Koh Lanta

Our last stop on the great summer adventure was to stunning Koh Lanta, a drive and private speedboat away from Railai, and one of Thailand's quieter islands. Because we travelled in 'Green Season', a euphemism for it rains all the time, we were able to afford a few days' stay at Pimalai Resort, one of Thailand's 5 star wonders. If you're one of those people into fancy hotels, this one is ranked as one of the best Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 

It boasts all of the necessary five star luxuries--spa, restaurant, 24-hour room service and desk staff, etc. But people come for all the extras: a 500-meter private beach with free beach games and kayaks; a fitness suite including free muay thai and yoga classes; two infinity pools, one with panoramic sweeping views; bikes; croquet. 

Unfortunately, unlike our last trip to Thailand, Green Season meant green season and the rain fell steadily throughout the week. It gave us the opportunity to take lots of atmospheric weather pics: 

We didn't let this stop us from having a good time even when that meant heading indoors: 

When the clouds stopped pouring down, we took to the beach and local village, all very low key in the best possible way:

 

But I wasn't so down with these primate guests we had to share the beach chairs with:

Hermit crabs, better:

There were lots of little cafes with hammocks and good vibes:

The locality:

Making the most of the facilities:

Finally, a picture of us not pulling faces: 

Weather aside, we found a little slice of heaven in Koh Lanta. Leaving and going straight back to Bangkok was a bit of a shock to the system but not as much of a shock as going back to Shanghai. Where the weather hit 40 degrees celsius, plus humidity. Which is a lot like walking through a steam room with all your clothes on.  Which, for a sweaty person like me, is super fun.  

Alas. Roll on summer!