“This must be what a king feels like.” My husband is up to his neck in the soothing coolness of our private pool at Pimann Buri. “Beyond heavenly,” I agree.
The luxury resort marketplace is very competitive throughout Thailand, with big hotel names and independents alike vying for your business. In Krabi, the folks at Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas are “in it to win it” with a superlative setting and an outstanding experience to offer you.
Secluded from, but very close to, the stunning Ao Nang beach and environs, Pimann Buri allows for a getaway which can be as private and self-contained as you wish. Services and entertainment in Ao Nang and Krabi town are reached by complimentary shuttle. The hotel can arrange any number of wonderful excursions to ensure a memorable stay, or you can choose to enjoy a private retreat within the confines of your spacious villa with private pool.
Our Experience: There is just no other way to put it: we were treated like royalty at Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas. Named from the Sanskrit for “Heavenly City,” Pimann Buri is minutes away from Ao Nang beach and the bustle of Krabi Town, but may as well be in a different world altogether. This is a most heavenly world, in which every comfort and want is anticipated and delivered with an air of effortlessness. This is a lifestyle we could very easily and very quickly get used to!
Our Pool Villa. Photo Credit: Pimann Buri
When we were invited to visit and review Pimann Buri, the anticipation began to build immediately. A series of emails inquired: Would we like to have their in-house person arrange for excursions? Would we be up for a junk boat island dinner cruise? Would we be able to eat spicy food? Did we have any special medical or food allergy issues our personal chef (!) and driver should consider? Did we want to go elephant trekking? How would we like to visit the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs in the jungle? Would we care to visit the spa for treatments? When would we arrive in Krabi so that they could be waiting for us?
As it turned out, our arrival was somewhat unusual. After taking the train from Hua Hin to Surat Thani, we had a bit of an escapade catching a bus to Krabi. No matter, Pimann Buri managers Kan and Nui, along with driver Anurak were waiting for us at the “bus stop” (which is really just a designated area on the main street) in Krabi town. When we return to Krabi (and we most certainly will), we’ll fly.
Within a few minutes after our chaotic arrival, we were delivered to our three-bedroom villa at Pimann Buri. And oh, what a villa! If you were to design a house from scratch, this villa’s layout and appointments would inspire you. Every detail was carefully thought and rendered. Clustered around our private pool, each living space had an abundance of windows, its own TV and entertainment system, and separate air conditioning. The layout offered lots of privacy, yet was suitable for non-family or family groups.
Main living area: An open concept space with fully-equipped theatre kitchen, semi-formal dining space, and sumptuous seating area. Light and bright with windows on three sides. Access to the back garden, and ½ bath.
Master suite: Luxurious king bed and dressing table/desk display area. Overlooking the pool. Dressing alcove with generous closets leads to the bath.
Master bath: Enormous with separate lav, shower, toilet and whirlpool bathing zones. Outdoor shower in secluded lanai.
Bedrooms 2 (with queen bed) and 3 (with twin beds) each had their own private bath. More than comfortable for six people, the villa can accommodate up to nine.
Life spent entirely at Pimann Buri during your stay would be extremely enjoyable on its own, but they are committed to providing you with unique experiences tailored to your interests as well.
Jungle Tour: Within about a half hour’s drive of Krabi is the Thung Teo Forest National Park, which offers unusual natural attractions in a jungle setting. A leisurely walk takes you past hot spring-fed pools, a hermit’s shrine and back to the most amazing phosporescent swimming pool blue pool – the Crystal Lagoon – we’ve ever seen. Our driver, Anurak, was most solicitous of us as we made our way through slippery walkways and standing water to get to these phenomena.
After lunch, we visited the hot springs, where visitors languished in the warm, supposedly medicinally beneficial mineral pools.
And finally, Anurak delivered us to see Wat Kaew Ko Wararam Temple, the “white temple” in Krabi.
Spa Experience: We’ve become big fans of the couple’s massage experience and Pimann Buri’s partner, Boosabakorn Spa, is the most luxurious in Krabi Town. We selected a coconut body scrub, and then an aromatic oil massage.
