JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa

Genie & Gabby

Nice resort overall with some great highlights and a few areas for improvement. The pools are fantastic and the setup right by the ocean is really beautiful. We stayed in the family poolside room which was lovely, though it did feel a bit cramped for our family of four once they added the two extra beds. One of our favorite discoveries was stumbling upon the gorgeous garden area while riding around on bikes - it’s absolutely beautiful! They really should advertise this more. Actually, that’s a theme here - they mention having yoga, Pilates, and other activities, but we couldn’t seem to find any information about them during our stay. The breakfast situation was pretty disappointing. Super crowded, noisy, and just not a pleasant experience. The staff there seemed overwhelmed and rushed, which is such a contrast to the rest of the resort where everyone was genuinely great and had those famous Thai smiles. The beach right in front of the hotel is stunning, but if you walk just a little bit to either side, it gets really dirty with tons of plastic bottles and trash everywhere. A little cleanup effort would make such a huge difference. Overall a good stay, just some missed opportunities to make it truly excellent.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Alex P

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.

Viorica Vasile

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.

Aviv Avraham

We stayed at JW Marriott Khao Lak for 3 nights and absolutely loved it! The staff was amazing – super friendly, attentive, and always welcoming with a smile. The food was excellent, with five different and delicious restaurants to choose from. The resort is right by a beautiful beach, and the massive pool felt like a dream. Thanks to the size of the property, it never felt crowded – there was always space to relax and enjoy. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and the atmosphere was calm and peaceful. A perfect spot for anyone looking for both comfort and tranquility. Highly recommended!

Huai Young

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!