The bright blue swimming pool meanders through the hotel’s lush gardens, leading to the larger lagoon, and then flows further, seemingly forever onwards.
Welcome to a new water feature at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa in Southern Thailand. According to the hotel, this is the longest swimming pool in Southeast Asia.
The pool area was already long, some 1.9 kilometers, but the hotel added even more, extending the otherworldly bathing experience over 2.4 kilometers.
“This is the longest swimming pool in South East Asia, we are convinced of that. It is something we are very proud of and we can claim it,” said Hotel Manager Samer Alhaj.
JW Marriott may not be a water park, but it still offers plenty of fun activities that may be unique for a hotel in Thailand, Alhaj said.
One thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment. While some guests swim up and down the beach and sea, there are plenty of other attractions, such as a large trampoline beneath the fountain. There are slides for teens, a jacuzzi, a wave pool, and two swim-up bars.
You’ll also find small boats sailing on the water, such as Thailand’s famous floating market, offering fresh chilled coconuts to swimmers.
“What an experience,” said one French tourist. “Most pools are boring, but this one is definitely not, and it’s amazing!” he laughs, after all he didn’t swim the 2.4km. “I’ll find out more next time!”
The Khao Lak area is located in the south of Phang Nga province, directly on the Andaman Sea. Popular with tourists and the starting point for day trips to the Similan Islands for diving enthusiasts.
You can drive to Khao Lak in about an hour from Phuket Airport. – dpa
