refreshing drink, we were handed an overly sweet, artificial-tasting ice cream that seemed more like a child’s birthday party favor than a thoughtful welcome. Not exactly the elegant arrival one would expect. After requesting an upgrade because it wasn’t offered we were told it would be arranged. However, when we returned later, it was obvious no one had taken action. We sat waiting for nearly two hours until frustration led us back to the front desk to push for answers. The upgraded room was finally given to us, but the lack of communication and coordination left a bitter taste. Our room, while offering direct pool access, was small and uncomfortably humid. Worse still, the floor remained perpetually damp with no mats or towels provided for guests coming in from the pool just soggy footprints trailing from the door to the shower. A detail that seems so basic, yet was completely overlooked. Cleanliness was another major letdown. Dust lined the floor and even clung to dishes in the room an unforgivable flaw in a hotel that markets itself as luxurious. But the most shocking discovery? No bidet or hygiene spray in the bathroom. In Asia, this is almost unthinkable. For a region that values cleanliness, the absence of such a standard fixture was truly astonishing and, frankly, unacceptable. Noise was a constant companion throughout our stay. Thin walls meant every sound from neighboring rooms echoed loudly, and nearby construction only added to the chaos. Mornings were particularly dreadful. The breakfast area felt more like a crowded theme park cafeteria than a relaxing dining space. Swarms of noisy families, children darting between tables, and a general sense of disorder made for an exhausting experience before the day even began. To be fair, the staff remained consistently warm and welcoming—smiling through the chaos and the hotel does feature a great gym and a long lap pool that’s perfect for a real swim. Dinner was surprisingly good as well, with dishes that were flavorful and well-presented. Still, I couldn’t be more relieved that we only booked for one night. Any longer, and this trip would’ve become a test of endurance rather than a holiday. This hotel might work for families with energetic kids, but if you’re seeking peace, comfort, or anything resembling true premium quality look elsewhere.

Outstanding resort! We stayed 6 nights and had a very relaxing time. The resort is beautiful, with lush gardens, a meandering pool, and plenty of facilities. We stayed in June which is the rainy season but it didn’t keep us from wandering the beach and enjoying the resort and Khao Lak. The beach is clean and quiet-there are a few restaurants along the beach outside the hotel with decent food and refreshments if you are not eating at the hotel restaurants. The service at the hotel is outstanding, no matter where you are in the hotel you are greeted and welcomed. The breakfast buffet has many offerings and good coffee. I like how the resort has separate adult and family areas. There is also a complementary shuttle to and from the night market and Khao Lak Center which is very convenient as the resort is a little far from town. We will definitely return!

I was really looking forward to a lovely stay at this resort, and while there were some enjoyable moments, a few aspects didn’t quite meet expectations. The weather wasn’t great for a few days, which limited some of the outdoor activities—but of course, that’s no one’s fault. When I finally had the chance to visit the beach bar, I was looking forward to relaxing, though I did end up waiting about 25 minutes for a drink, which was a bit disappointing. The pool could have been better maintained, as it didn’t feel as clean as you’d expect from a resort of this standard. One thing I noticed was that when private events were happening, like parties, some areas such as the restaurant were closed off, and it felt like more attention was given to those events than to regular guests. It took away a bit from the overall experience. Also, the prices here are on the higher side, especially compared to two other places we stayed during the same trip, which offered more consistent service and amenities. That said, the setting is beautiful and there’s definitely potential here. With a few improvements in service and guest prioritization, this could easily become the top-tier experience it aims to be.