Junk Boat Island Dinner Cruise: Accompanied by Som-O from Pimann Buri, we boarded a vintage junk boat for a leisurely cruise around Poda, Tub and Chicken Islands. After stopping at a secluded beach for snorkeling, crewmembers grilled up a magnificent on-board dinner of tasty seafood just before a magnificent sunset. We then outran a gathering storm (which made for fantastic photos) to get back to shore safe and sound.
Private Poolside Seafood Barbeque: Staff set up a festive atmosphere with party lights and special table setting, then cooked an astonishing array of traditional Thai seafood: soft-shell crab, prawns and fish, with side dishes, wine and fruit dessert. We received white glove service at our dining table for a truly remarkable experience.
Favorite Details: The pool and sundeck transitioned each space from another. Rooms were entered via sliding glass doors in a nod to traditional Thai style. This was a private world in which we could have gladly stayed for months on end. Our villa’s pool was generously sized, with a beautiful water feature. We used it multiple times each day, but perhaps the most enjoyable was in the evening in the peaceful moonlight.
Staff members at Pimann Buri are a very special group. Our chef, Mr. Loh and his assistant, Arm, delivered enormous meals with artistic flair, and remembered our preferences. You can also choose to prepare breakfast yourself from a complimentary grocery basket delivered to your villa, but why would you when you could have Mr. Loh? Our driver, Anurak, transported us into the jungle to visit hot springs and hidden pools in the National Park, and delivered us to our train in Surat Thani early in the morning with a goodbye hug. Charming personal assistance was provided by Fah onsite, and Son-O, who also joined us on the Junk Boat Islands tour. Tik and housekeeping staff invisibly ensured our villa was constantly spotless.
All of this was made possible through the direction and leadership of Kan and Nui, the management team. We wanted for absolutely nothing, and were made to feel as though we were their only guests.
Hotel Particulars: Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas, 618 Moo 2, Ao Nang Sub-District, Muang District, Krabi, Thailand 81000. Tel. 66 (0)5-695115. Email: info@pimannburi.com
Pricing: Two bedroom villa including breakfast is 24,700THB (about $690USD at the time of this writing) per night. Three bedroom villa including breakfast is 30,700THB (about $860USD at the time of this writing) per night. All Inclusive (free minibar, lunch at villa or Bistro with soft drinks, private in-villa dinner, and roundtrip transfer to airport, pier or terminal for up to six persons, 2 nights accommodation), Body and Soul (free transport to airport, pier or terminal for six persons, three hour relaxation spa package, private in-villa seafood barbeque, 2 nights accommodation), 7 Days Wonder (free roundtrip transfer to airport pier or terminal for up to six persons, one-day speed boat tour of 4 islands, 3 hour spa pakage including sauna, massage, foot relaxation, local market tour and cooking class, elephant trekking and waterfall visit, in-villa seafood dinner, six nights accommodation) Packages available. Early Bird Promotion discounts: 25% discount for 14 days advance notice, 40-45% discount for 60 days advance notice. VIP membership available with more discounts and privileges.
Photo Credit: Pimann Buri
Our Rating: *****+ (out of 5 stars). Pimann Buri might have just broken our rating system. If you are seeking the Thai tropical resort experience of a lifetime – be it romantic, family, or group of friends – we unhesitatingly recommend Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas.
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Disclosure: Our entire stay was compliments of Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas. No doubt about it, we were treated royally. This standard of service is their norm and it is rendered flawlessly.
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I’m planning a girls trip next year and this looks like the kind of place that would make for an amazing getaway. I have been to Krabi before and sounds like staying here would make me fall in love with it even more.
Hi Natasha – Yes, a girls’ trip would be fab here. You could draw straws for the bedrooms and the spa all together would be so much fun!
One of the things that I LOVE about Thailand is how affordable accommodation is. You can find amazing places for super cheap. I’ve found great stays for less than $20. However, who doesn’t love a nice luxury resort!?
Hi LeAnna – Yes, it’s true there are great stays available at all price levels in Thailand. This is luxury taken to a new level, though, at Pimann Buri.
