Spoiling Myself in Paradise (or What I Did on Koh Lanta)
At some point, every traveler needs a break.
A break from hostel dorm rooms. A break from the heat. A break from travel partners. Just a break.
I, too, have hit the wall on more than one occasion while traveling. I get to a point where I just can't stand the thought of another bus ride, another uncomfortable bed, another sweaty day of sightseeing. This isn't strange, though — in fact, I think it's NORMAL for most frequent travelers.
After exploring Bangkok, volunteering with elephants, hanging out in Chiang Mai, and doing some heavy sightseeing in Ao Nang, I was ready for a break in Thailand.
So when I began looking at accommodation options on the island of Koh Lanta (my last stop in Thailand), I decided to throw any concept of a budget out the window. I decided that, instead of a cheap bungalow or crowded hostel on the beach, I would treat myself to something a little more fancy.
And that's when I came across Sri Lanta.
Located at the end of quiet Klongnin Beach, this resort promised a beachside infinity pool, bungalows in the jungle, and a ton of relaxation. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for.
And the price? About $130 per night.
This is ridiculously expensive for accommodation in Thailand; I knew someone staying in a hostel on the same island for less than 1/10 this price. But, sometimes you just need to splurge.
Now, before you start thinking that this is a hotel review, let me disclose that I did NOT receive a free room or anything from Sri Lanta. I found them on booking.com, paid for my room, and enjoyed 3 blissful nights here on my own.
It was JUST what I needed.
Originally, I had figured that I would do a day trip or two while on Koh Lanta. There's a popular four islands tour here, as well as opportunities to go kayaking, rent motorbikes, and hang out at beach bars.
But here's what I ACTUALLY ended up doing:
Hanging out at the quiet beach.
Reading in the comfy beach chairs.
Taking dips in the infinity pool.
Eating seafood and Thai dishes at the restaurants that line the beach with new friends.
Enjoying my wifi-free jungle bungalow.
And just taking time to really appreciate where I was.
Too often I know I get wrapped up in taking photos and tweeting and Instagramming; I get too caught up in sharing what I'm doing with other people that I sometimes forget to take time to just appreciate things for myself. I LOVE being a blogger. But sometimes I need to step back and take a break.
And that's exactly what I did on Koh Lanta.
It was the perfect way to end my time in Thailand.
Check out the Sri Lanta Resort for yourself here.
Would YOU splurge on a place like this on your travels?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Love love your photos and they totally bring me back to that wonderful time in my travels. It was so great meeting you and I’m looking forward to the next time… because yes duh of course there will be next time! Oh, and to answer your question, absolutely we need to splurge and have a little luxury now and then before getting right back on that dirty overnight bus and sleeping in wooden beach huts 😉
Yes I’m sure there will definitely be a next time somewhere else in the world! It was great hanging out with you in this paradise!
Good for you!
I often need to remind myself to enjoy the moment as well, constantly thinking about where I need to go next and wondering if the view I’m seeing if Facebook update-worthy.
Sometimes you just have to chill.
YES. It’s often tough to just enjoy a place when you’re thinking about bus schedules and the perfect Instagram angle. I think re-charging days like this should be built in to every travel itinerary!
I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes you just get a little “travel weary” and need some downtime. Sometimes that means splurging for me, but more often, it’s just holing up in my hotel room and watching too much tv. I always feel so guilty about it; like I’m missing out on opportunities and wasting time when I could be exploring. But sometimes it’s necessary anyway, guilt be damned.
Exactly. I totally know what you mean about feeling guilty about it – but sometimes you really do just need a day or two of being lazy and not being a tourist.
What a nice little piece of heaven. A perfect place to splurge a few dollars and relax. Hostels are for sure the best on a tight budget, but when you see pictures of this Hotel, WOW! my jaw drops. Thanks for adding one more item in my bucket list 🙂
It was worth every penny. I would totally stay here again!
This looks absolutely divine. I really need to check out Koh Lanta finally!
Yes you really should! (Also, they totally offered massages on the beach here. 😉 )
That place looks so awesome! I’ll have to keep that in mind for when I get to Koh Lanta:)
Yes, keep it in mind! It was such a great place to just hang out and relax.
What a gorgeous place. After a few weeks in hostels I start pining for my own room and space this must’ve been lovely-especially in Koh Lanta, which sounds like a relaxing peaceful retreat in general! Love it 🙂
The older I get and the more I travel, the more I shy away from hostel dorm rooms. And, in Asia, you can totally splurge on nicer hotels like this without spending a ton! If this place was in Europe or Hawaii or somewhere like that, you would for sure spend 4 or 5 times as much!
This place looks perfectly splurge-worthy! Beautiful photos.
Thanks! It’s definitely a place I would return to.
That place looks amazing! I recently took a holiday from my holiday too although I didn’t quite spend as much it just involved a decent private room, lots of western food and guilt-free days of doing nothing!
P.s. What did you use to make the map in your sidebar?
Sometimes you just need to give yourself a break (and the permission to enjoy little comforts you miss form home).
(The map is just a screenshot from the map on my Destinations page. THAT map is interactive and is made through a plugin that I have.)
I was in Koh Lanta 2 weeks ago…sadly I did not get to enjoy the beautiful beaches as it rained the whole 3 days we were there 🙁 such bad luck! Your photos look amazing!
Aww what a bummer! Hopefully you were able to enjoy other parts of Thailand.
What a beautiful place to splurge on. Good choice. 🙂
Totally worth it in my opinion!
looks like you had an amazing time
Definitely! It was so relaxing.
Your photos are so calming. In our hyperactive world sometimes the beauty of just being quiet can be lost. Taking time to rejuvenate ourselves is a luxury we desperately need. I find it hard to help others if I am feeling spent. For me sitting outside listening to all the sounds of birds, frogs, etc. is deeply restoravtive. Do you have other techniques you recommend? (meditation, yoga, etc)
It’s difficult to find silence and peace these days; we’re too connected, and our attention spans are so short. My go-to is to disconnect (turn off phone, TV, etc.) and just read a book. Reading is my therapy some days (and bonus if I can do it on a beach!).
Looks beautiful. Sometimes a splurge is worth it.
In this case, it definitely was! And, in reality, the hotel was a great deal by Western standards!
Looks so beautiful. And totally has to be done sometimes!
I kind of love splurging like this every now and then. It makes it extra special!