This was our 5th visit to JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, and we’re still as amazed and in love with the experience as we were on day one. Friends often ask, “Why do you keep going back?” The answer is simple: the people. The genuine warmth, attention to detail, and thoughtful service delivered by the team make every stay feel like a return to our second home. The resort continues to evolve, but the heart and soul remain the same — warm hospitality, unforgettable experiences, and a deep sense of care. One standout this trip was the newly opened JW Garden — a lush, working organic farm that supplies the resort with fresh, seasonal produce. It’s home to over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and leaves, and even friendly residents like water buffalo, goats, ducks, and chickens that provide free-range eggs. A fantastic initiative that adds sustainability and charm to the resort experience — perfect for both adults and children to explore and learn. Another unforgettable highlight is the breakfast at JW Marriott Khao Lak — truly one of the best beachside breakfasts in Southeast Asia. The sheer variety and quality of food, the tropical ambiance, and the warm service make every morning an amazing experience. From Thai specialties to fresh bakery items, international classics, and healthy organic options, there’s something for everyone — and it’s all done exceptionally well. Special thanks to P'Pooh and her amazing team - K. Tong, K. Tanny, K. Jay and many more! This time, our stay truly felt like a wellness retreat. The Fitness Center & Wellness team (K. Bom, K. James, K. Fin, Yoga Teacher K. Benz, K. Lucky, K. Song, K. Nil, K. P.) — thank you for making our stay so motivating, healthy, and strongmade a huge impact on us — keeping us motivated, pushing us to grow, and helping us better understand our bodies through daily sessions in yoga, HIIT, CrossFit, and more. Thanks to their passion, energy, and encouragement, we left the resort not only more rested, but also healthier, stronger, and mentally refreshed. We’re so grateful to them for making wellness such an inspiring and empowering part of our holiday. The curated daily activities were a joy — from sunrise yoga and Muay Thai, to water yoga and kayaking in the lagoon. But nothing quite compares to sunset yoga at the Yoga Shala — surrounded by trees, the sounds of birds, and the glow of a beautiful Thai sunset. Pure serenity. Our child also had a wonderful time at the JW Kids Club, thanks to the loving care and creative energy of K. Apple, K. Bae, K. Rose, K. Kung, and K. Nana — always cheerful, patient, and full of fun ideas to keep little ones entertained and engaged. The team there goes above and beyond to create a joyful and safe space for kids. A special shout-out goes to Chef Aek at DRIFT — absolutely amazing! He constantly amazed us with his creativity and mastery in the kitchen, preparing special dishes that went above and beyond. We even ordered his signature tomahawk steak twice — perfectly cooked and unforgettable. Dining at DRIFT was a culinary highlight of our stay, thanks to his passion and talent. It’s rare to find a resort that not only maintains its high standards but gets better with every visit. Thank you, JW Marriott Khao Lak, for once again giving us such a memorable and heartfelt holiday. We’re already looking forward to visit #6!

Had an amazing stay at the JW in Khao Lak - our room was a swim up right to the lagoon, which made it perfect for early morning and evening swims, our favorite part of the day. We even got to see Charlie, the resident monitor lizard roaming around a couple times (he’s harmless and very cute)! The property itself is breathtaking. Being able to swim from our lagoon to the infinity pool, or swim-up bar, or even out towards the beach, was incredible. The trees are all lovely, making for picturesque views. Staff takes great care in keeping the property pristine 24/7. Staff were all wonderful and polite, always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand. They became familiar, friendly faces after staying for 4 days. Resort activities were great. Morning yoga on the beach was relaxing, and the waterfall hike was well-planned. We got to use the resort bikes (complimentary for the first hour) to explore the path to Memories Beach Bar - highly recommend as the path through the jungle is absolutely beautiful. They also offer garden and shark nursery tours, buffalo bathing, floating yoga, Pilates and Muay Thai, but ask for the resort activity sheet and book ahead as the activities can book out in advance. They have complimentary surfboards and stand up paddle boards too for the beach! The Thai/Japanese dinner buffet had good meal selections. Food can be a little pricey compared to normal Thailand prices on the resort, so we ate most of our meals at the adjacent restaurants (Friendship and Phen), or you could take the complimentary shuttle into town to try other local restaurants. Next to both restaurants are massage and laundry spots as well! My husband and I had an amazing time and cannot wait to come back again with more family and some friends!

The hotel is Excellent as a resort with so many activities to offer. My kids 13 and 6 years old twin boys didn’t want to leave.|I want to make a special thanks to “Mink” she helped us so many times with and she went out of her way to arrange our requests also she is very kind and a good English speaker. “Apple” she drove the golf cart to one activity and was singing with the kids she also works at the kids club. “Othman” greeting us and the kids at the lobby with his great energy and finally the ladies at the spa. ||The reason for the good review instead of excellent is the following:|- Lack of attendance to Muslim visitors by not indicating “Halal” food options or installing bidet shower (Shattaf) in bathrooms. |- Found a cockroach in the master bathroom and many insects entered the room in including small lizards from underneath the main door. ||I would really consider visiting again with my family and encourage friends to tag along to have a great memorable time.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this resort. It is ideal for families at one to spend the entire time inside one resort. Compared to other resorts in Asia, it is very well maintained and very good amenities. The beach is lovely and there is no road separating and Resort from the beach. It is clean and the water is nice.|The resort has so many pool areas so it never seems congested, even if the resort is fully booked. The breakfast is incredibly good, I recommend the eggs from their own farm, which is a great visit by bike or buggy with kids. They have goats and water buffalo’s and glass bottom boats. |The other restaurants are very nice, not cheap but not expensive either. The rooms are comfortable and clean.|Overall, a five star experience .

Absolutely incredible stay at JW Marriott Khao Lak! From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was top-notch. The staff are warm, attentive, and always ready to help with a smile. The resort itself is stunning — lush greenery, beautifully designed rooms, and one of the longest pools I’ve ever seen, winding its way throughout the property. Our room had direct pool access, which was such a treat. Clean, spacious, and very comfortable. Breakfast was a highlight every day: huge variety, fresh ingredients, and great coffee. The beachfront restaurant served amazing Thai dishes with a view of the sunset that’s hard to beat. Perfect for both families and couples. Whether you're lounging by the beach, enjoying the spa, or exploring the local area, there's something for everyone. Highly Recommended!