Oh, my, was I just in paradise or what? You certainly have been, though! Thanks for sharing this heavenly piece. The water is so emerald – absolutely lovely! The price is not so bad for such a place!
Hi Svet – Yes, it is just divine. So very well named: “heavenly.”
it sounds and looks incredible! (Your photos are fantastic!) is it terribly expensive to stay there?
Hi Hannah – Prices are in the post, but as we mentioned, there are promotional packages and early bird discounts for booking that make Pimann Buri a great luxury value.
Wow!! That looks like heaven! Can I go there? 😉
Looks like you had an amazing time!!
Hi Yvon – I’m sure they’d love to have you at Pimann Buri. 🙂
There’s only one word to describe this: wow. It looks like the true definition of luxury! When you find a place that has great attention to detail, meets all your needs and goes that extra mile, you know you’ve found something special. The excursions must have been the cherry on top!
Hi Carolann and Macrae – yes, wow would be the word. We still can’t stop thinking about how amazing this was.
Krabi is one of the places we will definitely be visiting when we come to Thailand…partly because of the amazing climbing on the island, but clearly there is also so much else to do. We have always wanted to stay in a place like this but I am not sure our backpacker budget will quite cover that!! Hopefully one day!
Hi Nic – Never say never! 😉
Well it’s not every day that a resort breaks your rating system!! WOW everything here seems just out of this world amazing. I think the self catering options really speak to us the most – so many luxury resorts overlook this, and when you get a couple like us who really enjoy catering for ourselves, it’s often difficult to find a luxury resort which can accommodate that. So I’m in!
We’ve just relocated to Australia so hopefully Thailand will be comign up in 2016 🙂
Hi Meg – No kidding. In Hawaii, when something tastes amazing we say it “broke da mouth.” Pimann Buri broke da ratings! You’d love it.
I was just in Thailand and I’m still amazed at how affordable it is to have luxury accommodations. Your stay at Pimann Buri looked amazing. They really took care of you guys. A stay is always so much better when they give you that personal touch!
Hi Vicky – It truly was a most incredible experience!
Wow! It looks and sounds like Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas are leaders in the luxury resort marketplace in Thailand. I am about to visit Thailand for the first time, but unfortunately, won’t make it to Krabi.
I enjoyed reading about all of the off-property activities and would love to experience the Jungle Tour. That being said, I may have a difficult time tearing myself away from the villa!
As a family traveller, I have always appreciated a private pool because it means I can relax poolside during naptime, or in the evening once the kids are asleep.
Hi Nancy – These villas are just wonderful for all kind of family configurations. We were torn, too, about offsite excursions. They were fabulous, but so was our time at the villa.
That is one pricey resort but amazing! I love the deep tub and plush linens. The rooms are decorated to beautifully and so spacious! I sure am glad your trip was comped. (the pools are calling me!)
Hi Melody – When you break it down as far as inclusions are, the pricing structure, particularly with early booking discounts, is actually a great value considering the number of persons in the villa. 🙂
Such an amazing luxury resort, you are so lucky! I’ll have to check it out when I visit Thailand (which I hope it’s next year).
Hi Sara – it would be an unforgettable stay for you!
Your villa at Pimann Buri took my breath away! How did you ever pack and leave???
Hi Irene – With great sadness!! Actually, part of us is still there, I think! 🙂
Your pool villa at Pimann Buri looks totally amazing :-). We’re tucking this away for future! Asia boasts an incredible array of really high-end, five-star resorts, especially in Thailand and Bali. In Thailand, we’ve also stayed at some very special properties, all villa resorts with private pools, like Pimalai Resort on Koh Lanta and the Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay near Krabi. The problem is – one gets very spoiled, right? Happy you enjoyed your stay :-).
Hi Janice – You say like getting spoiled is a bad thing?! 😉
Wow, this place is stunning! I’m looking for a getaway in Thailand in January and this might be at the top of my list. It looks like you were well taken care of! As for the excursions, the crystal lagoon is so beautiful. I bet it looks even more surreal in person. What a great way to spend a holiday.
Hi Mia – The lagoons were just amazing. We were so glad we visited. A lot of thought went into planning our trips and we maxed the available enjoyment for sure.
WOW! Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas looks out of this world. I’ve never been to that part of Asia…if I manage to (and I certainly plan to now), then I hope to have the opportunity to stay there. I think I could spend all day just in the resort, by my own private pool, although the trips they organised also looked amazing.
Hi Bex – Yes, it was just an incredible stay. Every detail was perfect.
How wonderful! Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas look amazing and as you said, what a wonderful design for a house if you were lucky enough to be able to do it. I love Thailand, and will definitely bookmark these villas for a future stay.
Hi Jo – Yes, it would be the perfect long term setup for many!
This place looks just stunning, the space and the pool make me want to head over straight away. Really luxurious, and the way you describe it just makes it sound like such a lovely place to stay!
Hi Maria – You’re right. This was a truly remarkable experience, and we’re delighted to recommend it as we know they deliver every time.
Well. You have just given me a honeymoon idea – I am in the midst of figuring out what to do for that now! This sounds like an absolute dream. I would love to come here and unwind! 🙂
Hi Alli – Oh, what a honeymoon Pimann Buri would give you! Look no further!
Sounds like quite an amazing place and with an early bird discount, filling up a villa and everyone paying their own way, we could even afford it. All we would need to come up with is the plane fare—–from Philly. 😉
Hi Suzanne – Somehow there is a way to justify the plane fare, too, I just know it. 😉
You had me at “private pool.” Oh, that is so high up on my list – a week’s stay in a villa with a private pool. This location, Pimann Buri, seems to be the ultimate icing on the cake so-to-speak! Kudos to you for making life choices that allow you to bask in such loveliness!
Hi Patti – Yeah, they had us at “private pool,” too. And reality exceeded our imaginations when we arrived.
Wow! Everything about Pimann Buri Luxury Pool Villas and your experience looks fit for royalty!
Hi Donna – So true. It’s a lifestyle you can easily get used to!
It sounds like the only downside is having to tear yourself away at the end of the stay.
Hi Kristin – Yes, and we were mighty sad to leave. Everyone was wonderful.
Oh my, what a wonderful way to be pampered, I would never leave Ao Nang and the Pimann Buri, they do treat you like kings! Sign me up please….
Hi Noel – Right? It’s a separate reality!
That looks like heaven for sure (and I used to think heaven would look like Nordstrom’s shoe department). Thailand really gets hospitality and the fine touches that make things memorable and beautiful. I only like the places that are away from the noisy beach or city areas so this looks great. And when you consider the price of the place on a per night basis it’s great for a group. Lovely!
Hi Kay – Indeed, every aspect is an advantage. I’d just always want to draw the straw that gave me the master suite because I’m selfish that way! 😉
While villas with private pools sound like the domain of the rich (and honeymooners ) they can be a cost effective option for families with older children. We are going to Phuket early next year and our daughter has now passed the “kids stay free” age bracket. The resort we wanted to stay at didn’t have genuine triple rooms, so I looked at booking 2 interconnecting rooms. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the same resort had villas with private pools for the same rate as 2 interconnecting rooms. It pays to not assume …….
Hi Jo – The villa is a great option for extended families, as well as those with older children. Private pool villa vs interconnecting rooms is definitely a no-brainer!
Wow! Your “room” at the Pimann Buri Luxury Pool looks fabulous. Love that private pool. And your excursions! Especially the hot springs one. This would be a great reunion site with grown-up kids.
Hi Carole – Yes, the excursions were fabulous. Something to keep in mind when you’re considering length of stay. You’ll want at-home and away days!
Reading this on a rainy Vancouver day, all I want to do is jump on a plane!
Hi Nat – It really is a compelling property, isn’t it?
I will have a week in Thailand after visiting Vietnam and Cambodia with my sister. I will try to go there 🙂 The place really does look fantastic!
Hi Claudia – You won’t regret it! 🙂